h = hammer on: Achieved by striking a note with the appropriate fretting hand finger without picking it.

p = pull off: The opposite of a hammer on, this is executed by pulling your finger downward off of the string. Don't lift off, pull off.

sl = slide: As the name implies, slide from one note into the next. Pick the first note and slide your finger up as directed by these: / indicates an upward slide, where \ represents a downward slide.

/ or \= bend: These will be displayed above the note that is to be bent. / indicates an upward bend, \ is a released bend. If the note is to be bent a half step you will see 1/2 written above it. If it is to be bent a whole step you will see a W. BENDS WILL BE WRITTEN ABOVE THE TABLATURE, WHEREAS SLIDES WILL BE SHOWN ON THE TAB.

~ = vibrato: This indicates that the note is to be played with vibrato. This is done by repeatedly bending the string up and down evenly. Use your ear to determine the speed in which this occurs.
 
 

April 2004

**

Hello all! This month's lesson has been partially inspired by a friend of mine named Mike. He's got a band named Adrenine, and he writes amazing music. Unfortunately his guitarist had to leave the band, and I told him that I would be happy to fill in for him until he found a permanent replacement. Long story short, I drove down to his studio tonight to pick up a CD with the tracks he needed me to learn and I came back to my home in the Shire, and set to work on learning the guitar parts to the songs.

One of the songs, "Someone" contains a really cool guitaristic compositional element known as the sus2 chord, most notably used by Andy Summers of the Police, who are one of my favorite bands ever. The sus2 chord is basically a normal triad (1st, 3rd, 5th) with the 3rd removed and a 2nd added. For example, the Dsus2 chord in the example below consists of D, A, and E. D is obviously the 1st, A is the 5th, and E is the 2nd. They are numbered according to their position in the scale. For more about scales and basic theory, please take some time and explore the Lessons on my website.

The example I've provided is pretty simple. I only gave it two stars because playing it correctly involves a heck of a stretch between your 1st and 2nd fingers. Remember to keep your thumb behind the neck whenever you're attempting anything like this, and DON'T STRAIN! With things like this, the harder you try, the worse it gets. I know it's a difficult thing to do, but trust me when I say that the more relaxed you are the better you'll play, and the further you'll be able to stretch. You'll use the same fingering for each chord. If you've listened to The Police, you'll probably notice that this example bears more than a passing resemblance to "Message in a Bottle". In fact, if it sounded any more like it I would probably be sued. This was intentional on my part, as I would like for you to use these raw materials and see if you can figure out how to play the actual riff. To make this happen you'll need the recording, which is why I've provided you with the opportunity to buy the CD directly from my friends at Amazon.com below the tablature. Oh yes, I played the example four times when I recorded it, so that's why the tab is shorter than the recording. I didn't want to confuse you. You should also try to incorporate sus2 chords into your own playing and writing, as they are a very cool and easy way to spice up what could otherwise be considered ordinary chord progressions.

Thanks everybody! Just so you know, I'm planning to give this website a total makeover in the near future, and I hope that you'll continue to come and visit me. Please let me know of any suggestions, and as always, don't hesitate to e-mail me with your questions.

 

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