How to Play Classical Gas on Guitar
"Classical Gas" introduced a generation of young guitar enthusiasts to the world of classical guitar. Mason Williams debuted the song on "The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour" in 1968, and it became a surprise hit on the pop charts. "Classical Gas" encouraged guitar players to explore classical guitar styles and sounds and appropriate its lessons for their own use. The technique required to play the song is difficult but beneficial for all styles of playing guitar.
Instructions
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Become familiar with the fundamentals of classical guitar technique. This will demystify "Classical Gas" and prevent frustration as you are learning it. Knowing the basics of classical technique gives you both insight into how to play "Classical Gas" and ability to play it.
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Buy a metronome. This is an invaluable tool that helps you develop good technique. Concentrate on timing, rhythm and speed. The goal is to play with clarity and accuracy.
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Learn to play arpeggios. Arpeggios are chords in which the notes are played individually rather than together. The skill required to play classical guitar is acquired by developing technique in two areas: scales and arpeggios. "Classical Gas" is an example of arpeggios.
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Practice right-hand exercises to learn to play arpeggios fluidly and with accuracy. Classical guitarists use the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers of the right hand to pluck the strings. Each finger is indicated by a letter and corresponds to a particular string. The thumb (p) plays the sixth, fifth and fourth strings; the index finger (i) plays the third string; the middle finger (m) plays the second string and the ring finger (a) plays the first string.
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Practice playing arpeggios using classical right-hand technique with a metronome. Play arpeggios using different patterns. For example, play C major with the pattern p-i-m-a. Play it again with the pattern p-i-m-a-m-i. Use every combination. Start slowly, and gradually increase your speed.
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Use classical arpeggio technique to play "Classical Gas." You can find the music for it in a music store or online. Practice slowly, and increase your playing speed gradually until you can play it at its normal tempo. One technique that classical guitarists use in leaning a new piece is to learn it one measure at a time.
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Tips & Warnings
Watch Mason Williams playing "Classical Gas" online; it may help you follow the sheet music more easily.
Listen to Andres Segovia and Julian Bream to hear examples of arpeggiated classical guitar technique.
