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SONG NOTES

 There are several chords that may seem difficult (or at least new & different) to learn.   However, with some explanation, you will see that they are quite easy to play.   Look for some upcoming notes on how to play this song.

Page One 

Notes---Page One

(1)  Page One's "Intro" (and also the beginning of page two--- the "Intro" to the Bridge), there are three chords--- a progression from C to C# to D---  You already know your C and D chords.   We just have to connect the C and D--- with the C# chord.

   The easiest way to navigate this progression--- without utilizing Barre Chords--- is to play your "D" chord one fret back (in the first fret)--- playing only three or four strings.   This is the C# chord.   Then just slide the C# up one fret into your "D" chord.

(2)  Playing the Gmaj7 chord---  here is a chord chart for Gmaj7.   

• The two fretted notes of this chord are played with the Ring (3rd) and Index (1st) fingers.   This represents two of the three (two--thirds) of the "G" chord.   

• The note played by the Middle (2nd) finger is instead  MUTED by the TOP -- or Ring (3rd) finger.   This is done by simply leaning the Ring finger in slightly toward the fifth (5th--A) string until it no longer sounds.   

• It will take a bit of practice to master this technique, but it really isn't a major obstacle.   You should get the hang of it after a few tries.  Keep at it-- and don't give up-- until you've got it mastered.   Then it will eventually become second nature to you.

(3)  E minor Walkdown--- I included three of the four chord names--- these are extremely simple one--finger chords.   Not difficult--- you should be able to learn them easily.

• They incorporate a walkdown ---from the Em into the Bridge.   The first three (Em-- Em [w maj7]-- and Em7) are on the same (4th) string.  The final chord-- (A9)-- is on the fifth (5th) string.   After these four one-finger chords, the song proceeds into the Bridge with the SAME Intro as at the song's beginning.

•  The walkdown starts with the 4th string-- 2nd fret and walks down to 4th string---1st fret, then to 4th string-- Open, and then to the 5th string--- 4th fret.   

• On the first three chords---starting on the fourth (4th) string, you also strum the three open strings (3rd, 2nd, 1st)--- and then---

• On the last chord--- starting on the fifth (5th) string, you will MUTE  the fourth (4th) string--- [see the Notes on the Gmaj7 chord above]---  and then strum the same three open strings (3rd, 2nd, 1st) as on the other three chords.

Here is a simple TAB diagram of these four chords. 

Page Two

Notes---Page Two

• Playing the Emaj7 Chord.   Chord Progression from E-- to Emaj7-- to E7.

    Here is the Chord Progression from E-- to Emaj7--- to E7.   The fingerings here are important-- there are basically two ways to play the chords.   

• I prefer the first way--- playing "E" with 1--2--3 --- playing "Emaj7" with 1--2--3--- and playing E7 with 1--2   This involves some "switching" fingers on all of the chords.   It just seems more natural to me to play the "E" and "E7" in the normal way.

• Some start by playing the "E" chord with 2--3--4 --- then playing "Emaj7" with 1--2--3 by lifting the "4" finger and putting down the "1" finger on the fourth (4th--D) string---  and the "E7" is played with 2--3

    There is a short ENDING part not included on the TAB--- actually, it is composed of two short bits of the song.   You play the short three-bar "INTRO" at the top of Page 2, and then the short "INTRO" at the top of Page 1--- combined, they form the song ending.  You end by playing the "G" chord.

D O W N T O W N

Downtown-- a #1 pop hit in 1964 by Petula Clark--- was requested by a guitar student of mine.   I've heard this song for many years, and like many other songs, it takes on a new dimension for me whenever I go about the process of learning it on the guitar.

---Performing Notes--- 
KEY

• The original song was recorded in the key of "E"--- however, because of the effort to arrange the song in an easy--to--play form, the Guitar TAB has been written in the key of "C".   It's very easy, though, to play it in the original key. 

• Just slap your capo on the fourth (4th) fret--- and you can play along with the original recording.   There are quite a few YouTube postings of this song-- here is one that features various pictures of the artist and her song covers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_m4Qb0iW-o

ENDINGS

• At the end of the chorus, there is a four--bar interlude between verses.  There are two sets of four chords; each chord gets two beats.  8x2=16 divided by 4= 4 bars.

• At the end of the second (2nd) verse, the recording changes key, going up a half (1/2) step to the key of "F" and launches into an instrumental solo.   The song picks up at the Bridge--- or end of the second line--- where the rest of the "third" verse picks up.   To keep things simple, just stay in the key of "C" (or E, if you're capoed up)-- and keep on playing.

• At the END of the song, the recording fades out--- but you can simply return to the "C" chord.

PLAYING NOTES

• There are a LOT of repetitive notes in this song.  This might lead you as the player to take these notes for granted.   Do NOT--- treat each note as an important part of the song.    Just because there are seven open notes in a row--- (like at the beginning of the song)--- it does NOT mean that  ALL of them should be played and sound alike.   There should be nuances and changes in rhythm.   Listen to the recording, and attempt to play these notes in the proper way--- with feeling.

Morning Has Broken

NOTES:   This song, made popular in the 1970's by pop / folk artist Cat Stevens, is a beautiful anthem of nature and creation.    The original recording modulates from the Key of C into the Key of D for verse 3--- however, we may choose to remain in the same key.   The chordal interlude at the end of the verse takes us back to the original C chord.

Dueling Banjos & Guitar Boogie--- by Arthur Smith

    I was quite surprised to find that the author of these fine songs was none other than Arthur Smith.  Some people look at Smith as just a country TV star, but he was far more than that.  He was an extraordinary guitar player, and an incredible songwriter.   Not only did he write this famous movie theme song, Dueling Banjos, but he also penned the classic Guitar Boogie (see below).   

ALTERNATE PICKING
(down & up)

   
   One thing that may help you is learning Alternate Picking.  This is somewhat of an advanced technique, so don't expect to "get it" without a LOT of practice.   But it is not altogether difficult to master-- over time-- if you stick with it.   This technique increases your dexterity, ease of playing, and speed.   This is especially used for Lead Guitarists in performing their licks and solos.  

   Let me explain.  You're probably used to always picking straight down with your pick.   Sometimes, it is helpful and more efficient to use a "double stroke"--- down and up, especially when there is ONE note repeated over and over.   For example, in Section Two of Dueling Banjos, where you have 0--0--0,   1--1--1, or 3--3--3, try picking it like this--- "down--up--down" ---instead of "down--down--down". 

   If you'd like extra practice--- just go up and down your guitar strings--- (with no fretting-- just open strings) picking each string THREE times--- "down--up--down".    That will be a total of 18 notes.   When you reach the last string, then reverse it, and go back through each string again.

   You can & should also try using this in Guitar Boogie, and also in your Spider Exercise. Even though these do NOT have repeating notes, it is helpful to also use this technique here.  

   You will find this is much more efficient, and helps increase your playing speed.    Granted, at first, you will make errors, hitting the wrong string, or playing one of the notes louder or softer than the others.  As with anything beneficial, there is a Learning Curve.   But with time, you will understand and master Alternate Picking.

DUELING BANJOS

    ---NOTES---

               (1)--- Notes in parenthese are Optional Notes for Beginners--- they ARE part of the song, but could be omitted--- the optional note is part of a "run" & it can just be omitted, if it is too difficult for you to play at first.

               (2)--- On the original recording, both a guitar AND a banjo are used.   On some versions, two banjos are used-- hence, the name "Dueling Banjos".   We are only using guitar, so I decided to offer some alternative notes.  On the "echo" or Repeat sections, two octaves are presented.  You have the option of playing one octave, then the other--- or repeating the same notes or octave.   Going from high to low presents a different kind of sound or effect.   

               (3)--- The movie soundtrack version was recorded in the Key of A.   This TAB version is written in the Key of G.   Many of the online versions are also in G.    However-- if you would like to play along with YouTube or a CD-- or you just prefer to play in that key--- all you need do is place a Capo on the 2nd Fret.   This will raise the key one whole step to the Key of A.  

   

GUITAR BOOGIE

 ---NOTES---

    My beginner students normally learn two or three basic songs in their first class or session.  They are usually (in no particular order) Amazing Grace,  You Are My Sunshine, and this song (by Arthur Smith),  Guitar Boogie.  I called it "Bass Boogie" for a long time, until I really learned its roots--- as with Dueling Banjos, I was surprised that Smith was the songwriter.  I'll no longer be as surprised, as I've developed quite a respect for his skills as a guitarist, performer, and now songwriter.

                       (1)--- This is a simple tune that can be learned and relearned--- and embellished as you progress in your guitar playing.   Normally, this kind of a tune is used as a "jam"-- in which multiple guitar players trade licks or riffs.     So it is with Guitar Boogie.   If you listen to all of the recorded or "live" versions on YouTube, you will notice that no two of them sound the same. They are usually adapted and expanded by the artist performing the song.   Hopefully, this will not confuse you, but perhaps give you new ideas along the way.

                       (2)--- One embellishment you can make is whenever you are ready, you can experiment with or try doubling notes.  This simply means for every note represented on TAB, you play it twice.   Other ways you can enhance this tune is by using bends and slides.   And eventually barre chords.

                       (3)--- The very last bar is the ending, and can be played "as shown", only the middle two  notes are played in a syncopated and upbeat way.    It can also be played in a simple fashion, but playing the first note only--- omitting the last three notes--- and just letting the note ring out and sustain for four beats.   Listen to recordings and get a feel for how it is done.

NEW CHRISTMAS SONGS

NEW

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

     Here is a beautiful Christmas song about the birth of Christ in a minor key.   Its tune is adapted from the old folk tune "Greensleeves."   I have always loved playing "Greensleeves" as an instrumental tune, but this is also a wonderful song to sing at this special time of year.

   A song "tag" is a short phrase that is "tagged" to the end of a song; often it is just the last couple of bars or last line of the song repeated.  Here is a TAG line for the ending-- it is the last line with a twist-- complete with an alternate arpeggio in place of the two notes at the END.

WHITE CHRISTMAS

    Here is the beautiful song "White Christmas" by Irving Berlin, made famous by Bing Crosby in the film of the same name.

    A few guitar notes:  (this also applies to other songs, including the one above)

•    This song is arranged in the "Key of D"-- this is a new key for some of us, but it involves many familiar chords, with only a few "new" ones (see below).

•    When a chord is shown in --(parentheses)-- this is meant to indicate an optional chord.   Actually, these ARE part of the song, but as a Beginner Guitarist, it is possible to play with or without these particular chords.

•   I have included the "beat" or rhythm under each line of the song.  This will probably help you play as you follow the individual beats in the song.

     There are a couple of new or different chords in this song.  Both of them fall under that category of "optional" chords.  But here they are--- they are a bit more difficult than most of the chords we've played.  But they are still playable.  

   If you are a beginner, feel free to skip over these.  If you are a serious or experienced player, you will want to challenge yourself to TRY to learn them.

    The diminished chords are a four-finger chord which also has an unusual characteristic.  It is one of the few chords which has equal intervals between notes.   This causes it to be moveable.   Every three frets, the notes in the diminished chord realign or "inverted" and therefore, the chord name changes, based on the Root note.

    The G Minor here is an abbreviated version of a full Barre chord, based on the Emin chord.   The optional bass note CAN be played with the thumb, while the index finger "barres" the three strings.   Theoretically, these three notes can be played with three different fingers (similar to how some players fret the "A" chord), but this mini--barre is much easier, once you fight through and get comfortable with it.

CHRISTMAS SONGS

   Here are some of the Christmas holiday songs that we've been working on over the last year or two.   Each November, we start practicing, and in December, we usually go out as a class to several retirement homes, or other venues, and do concerts in the community.  It's been a lot of fun.   Now you can learn the songs with us.

PRINTING SONGS

    Some of my students have had trouble printing copies of our songs off of this website or from email.   Here are some instructions that may be of help in trying to do this.   Please follow these steps and hopefully, it will work.  

    When saving or downloading these songs, TRY right click over top of the song, click on "Save image as"--- and save it to your computer.   Then try opening the image up in a document program, such as MS Word or MS Publisher.    From there, you should be able to print the song out in normal size in any format.

JINGLE BELLS
Single Notes

RUDOLPH 
THE RED NOSED REINDEER

 

                                                                                                AWAY IN A MANGER                                SILENT NIGHT

      JOY TO THE WORLD                                                               SILVER BELLS

          SANTA CLAUS IS                                                       WE WISH YOU A

     COMING TO TOWN                                                             MERRY CHRISTMAS

YESTERDAY

YESTERDAY is one of the most popular songs of all time.  Besides the original recording by Paul McCartney and The Beatles, it has been covered over 2,200 times by other musicians. In 1999, a BBC Radio poll voted YESTERDAY the "Best Song of the 20th Century", and MTV and Rolling Stone named it the #1 Pop Song of all time.

One very interesting detail about the song's origin is that the tune for YESTERDAY came to Paul McCartney in a dream.  He awoke, and after playing it on a piano, was convinced that he had stolen it from another song.  However, after a few weeks, his fears resolved, he penned the lyrics.   This also was the first use of other musicians (a string quartet) along with a Beatles recording.

You have probably been getting comfortable with a lot of Major chords, and a few Minor and Seventh (7th) chords by now.  YESTERDAY, along with a few other songs we've been learning, introduces a Major 7th (Fma7) and a couple of Minor 7th chords.  With a bit of explanation, they shouldn't be a major (or minor) problem for you.

Here are the "new" chords in YESTERDAY.  You've probably seen some of these before, the Bm7 recently in "Sunshine on My Shoulders", in which we added another note in the 

chord.     

If you're NOT the analytical type-- then please just ignore the following.  If you ARE the analytical type-- here, the Bm7 naturally moves into the E7 chord.  The Bm7 here resembles an E7sus4 chord, the only difference being the BASS note (here, we used a "B" instead of playing the open "E" string).  Oftentimes, just changing one note of a chord, sometimes the Bass note, changes the entire chord.

In the last two lines [the bridge] there are two instances of rapid chord changes, from Am--G--Fma7.   Each chord is only played one beat or strum.  This may be too difficult for you at this time.  If it is, use a shortcut by playing an Am with a G bass (Am/G) instead of the full G chord.  This can also be used on the first line of the song, when going from Am to Fma7.  

NOTE: Sometimes chords are appended or changed, usually to accommodate an extra note.  Often, this is the bass note.  Sometimes it is a note on the higher end.  You will see these chords designated in two ways.  Either you will see a Plus (+) sign, as in C+9, or Cadd9, or you will see a chord with a Slash (/), as in this chord-- Am/G.  The slash usually indicates an ALTERNATE BASS note.  Normally, the Am chord is played with an "A" bass.    A chord's bass note normally corresponds to the name of the chord.  For example, C is normally played with a "C" bass note, D with a "D" bass note, G with a "G" bass note.  But here a Slash (/), followed by an alternate note, indicates the use of a different bass note.

  There are two ways to play the Am/G chord.  Here are the chord diagrams for them.

The Am chord is shown on the Left, and the two versions of Am/G are shown on the RIght.

I prefer the chord diagram in the middle.  It only involves THREE fingers, instead of FOUR.  It does involve moving your 3rd (ring) finger from the 3rd string to the 6th (top) string.  For me, that is NOT so difficult.  It may be more difficult for you-- at first.  The more you play and practice it, the easier and more comfortable it will become.   Try both-- and I think you'll agree that the middle chord is easier too.  The open strings sound better. And you will NOT have to use your pinky finger!