Intermediate Fingerpicking Solos Volume 3

Lessons

• Lesson 1: My Back Pages - Solo Arrangement

  My Back Pages is a Dylan song that was covered beautifully by The Byrds, and countless others since then. Roger McGuinn took Dylan's original version, originally in 3/4 time, changed it to 4/4, standardized the progression (each of Dylan's verses used different chord sequences), trimmed out a couple verses, and fine tuned the melody.

  This lesson walks through how Neil puts together solo arrangements, first by having a clear idea of the progression and the melody, then looking at things you need to consider when combining them. It really encourages the student to create their own but also includes tab and a complete look at his fingerpicking arrangement.

• Lesson 2: Ferry Cross The Mersey - Solo Guitar Arrangement

  Ferry Cross The Mersey was a big hit for Gerry And The Pacemakers in 1965. The tune features a bit of an unusual modal progression in the verse, becoming more of a standard major key for the chorus and bridge.
  This lesson combines some of the backing chords and fills with the melody harmonized in parallel minor thirds, also somewhat unusual. Natural and artificial harmonics are used as well.

• Lesson 3: Bus Stop - Solo Guitar Arrangement

  Bus Stop was written by Graham Gouldman and became one of The Hollies biggest hits. This solo fingerpicking version includes all the parts: The Intro, Verse, Chorus and even the short solo. 

• Lesson 4: Love Me Tender - Harmonization Lesson

  Love Me Tender is an early Elvis Presley classic, and we have had a complete lesson on the basic accompaniment and chord progression here at TG for years. This lesson takes a different approach–figuring out the chords on your own using a combination of music theory and listening.

  
  We start with a theory review of the key of D Major and its triads, then follow up with what chords contain any given notes, with the goal being to harmonize the melody using triads in the key. There are also a few chords outside the key, and the theory behind those is explained. We have included Elvis’ original recording in the lesson for the student to listen to while working out the chords.

  
  The lesson ends with a segment on a basic accompaniment version (much like our original look at Love Me Tender), and some thoughts on putting together your own solo arrangement.

• Lesson 5: Can't Help Falling In Love - Harmonization Lesson

  Can't Help Falling In Love was one of Elvis Presley's signature tunes which first appeared in the 1961 movie Blue Hawaii. We have another lesson on this that goes through the chords and progression focused on accompanying a singer.

  This is a lesson in harmonization working through figuring out the chord progression by choosing chords that include each melody note. It starts with a review of triads in a key then uses a logical approach to figuring out what chords can be used for each particular melody note.

  It ends with thoughts on creating your own solo version but the only attachment included just has the melody written out.

• Lesson 6: Mrs. Brown, You've Got A Lovely Daughter - Solo Fingerpicking Arrangement

  Mrs. Brown is a catchy ditty made famous in the U.S. by Herman's Hermits in 1965. This arrangement uses the standard fingerpicking technique of alternating bass notes and combining the chords and melody into a solo, instrumental version.

  It is done in the original key of C major, with a couple short modulations into keys that require a few barre chords, including the major shape from the 'A' family. A couple different fingering options are explored and the student is encouraged to experiment with their own embellishments and play it differently every time.