Lesson Plan

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Lesson notes

The Shadows are a British instrumental group and Cliff Richard’s backing band. One of their most popular hits is Apache, written by Jerry Lordan, and recorded in 1960.

This lesson covers the progression and the rhythm guitar part, which consists mostly of basic open chords in first position.

The strumming is in double time, as performed by The Shadow’s rhythm guitar player, Bruce Welch, but it can be done at the speed of 8th’s, including a bounce, as well.

We also take a look at the lead guitar part, which was originally recorded on an electric guitar. It requires techniques like vibrato, bends, slides, palm muting, but should be relatively playable on any guitar for most intermediate guitar players.

Click on the "Audio Version" link for the backing track to practice along with.