How to Play Guitar Like Springsteen

Bruce Springsteen, or "the boss" as he was sometimes known, is a definite classic rock influence. His guitar-driven music is a staple of the mid-atlantic area of the US, and he's become more than just another guitarist, part of American history. His songs, written over several decades, grapple with the realities of life in America, and as a performer, he has reached out to the people in his own way, making a name for himself as a top singer-songwriter, not to be forgotten. Springsteen also has his own guitar style, a simple "working" rhythm guitar that complements the concept of his rock music as something enjoyed by the "working class".

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get in decent shape. Through most of his career, Springsteen was all over the stage with his guitar. Practice staging with a prop guitar, and see how you measure up for pounding out chords while in motion. Practice being able to keep your hands on the guitar while moving around.

2. Get acquainted with the fretboard. You'll want to use mostly simple bar chords. Many Springsteen songs are just simple chord progressions on rhythm guitar. Springsteen would do a solo once in awhile, but for the most part, he left the solos to the other professional musicians on stage with him.

3. Perfect the over-attack. A lot of times, Springsteen really pounded on the guitar instead of traditional "strumming." Try a light attack on the strings that looks heavier than it is, a quick movement down with the pick giving into the strings, enough to make some noise through the amplifier, but not so hard that it jars the strings and muddies your sound.

4. Use trademark Springsteen moves like throwing the headstock up in the air or swinging the guitar down to the side. Watch old Springsteen videos (Glory Days, Born in the USA, etc. and live shows) to get a good idea of the way he moved while playing.

5. Play to the crowd. A Springsteen show is an interactive experience: more than most performers, Springsteen always kept in touch with the huge crowds in front of him, and his fan base, maybe more dedicated than most, has followed him for years. He's been particularly popular on the East coast, around New York and New Jersey.