How to Play StP Plush on Guitar
Ever found yourself captivated by the soulful melodies of St. Paul & The Broken Bones, wishing you could replicate their unique sound on your guitar? Look no further! In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the world of "St. Paul & The Broken Bones Plush" and teach you how to play their iconic tracks on your guitar. So, grab your axe, and let's dive right in!
St. Paul & The Broken Bones, hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, is known for their blend of soul, funk, and rock. Their song "Plush" is a fan favorite, with its infectious groove and powerful vocals. To capture their essence on your guitar, we'll focus on chord progressions, strumming patterns, and a touch of that signature funk.
Understanding the Chord Progression
At the heart of "Plush" lies a simple yet captivating chord progression. The verse and chorus share the same progression, making it easy to learn and play along. Let's break it down:
The progression is as follows: C - G - Am - F - C - G - Am - F
Chord Shapes
Here are the chord shapes you'll need to know:
- C Major: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.
- G Major: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string.
- Am: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
- F Major: Barre your index finger across all strings on the 1st fret, then place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string, and your pinky on the 3rd fret of the D string.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern in "Plush" is a simple yet effective down-up-down-up pattern. This creates a steady groove that drives the song forward. Here's how it looks:
D - U - D - U - D - U - D - U
Where 'D' stands for downstroke, and 'U' stands for upstroke.
Adding the Funk
St. Paul & The Broken Bones' sound is heavily influenced by funk, and "Plush" is no exception. To add that funky flavor to your guitar playing, try incorporating some syncopation into your strumming pattern. For example, you can accent the '+' in the following pattern:
D - + - D - + - D - + - D - +
This adds a bit of swing to your playing, making it sound more like a funk track.
Practice Tips
When practicing "Plush", start by focusing on the chord progression and strumming pattern. Once you're comfortable with those, try playing along with the original track to get a feel for the groove. Then, gradually incorporate the syncopated strumming pattern to add that funky touch.
Don't forget to record yourself and listen back. This can help you identify areas where you can improve and make your playing sound more like the original.
Exploring the Solo
While the focus of this guide is on the chord progression and strumming pattern, it's worth mentioning that "Plush" features a standout guitar solo. If you're feeling adventurous, try learning the solo using the original track as a guide. It's a great way to improve your lead guitar skills and add some extra flair to your playing.
Remember, learning a song is about more than just playing the right notes. It's about capturing the feel and spirit of the music. So, have fun with it, and make it your own!
Now that you've got the basics of playing "St. Paul & The Broken Bones Plush" on your guitar, it's time to pick up your instrument and start jamming. Who knows, maybe you'll even inspire someone else to pick up their guitar and join in. Happy playing!