Wish You Were Here features an acoustic guitar playing an intro before being joined by another one to perform its trademark lead riff. Begin by strumming this intro repeatedly until it becomes second nature – then add in other instruments as needed for further practice and eventually lead solos on top.
At first it may feel awkward to repeatedly strike one string, but with practice it will become second nature and your strumming strokes will gradually develop different stresses on each string.
Intro
Wish You Were Here is an ideal song to start out on due to its relatively easy chord progressions and playability on six-string guitar (though if playing 12-string it would produce an unpleasant high note shriek).
Once you have learned your introduction, practice it repeatedly until it becomes second nature to you. While hitting strings in certain order may feel weird at first, over time this will become second nature and soon enough you’ll be strumming the chords and riffs without even thinking twice!
Note that this song uses sixteenth note strumming patterns, which we will explore further in a future lesson. However, don’t focus too heavily on them just yet – first focus on getting the riffs down, then work on maintaining rhythmic timing – remember that your rhythm skills are more essential than single note strumming right now!
Verse
Pink Floyd’s classic tune and one of the first songs most guitarists learn is often “Comfortably Numb.” Although its intro riff may appear straightforward – just three chords – it is always wise to listen carefully to recorded audio to count out rhythm before adding strumming patterns and strumming pattern alterations. Muting your thickest string may help prevent accidental muddling with thumb-muting due to overly ambitious playing!
Strumming for verses and chorus is more complicated but still manageable for beginners, using sixteenth notes to keep the pace of the song alive, which provides an effective way for beginners to develop their rhythm skills. Over time your strumming strokes may become natural; until that day comes simply focus on our patterns we have provided here – Charleston rhythm, le Pompe rhythm, boom-chick rhythm, Texas Sock rhythm are some examples that many styles rely on, even experts in that style use them!
Chorus
Pink Floyd classic “Time” is often requested at guitar jams and singalongs, offering beginners an excellent introduction to rhythm guitar playing.
Strumming patterns may initially prove challenging to master if you are unfamiliar with counting sixteenth notes; but don’t be disheartened; with practice comes proficiency! Over time you will become adept at doing this without difficulty.
Keep in mind that strumming strokes don’t need to be completely accurate; all they need to do is strike the appropriate strings at the appropriate times. If you need assistance in timing your chords accurately, listen carefully and count out beats. Once you have your rhythm down pat, add small riffs between chords for added dynamic and musicality in your song.
Outro
An outro can make or break a song’s impact. From repeating the intro, to an extended guitar solo or fadeout, this part of your song should leave listeners satisfied and content.
Wish You Were Here’s outro features many little riffs transitioning between chords – this provides a perfect opportunity for practicing skills learned in Rhythm Guitar Lessons such as lead playing and mixing strumming patterns with licks.
When creating outros, carefully consider the message you wish to communicate to your listeners. Fadeouts may appear mundane; however, an effective outro should end your song on an exciting note and leave listeners feeling satisfied and contented – just like with movies or books; that’s what makes a great song!