Songs Worth Learning - 6
There are certain songs that I think every guitar player should try to learn. Either they have cool guitar parts, or they will expand your playing skills, or they will introduce you to a style of music you may not have played before. I am going to recommend songs in several styles of music and explain why I think they should be added to your “play list.” Obviously, these are my choices, and no doubt, some will disagree with my choices. But each song has something good to offer so I think they are worth learning.
This will eventually be a huge list so I am going to post them one song at a time in no particular order. Take your time and enjoy each one.
Smoke On The Water - Deep Purple
This is the song that put the "power" into power chords. It was also the first 45 (vinyl single) I ever bought when I was 12. It had the album version of Smoke On The Water on one side and the radio edit of Smoke On The Water on the other. I remember thinking "What a rip-off." Ha ha.
Anyway, most guitar players learn the opening riff, which can be played entirely on the 3rd and 4th strings. But not many people learn the palm-muted arpeggio verse or the power chord chorus. You should. There is a cool organ riff during the chorus which is easy to learn also.
And of course the solo is cool. Simple but effective. I especially like the ending where Ritchie Blackmore lets a bent string come down while picking it and then slides up and adds vibrato. Sweet. I don’t learn many solos note for note, unless I really like them and have lots of free time, but it is always good to learn the coolest parts of solos to build up a “toolbox” of licks and riffs that you can use to make your own solos with.
If you want to learn the secret of making the intro riff sound correct, here it is: Use your thumb and index finger to “pull” the two strings simultaneously instead of using a pick. It gives you a different attack and tone then a pick.
This one is incredibly fun to play along with the recording. Enjoy.
