How to Play "Slow Ride" by Foghat

Many of the classic guitar riffs are exciting and inspiring for any beginning guitarist to learn and play. And the nice thing is that for as familiar and potentially awesome as they sound, they are really very simple to learn. Here is the information you need to learn the introductory riff to "Slow Ride."

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Place your fingers on the fretboard in the position of an open "A" power chord. That is, play the open A, then place your index finger on the D string, second fret, then your middle finger on the G string, second fret. This riff focuses primarily on these three strings.

2. Play three "down-up" strums. Listen to a recording of the song so that you can get the actual rhythm, as there is a half beat that works in between each "down-up" set.

3. Finish one triple set of "down-up" strums and hammer your middle (or ring) finger down on the A string, third fret. Do this with an on-off-on motion, allowing the note to sound in each of the three phases.

4. Do again the three "down-up" strum set, the same as you did in step two.

5. Hammer down on the G string, third fret this time. Hold the note for effect. Again, listen to a good recording of "Slow Ride" and mimic the way the guitarist holds the note, drawing it out.

Tips & Warnings

• For that open "A" power chord, you can press down on both strings with your index finger if you prefer. Just be sure to get both strings completely and cleanly pressed to the fretboard.