How to Play Classic Rock Songs on the Guitar
Playing classic rock songs on the guitar requires more than just knowing where to put your fingers on the neck of the guitar. You must also get a convincing classic rock tone from your guitar amp (if you are playing an electric guitar) and have the dedication needed to drive yourself to practice until you get the song right. Classic rock songs range from very simple to very difficult to play. Always challenge yourself, but don't get disgruntled if you can't play a song. Instead pick another song that sounds easier to play and try learning that song.
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Instructions
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Tune your guitar. Most classic rock songs are in standard tuning--E A D G B E from the lowest string to the highest. It is much easier and more enjoyable to play any song when your guitar is in tune.
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Dial in convincing classic rock tones on your amplifier. Depending on the type of amp you have, this can be done in a couple of different ways, but in general you will want to have two tones ready to go: a crunchy distorted tone and a sparkling clean tone. Be careful not to add too much distortion. Classic rock songs rarely have extremely distorted tones.
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3
Decide on a couple of songs you would like to learn. At first, pick songs that sound easy to learn, but don't be afraid to challenge yourself.
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4
Listen closely to the classic rock songs you want to learn how to play. Pay specific attention to the guitar track.
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Buy a guitar tab or sheet music book containing the song or find an accurate tab of the song online. Tabs tell you how to play songs on the guitar by visually representing the strings with six lines, and telling you what note to press by putting numbers corresponding to the frets on the lines.
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Practice the song part by part until you can play the entire song. Once you can play all of the parts, you can play along with the recording to make sure you are playing everything correctly.
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Tips & Warnings
Digital guitar tuners can help you accurately tune your guitar. They are not necessary, but they are very helpful.
Guitar tabs found online may not be entirely correct as they are user generated. Look for a tab that is highly rated.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit playing guitar image by jashe from Fotolia.com
