Learn to play guitar with weekly video lessons & print-friendly guides! Learn your favorite songs & techniques with step-by-step tutorials that actually explain how to get from here to there.
Strumming "Fast Car" – what makes it so tricky?
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Hey there, friends! New lesson today where I return to Tracy Chapman's 1988 classic Fast Car — with a focus on the strumming and rhythm. I actually taught the main riff back in lesson #494, and since then I've received a ton of member emails asking about strumming the rest of the song. And with this new lesson, I trust all your questions shall be answered! In my video (above) I'll teach you three different ways so strum things — starting with something a bit more easy-going, and building it up from there. You can use these strumming patterns during the chorus only, or likewise just strum the entire thing.... you don't have to play that main riff if you prefer not to. Be sure to check out the strum-along practice track I made to accompany this new lesson... it's a great way to get some reps in when learning any of the three patterns I teach! I also have separate videos demonstrating each of these strumming patterns over this track. Interested in learning the Fast Car riff? If you missed my previous lesson teaching the iconic riff this song uses, check out lesson #494 linked below! It teaches things step-by-step, starting with the four basic chord shapes you'll need, and building things up from there. This is something you can play with a pick or fingerstyle, and you even have options for simplifying a few of the chords should you not want to venture up the neck. Thanks and enjoy! As ever I hope everyone finds these lessons helpful... especially the many of you who wrote in asking about strumming this fantastic song. Speaking of fast cars, I finally made it to see Formula 1 here in Austin this past weekend – and had an amazingly fun time. Coming off of Austin City Limits festival the weekend prior, I must say I am a bit wiped – but man did I have a good time! Such a fun month here in Austin. With that, I'm off – I'll see you in next week's entry! Until then ✌️ David
PS – thanks for being a premium member on my Song Notes website! For your convenience here's a few handy links for this latest lesson. Be sure to check out the lesson page for the video practice track. Thanks and enjoy!
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Song Notes by David Pots
Learn to play guitar with weekly video lessons & print-friendly guides! Learn your favorite songs & techniques with step-by-step tutorials that actually explain how to get from here to there.
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