i just started 5 days ago so i have a lot to learn but i was looking at guitar tabs online and i'm trying to do the stairway to heaven opening and was wondering how do i play 2 notes at the same that are far away from each other without playing notes inbetween, for example
e----------5--7--------7-8--------8--2--------2-0---------0-
b-------5--------5----------5-----------3---------1-----1---
g----5--------------5----------5-----------2---------2------
d-7-----------6----------5-----------4----------------------
a-----------------------------------------------------------
e-----------------------------------------------------------
the 5th note is on the e and d string, but i'm not supposed to play the b and g string between them, how would i do that? i tried playing one first and then going to the other one really quick but it sounds bad. and in the song it's played at the same time. that would help me out on a lot of other songs i want to learn too, i've just been doing single note songs. thanks!
e----------5--7--------7-8--------8--2--------2-0---------0-
b-------5--------5----------5-----------3---------1-----1---
g----5--------------5----------5-----------2---------2------
d-7-----------6----------5-----------4----------------------
a-----------------------------------------------------------
e-----------------------------------------------------------
Generally you will fingerpick the strings. Or you can do hybrid picking: using the pick on one string and finger/s on the other/s.
PS: When posting tabs just put them inside CODE tags so the formatting comes out correct. ;)
From little things big things grow - Paul Kelly
this is not the easiest song to play. you have to bar the fifth fret and use your other fingers to pick the notes.
Welcome to GuitarNoise, STEVE8t8! We look forward to seeing you around the forums! :D
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"Don't wanna ride no shootin' star. Just wanna play on the rhythm guitar." Emmylou Harris, "Rhythm Guitar" from "The Ballad of Sally Rose"
To expand on Bennet's answer, fingerpicking a bass note and upper note (or notes) at the same time is most often done by using your thumb for the bass note and one (or more) of your other fingers (except the little 4th finger) for the upper notes.
I Hybrid pick ( I think we have the same TAB). left hand Barres at the 5th fret and place my other fingers on the 6th or 7th as required, then drop down to open d with your pinky on the 4th fret of the d string then a minor. I hybrid pic using the pick for all the strings except the high e, for which I use my ring finger. With a bit of practice I have been able to do it. The rest of the song is about as complicated, so if you can master the intro you can do all of it - then you need to add some panache - listen to song remains or how the west was won and you will hear a) Page never plays it perfect, thats often what makes it sound so good and b) you can experiment with it .
I may not be very good, but I just love it
Of course you can play this with hybrid picking, but isn't that really cheating :P . What I'm trying to say is this song is meant to be played by fingerpicking the intro-first verses imo. Even if you don't know fingerpicking you have to start somewhere (Maybe not with this song though, look up House of the Rising Sun at the homepage).
Fingerpicking came really easy to me because I used my fingers before I touched a pick, which makes it much easier for me now learning a song that includes fingerpicking.
What I'm still wondering though, is there a better way to change between using your fingers and a pick than holding the pick in your mouth?
"Talent is luck. The important thing in life is courage."
Practice palming the pick. Usual finger picking does not use the pinky. (Thumb for the 3 bass strings and 3 fingers, index, middle, and ring for the 3 high strings.) Use that little guy to hold the pick in your palm. Takes some practice, like a magician with slight of hand, but easier. You'll soon see why most microphone stands have a dozen picks stuck to them.
Mike
Playing an instrument is good for your soul
A little stairway action. Just practice fingerpicking for about a week and you should have it down. I personally hybrid pick and think you should practice this way as well as it will help you in the long run. Good luck