Dixie Chick Trouble
Hey. I've just learned how to play guitar and I'M trying to play a song by the Dixie Chicks Called "Wide Open Spaces", but I'm having trouble trying to switch between the cords so fast. I am also having trouble with the sound. It seems like most of the strings sound muted and out of tune, but i just tuned my guitar a minute ago. HELP!
# 1
It sounds like you might be getting ahead of yourself just a little. When you're learning a new song & chord progression, here's the procedure you can follow, even if you've been playing guitar for a long time:
Step 1: identify all the chords you'll need to know for the song. This means knowing the finger placement for each chord by heart. You should not be trying to remember where your fingers are supposed to go as you attempt to play the chord. Make sure you have the correct finger position first.
Step 2: Play the chord by slowly strumming or slowly picking each string so you can hear each individual note of the chord. Don't worry about rhythm at this point, just make sure that each note is the proper note for the chord, and that each note sounds cleanly as you play it. If you are hearing muted strings, identify which fingers are the problem, and correct it. If you can only correct part of the chord at a time, that's fine, for instance, just get the first 3 strings right, then add the forth, then fifth, then the sixth, making sure that the notes still sound cleanly.
Step 3: add a simple rhythm with each chord. Again, always make sure the notes are playing cleanly. If not, go back to step 2 and sort things out.
Step 4: chord changes. Ok, obviously you're going to change from one chord to another, but the trick here is to keep the rhythm really simple, play really slow, and work on making the chord changes in the order they will be in the song. Start with just going from the first chord to the 2nd, get that so its easy, then move on to the next and continue until you can smoothly make all the chord changes. Go as slow as you need to in order to make the changes without making mistakes. DON'T just play through "flubbed up" chord changes. If you can't make the change correctly with a slow paced rhythm, then just practice changing chords as slow as you need to without making mistakes. Going slow at the start will cause you to learn the song much faster than trying to go faster with lots of mistakes you'll need to correct later.
Step 5: Now that you know the chords, and can make the chord changes, you can start working in the correct rhythm of the song. Again, take it slow, and try to get it right as much as possible. Remember: you will learn the song faster if you go slow and make very few mistakes than if you try to play at full tempo but make a lot of mistakes.
Good Luck!
Step 1: identify all the chords you'll need to know for the song. This means knowing the finger placement for each chord by heart. You should not be trying to remember where your fingers are supposed to go as you attempt to play the chord. Make sure you have the correct finger position first.
Step 2: Play the chord by slowly strumming or slowly picking each string so you can hear each individual note of the chord. Don't worry about rhythm at this point, just make sure that each note is the proper note for the chord, and that each note sounds cleanly as you play it. If you are hearing muted strings, identify which fingers are the problem, and correct it. If you can only correct part of the chord at a time, that's fine, for instance, just get the first 3 strings right, then add the forth, then fifth, then the sixth, making sure that the notes still sound cleanly.
Step 3: add a simple rhythm with each chord. Again, always make sure the notes are playing cleanly. If not, go back to step 2 and sort things out.
Step 4: chord changes. Ok, obviously you're going to change from one chord to another, but the trick here is to keep the rhythm really simple, play really slow, and work on making the chord changes in the order they will be in the song. Start with just going from the first chord to the 2nd, get that so its easy, then move on to the next and continue until you can smoothly make all the chord changes. Go as slow as you need to in order to make the changes without making mistakes. DON'T just play through "flubbed up" chord changes. If you can't make the change correctly with a slow paced rhythm, then just practice changing chords as slow as you need to without making mistakes. Going slow at the start will cause you to learn the song much faster than trying to go faster with lots of mistakes you'll need to correct later.
Step 5: Now that you know the chords, and can make the chord changes, you can start working in the correct rhythm of the song. Again, take it slow, and try to get it right as much as possible. Remember: you will learn the song faster if you go slow and make very few mistakes than if you try to play at full tempo but make a lot of mistakes.
Good Luck!
# 2
Hey Leah4EverAndEver,
Slipin Lizard gives some great advice as far as learning a new song goes. It applies in most cases, but here is a little different. I've played the song you want to learn behind female singers in Nashville, and it's not as easy as just learning the chord progression. This song was recorded in the key of E, but it has a lot of sus chords in it, to put it another way, it doesn't just use the open chords you know.
The acoustic intro is played on the top 3 strings barring the 2nd fret with the index finger, and hammering on in the 4th fret on the 5th string. After that it repeats 3 more times before the fiddle starts. Learning this part is a must for this song, and this is actually the easy part. When you get to the chorus it gets even more complicated, as you start adding notes to the E chord.
Kudos to you for trying, but you may want to start with something easier. If you still want to do this one, try what I mentioned before. You'll have to use a barred E chord in the 2nd fret, and slowly play the open E string, and then the 5th with the bar. Then keeping the bar in position use your ring finger to hammer on in the 4th fret on the 5th string. Now you can hear the basic notes for the acoustic intro on the recording.
Practice this slowly until you get used to it, and then you can work on the rhythm. I hope this helps you, and let me know how it goes.
Slipin Lizard gives some great advice as far as learning a new song goes. It applies in most cases, but here is a little different. I've played the song you want to learn behind female singers in Nashville, and it's not as easy as just learning the chord progression. This song was recorded in the key of E, but it has a lot of sus chords in it, to put it another way, it doesn't just use the open chords you know.
The acoustic intro is played on the top 3 strings barring the 2nd fret with the index finger, and hammering on in the 4th fret on the 5th string. After that it repeats 3 more times before the fiddle starts. Learning this part is a must for this song, and this is actually the easy part. When you get to the chorus it gets even more complicated, as you start adding notes to the E chord.
Kudos to you for trying, but you may want to start with something easier. If you still want to do this one, try what I mentioned before. You'll have to use a barred E chord in the 2nd fret, and slowly play the open E string, and then the 5th with the bar. Then keeping the bar in position use your ring finger to hammer on in the 4th fret on the 5th string. Now you can hear the basic notes for the acoustic intro on the recording.
Practice this slowly until you get used to it, and then you can work on the rhythm. I hope this helps you, and let me know how it goes.
JD
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Bending The Flat 7 To The 1
Chicken Pickin'
Hybrid Picking Exercises: One Finger
Hybrid Picking Progression In A
Double Stop Progression In A
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Behind The Nut Bends On The G String
Behind The Nut Bends On The B String
My Lessons
http://www.youtube.com/jdfenderbender
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myspace.com/guitartrickscountry
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# 3
Originally Posted by: sixpickerHey Leah4EverAndEver,
Slipin Lizard gives some great advice as far as learning a new song goes. It applies in most cases, but here is a little different. [/QUOTE]
My advice was based on the fact that she said she was just learning guitar, so I stand behind it.
[QUOTE=sixpicker] and it's not as easy as just learning the chord progression.
Totally, utterly incorrect. ALL songs can be broken down to their basic chord progression. You are totally putting the cart before the horse here, by making suggestions to a beginner that are aimed at getting the song sounding exactly like the recording. Learn the basic song structure first, then worry about getting it sounding just like the record. There are multiple instruments in the song, including guitars. Instead of trying to get a guitar part sounding exactly like the record it would be a much better exercise to learn the chord progression and "cover" the tune. Its something musicians have done a million times the world over, and allows them the creativity to modify the guitar part as they desire while still being true to the song. Think of simple songs like "Knocking on Heaven's Door" or "House of the Rising Sun". These have been covered many times, with different variations by many different people, including some big name artists/guitar players. If everyone strove to get the guitar part sounding exactly like the version they had heard, then all the versions would sound the same. Instead they brought their own creativity to the song. And I guarantee you that everyone one of the guitarists that covered those songs started by breaking down the basic chord progression first.
Leah, the advice sixpicker is giving is in my opinion too technical at this stage. Trying to take on hammer ons when the chords you're fretting are having issues with muted notes is just asking to struggle. Trust me, the advice i gave you is good, and it will get you playing the song for yourself and friends so that it is recognizable and "sounds good". When you get the basic version down, then you can worry about getting all the added expressive parts later. Also, if you find that a lot of chords require tricky fingering, especially where you have to bar with your index finger, remember you can always try a capo and see if that makes things easier. Nothing out there says you have to play the song in the same key as it was recorded.
Good Luckj
# 4
Hey Slipin Lizard,
I told her in the previous post she may want to try something else easier, but some people want what they want. When I want something, I keep trying to find ways to do it no matter how many tell me I can't.
I never said you were wrong, I said your advice is good. Here's a link so you can listen to the song in question here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXgQR4gh7Zw
I picked this version because it has more of the intro, and I did make a mistake. The fiddle comes in before the vocals, and I will correct that in my previous post.
This song is in the key of E, and the alternative is to play an F#minor barre chord, instead of what I called a sus chord. If this is what she's trying to do it's even more complicated for a beginner. I don't remember her saying she's a beginner either, and I was just trying to help her with the song.
Hey Leah4EverAndEver,
If this is what you're trying to do, the only thing you can do is practice. I am familiar with this song, and I'll be glad to help you anyway I can.
I told her in the previous post she may want to try something else easier, but some people want what they want. When I want something, I keep trying to find ways to do it no matter how many tell me I can't.
I never said you were wrong, I said your advice is good. Here's a link so you can listen to the song in question here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXgQR4gh7Zw
I picked this version because it has more of the intro, and I did make a mistake. The fiddle comes in before the vocals, and I will correct that in my previous post.
This song is in the key of E, and the alternative is to play an F#minor barre chord, instead of what I called a sus chord. If this is what she's trying to do it's even more complicated for a beginner. I don't remember her saying she's a beginner either, and I was just trying to help her with the song.
Hey Leah4EverAndEver,
If this is what you're trying to do, the only thing you can do is practice. I am familiar with this song, and I'll be glad to help you anyway I can.
JD
Latest Tutorials
Bending The Flat 7 To The 1
Chicken Pickin'
Hybrid Picking Exercises: One Finger
Hybrid Picking Progression In A
Double Stop Progression In A
Crosspicking Combinations
Behind The Nut Bends On The G String
Behind The Nut Bends On The B String
My Lessons
http://www.youtube.com/jdfenderbender
myspace.com/jdjarrell
myspace.com/guitartrickscountry
twitter.com/jdfenderbender
facebook.com/jdjarrell
Latest Tutorials
Bending The Flat 7 To The 1
Chicken Pickin'
Hybrid Picking Exercises: One Finger
Hybrid Picking Progression In A
Double Stop Progression In A
Crosspicking Combinations
Behind The Nut Bends On The G String
Behind The Nut Bends On The B String
My Lessons
http://www.youtube.com/jdfenderbender
myspace.com/jdjarrell
myspace.com/guitartrickscountry
twitter.com/jdfenderbender
facebook.com/jdjarrell
# 5
Originally Posted by: sixpickerHey Slipin Lizard,
I told her in the previous post she may want to try something else easier, but some people want what they want. When I want something, I keep trying to find ways to do it no matter how many tell me I can't.
First off, I listened to the song before I responded to her post. Secondly, I never once said in my posts "you can't play this song"... please go back and read my post more carefully, and please don't insinuate that I'm someone that is telling her she can't do something. I never give that kind of advice.
She says right at the beginning of her post "Hey. I've just learned to play guitar..." sounds like a beginner to me... The advice I was giving her was to break the song down into easier chunks and correct problems such as unintentional muted strings before trying to tackle the song as a whole. Strange, I would think that you would approve of this approach as an instructor. I stand behind what I said in my previous post. There's no point in trying to build on poor technique. Cure the simpler problems first, then add complexity when you've really got the basics down.
# 6
The most important part about learning chords are practice and more practice until you can just pick up a guitar and go to that cord right away.When you want to switch between cords, i just take 2 cords and switch back and forth between them over and over and i keep doing that until i got that switch down by heart, and then move on to another 2 cords from the song until you can do any switch the song asks for. :)
you can play anything you want to its all possible with determination
"Impossible is only in a fools dictionary"-Benidick Arnold
you can play anything you want to its all possible with determination
"Impossible is only in a fools dictionary"-Benidick Arnold
Guitar + Music = Life
# 7
Originally Posted by: Am-dude
"Impossible is only in a fools dictionary"-Benidick Arnold
I don't think Sixpicker is saying its impossible, just a little bit of an advanced song to start with IF you try to make it sound exactly like the record right out of the gate. So I'd say the most important thing about learning chords are to set clear goals first. Do you want to learn the song so that it sounds exactly like the recording, or just start with the basic chords so that you can sing the song & play guitar. Both are legitimate goals, but each requires different strategies.
# 8
I want a clean fight. No punching below the belts. No kidney punches. No low blows....
What I read from BOTH sides is good advice to anyone new or old. I know Sixpicker is talking from experience as he's shown his experiences here on the tutorials and backed up some folks there in Opryland and such for a nice resume.
The other fella there has some fine advice for new folks too... every instructor here has taught exactly what he's typed out there in the post on the taking a song apart and learning it in groups is how they've all helped me.
I really do love the advice I get from everyone here that has the experience.. but, boys... let's have fun ... I almost had to duck from all the swings there...
Howard
What I read from BOTH sides is good advice to anyone new or old. I know Sixpicker is talking from experience as he's shown his experiences here on the tutorials and backed up some folks there in Opryland and such for a nice resume.
The other fella there has some fine advice for new folks too... every instructor here has taught exactly what he's typed out there in the post on the taking a song apart and learning it in groups is how they've all helped me.
I really do love the advice I get from everyone here that has the experience.. but, boys... let's have fun ... I almost had to duck from all the swings there...
Howard
# 9
Originally Posted by: hrandersoniiiI want a clean fight. No punching below the belts. No kidney punches. No low blows....
Lol! Its all good Howard, no one is "fighting"... its just healthy discussion and disagreements can be just as productive as anything else. It's funny, people really get worried when forums offer differing opinions... it doesn't have to be everyone gushing compliments over each other all the time. I found the far more heated debate in the "Modes.." thread very interesting and informative, and feel a lot of good information was coming out because two knowledgable people were expressing very different points of view.
I think in this case Sixpicker was just saying "well, if you're going to play that song, its not exactly the easiest in the world to start with..." and I was offering a different approach as in why not learn the basic chord structure of the song first, then worry about getting the instrumental intro down later.
Just two different view points & approaches. I think Leah will find both inputs helpful. We don't need a referee, but thanks anyways! ;)
# 10
I sure wouldn't wanna see any blood on my screen.. it's a pain in the butt to keep this side clean as it is.. but to have it splashed on the inside here.. now that would be a mess :D
I agree somewhat with the difference of opinions sometimes, hell, I myself am ALWAYS disagreeing with folks on things of a political topic *won't go there here!* And it does offer up some great points if both sides are open to receiving the input.
But along those lines, I had a question after I went over and listened to that youtube song of the Dixie Chicks JD put up there...
If you're a beginner *As I am also* wouldn't you rather want to find the easiest way to master the beast *the instrument* before jumping on it and letting it beat you down?
I would LOVE to be able to sit down right off the bat... pick up the guitar and play "Surfing with an alien" by Joe Satriani http://www.bing.com/music/songs/search?q=joe+satriani&selected=E1331500-0100-11DB-89CA-0019B92A3933&FORM=ECARDA in case you've never heard it... or anything else along those lines without all the practice... So here I go learning "Batman" as Neal Walter is showing me.. Thanks Neal.. impressed my son with that box solo there this morning :D
Baby steps.. an old stop action Christmas show comes to mind.. think it was "Santa is coming to town" song is "You put one foot in front of the other" and soon you will be walking across the floor...
Howard the long winded :D
I agree somewhat with the difference of opinions sometimes, hell, I myself am ALWAYS disagreeing with folks on things of a political topic *won't go there here!* And it does offer up some great points if both sides are open to receiving the input.
But along those lines, I had a question after I went over and listened to that youtube song of the Dixie Chicks JD put up there...
If you're a beginner *As I am also* wouldn't you rather want to find the easiest way to master the beast *the instrument* before jumping on it and letting it beat you down?
I would LOVE to be able to sit down right off the bat... pick up the guitar and play "Surfing with an alien" by Joe Satriani http://www.bing.com/music/songs/search?q=joe+satriani&selected=E1331500-0100-11DB-89CA-0019B92A3933&FORM=ECARDA in case you've never heard it... or anything else along those lines without all the practice... So here I go learning "Batman" as Neal Walter is showing me.. Thanks Neal.. impressed my son with that box solo there this morning :D
Baby steps.. an old stop action Christmas show comes to mind.. think it was "Santa is coming to town" song is "You put one foot in front of the other" and soon you will be walking across the floor...
Howard the long winded :D
# 11
Originally Posted by: hrandersoniii
But along those lines, I had a question after I went over and listened to that youtube song of the Dixie Chicks JD put up there...
If you're a beginner *As I am also* wouldn't you rather want to find the easiest way to master the beast *the instrument* before jumping on it and letting it beat you down?
Are you asking me? Its really a question for Leah, the OP. I really wasn't making a judgement call on whether or not the song was too difficult, just simply offering the best advice I could in regards to the difficulty she was having with changing chords. In the end, we each have to define our own goals and decide what challenges we're willing to take on. I'm not a big fan of telling people "this is too hard for you". I think this thread has resolved with good information for the OP, basically with my advice that's saying "if you're finding it really hard, maybe try simplifying it" and Sixpicker's more detailed explanation that will help if she wants to get it sounding really close or exactly like the studio recording. So in regards to your question, my answer at least would be "that's up to you". Please understand that I wasn't trying to address all the issues a beginner or anyone for that matter might have in trying to learn that particular song, or comment on whether or not it was an appropriate song to learn at her ability level. Thats for her to decide. Leah described having problems with making the chord changes quickly enough (a very common problem) and having unintentional muted strings. That's what my advice pertained to, end of story.
# 12