Learn to Play Easy Acoustic Rock Volume 4

This excellent guitar lesson course, suitable for beginners or intermediate players, will take you step by step through each of the featured tracks, with a clear tutorial that allows you to learn each song at your own pace. Learn eight Acoustic Rock guitar songs with Jamie Humphries

Songs Include
REM – Everybody Hurts
Coldplay – Trouble
Stereophonics – Have A Nice Day
Bon Jovi – Livin’ on a Prayer / Wanted Dead Or Alive
Duran Duran – Ordinary World The
Beatles – Hide Your Love Away
Kinks – Sunny Afternoon

REM – Everybody Hurts
“Everybody Hurts” is an emotive piece that resonates with listeners through its simple yet profound melody. The song primarily uses the natural minor scale, contributing to its melancholic mood. Peter Buck, R.E.M.’s guitarist, keeps the instrumentation sparse, allowing the vocals and lyrics to take center stage. This song is an excellent study in restraint and the use of open chords and arpeggios, providing a full sound without over-complication. The solo, although not intricate, encapsulates the song’s essence through its simplicity, making it perfect for beginners.

Coldplay – Trouble
“Trouble” by Coldplay, written by all members of the band, features an iconic riff that instantly sets a somber tone. The lead guitarist, Jonny Buckland, utilizes the pentatonic scale to create a haunting sound that melds seamlessly with the song’s mood. His approach to the guitar work in “Trouble” is subtle yet impactful, with a focus on chord progressions and a clean, chorus-laden tone that complements Chris Martin’s piano and vocals. The absence of a traditional guitar solo places emphasis on the melody and underlying harmonies.

Stereophonics – Have A Nice Day
Stereophonics’ “Have A Nice Day” introduces a brighter, more optimistic sound, making extensive use of major scales to achieve its upbeat effect. Kelly Jones, the lead vocalist and guitarist, brings a unique flavor to the song with his raspy voice and rhythmic strumming pattern. The guitar in this track is percussive and rhythmic, with a solo that’s melodic, making use of double-stops and slides to add a bluesy feel. It’s a testament to Jones’ ability to meld simplicity with memorable melodic lines.

Bon Jovi – Wanted Dead Or Alive
“Wanted Dead Or Alive” is a quintessential rock anthem with a prominent acoustic part, showcasing Richie Sambora’s prowess on the guitar. The song employs a mixolydian scale, giving it a sound that’s both major and minor, reflecting the song’s lyrical duality. Sambora’s use of vibrato and string bending in the solo adds a western, almost country feel, fitting the song’s outlaw theme. His choice of techniques and nuanced playing significantly contributes to the track’s enduring popularity.

Duran Duran – Ordinary World
“Ordinary World” is one of Duran Duran’s most cherished songs, known for its melodic lines and poignant feel. Warren Cuccurullo, the guitarist, brings an ethereal quality to the song with his use of the major scale and arpeggiated chord progressions. The guitar solo is a highlight, characterized by long, sustained notes that create a sense of longing, achieved through the use of legato and vibrato. Cuccurullo’s contribution gives the song a distinct sound, with his guitar work adding layers of emotionality.

Summary of Guitar Techniques Used
Throughout these lessons, several key guitar techniques are employed that help in shaping the sound and emotional depth of these acoustic rock classics. Below is a comprehensive list of these techniques with links for further reading and understanding:
• Vibrato
• Legato
• Double-Stops
• Slides
• Chord Progressions
• Arpeggios
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons

These techniques are fundamental in delivering the expressiveness and tonal variety present in these iconic tracks. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, “Learn To Play Easy Acoustic Rock Volume 4” offers a unique opportunity to delve into the world of acoustic rock and learn from the legends.