Songs Worth Learning - 7
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.
Ain't Too Proud To Beg - The Temptations
"Chopping" the treble strings of a chord on beats 2 and 4 is a staple of Motown and 60's R&B guitar playing. This song also adds a simple guitar riff in the chorus. It is good practice to play songs where you don’t play the 1 beat. (Reggae is another example of music where the guitar often doesn’t play on the 1 beat.)
To chop (play stacatto) the chords, simply play the high three strings (1st, 2nd, 3rd strings) of a C and F chord at the 8th fret (there is also a G chord at the 3rd fret.) Strum up so the highest pitch string (1st string) is more pronounced. Right after you strum, let up on the strings. Using a bright tone and adding reverb also helps. You can find the treble string chord notes for major and minor chords by looking at barre chords and playing only the top (highest pitch) three strings (1st, 2nd, 3rd strings.)
Perfect guitar parts don't have to be hard. They just need to fit the song. And this one does.
