Hail My Fine Friends! There’s something magical about this song, everyone knows it! And, if you’re one of the few who don’t, you will soon. We’re going to take the C7 shape that’s been very useful so far (Rock Island Line, for example) and move it up 2 frets to the D7 position. Although we won’t have that open low E string the way we’ve had before, this position will give us some nice bass riff possibilities. As always, we’re finding where the energy is in this tune and a driving rhythmic feel comes naturally once we open up the bass runs. I don’t know if I spend enough time highlighting the importance of memorizing lyrics but it’s so helpful when playing these tunes to be able to sing without thinking or turning pages (or touching screens!). I’d recommend giving a listen to The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s version of this as well as The Staple Singers rendition. And then I’d like to hear yours!

Dan Zanes

 

 

Topics and/or subjects covered in this lesson:
Guitar