Would like some assistance

Hello everyone. I just recently started really trying to learn how to play the guitar. I am getting married later in the year and would love to play an acoustic version of "Bless the broken road" at my wedding to surprise my fiance.

She has no idea I am learning which makes practice time a bit tough. I am managing to get about 30 minutes on my lunch break and an hour after work during the week. I am dedicated but worried that I wont have enough time to learn the song.

I am also very, very green. I have started the core learning program and find it very helpful. The version of the song I would like to play is here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2NriCLOh150
I think the way he is playing it is beautifully done. One of the problems I am running into though is I have no idea what he means when he says "F over G base" and such. I have tried googling it to no avail. Could someone who is a bit more experienced please help me out?

Basically I am asking for someone to explain to me where to put my fingers for each note he is describing. It doesn't look to me like he is playing the C chord or G chord although he says thats what it is. (I look at his fingers and they dont line up where I think they should) I don't expect nice videos like the videos for the core learning program (which are freaking awesome btw) but any help at all would be very much appreciated.

I appologize if this is all over the place. I haven't been able to find a better sounding version of this song and I want very much to make this day that much more special to her.

Also if anyone has any tips for learning that may not be covered in the videos (or even just reiterating important ones) Please feel free to share.

Thank you all in advance!

Hi,

Congratulations on your wedding as well as your choice to pick up the guitar!

It's hard to tell if you have enough time to get the song down, as with any instrument guitar takes hours and hours of practice and patience. In the end I suppose only you will be able to decide if you're in good enough shape to play the song at your wedding.

Looking at the video there are some unconventional voicings being used. However he does play the regular C chord in there.
What it means when he says F over G bass is that you play a G chord, but instead of playing G as your lowest note, you play F.

If you're having a hard time figuring this song out from the video you posted the link to, try to listen for the notes that are being played and just try to find them on your guitar that way.

Hope this helps!

Good luck!

Regards, Henrik

Hi Ripnotic
I don't know if that "version" you are using has any particular meaning for you, but the link below may be a bit easier to follow.
If try the version I sent, just listen the first time through are working with. Log the chord as you go.
She does her lesson with 3 screens.
hope this helps..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tEKy9SrIYU

Originally Posted by: Henrik Linde
What it means when he says F over G bass is that you play a G chord, but instead of playing G as your lowest note, you play F.

Are you sure that's right? Any other time I've heard of slash chords, its been the other way round... F/G, reads as "F over G" which means an F chord played over a G root note... at least that's the way I've always seen slash chords explained. :confused:

What a great song! And congrats on the wedding and learning the song. I am sure she will love it! :D

F/G is an F chord with G as the lowest note. The way it's played in the video is as follows:

1. Play the F major triad with your pinky on F (third fret of the D string,) your middle finger on A (second fret of the G string,) and first finger on C (first fret of the B string.)

2. Once this is comfortable for you, then place your third finger on G on the third fret of the E string.

These are very common chords in more advanced songwriting, as you don't hear them much in pop music. Slash chords remind me of older R&B (Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross, etc.) but you do still see them pop up. A very creative way to get from the 5 chord to the 1.

Hopefully this helps, and best of luck!

- Douglas