Let's kick off the week with some strumming Q&A, along with a round-up of all the lessons I've made for songs in Quentin Tarantino movies.

As noted below, don't miss the updates for my lessons on California Dreamin' (Jose Feliciano) and Apple Blossom (The White Stripes) — each of which has a bunch of new lesson materials. They're linked below. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter weekend! Enjoy ✌️ David

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NEED TO STOP UNWANTED STRING NOISE?

Two Ways to Silence Strings

In response to last week's lesson teaching Stuck in the Middle With You, I got an question from Freddy, who asked:

What Freddy's referring to is indeed a "loosening" motion with my fretting hand, which I'm adding just before each muted strum. This ensures all the strings are deadened just before my slap strum (with my right hand) hits the strings.

Specifically, watch my fretting hand in this looped animation:

Back in lesson #311 I teach this technique, using the opening chords from the classic song Summertime as an example to learn it:

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And if you're interested in learning how to silence the strings with your strumming hand, check out lesson #325 where I teach that technique using the opening riffs from Stand By Me and My Girl:

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Eventually I'd like to update both these lessons, and show a few additional ways that string silencing can be used... but for now I trust these two tutorials will help!
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ZED'S DEAD, BABY... ZED'S DEAD

Songs from Tarantino's Films

Following last week's lesson for Stuck in the Middle With You, I wanted to do a round-up of all the songs I've taught that have been featured in Quentin Tarantino's movies. He's perhaps my favorite director, and I love how well he's able to pick perfect song for so many of his scenes.

Stuck In The Middle With You by Stealers Wheel • from the infamous ear scene in Reservoir Dogs... not for the squeamish! Here's a cool story about how they barely procured the rights to this song with their very limited budget. View my lesson »​

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Lonesome Town by Ricky Nelson • from the 1950s diner scene (with Mia & Vincent) in Pulp Fiction. I'm quite grateful for this soundtrack, as it introduced me to so many of these songs back when it came out. View my lesson »​

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Surf Rider by The Lively Ones • from the final scene & end credits to Pulp Fiction. My lessons don't reflect it but man oh man – surf rock is one of my favorite genres of music, and one I honestly wish I spent a bit more time playing. View my lesson »​

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Apple Blossom by The White Stripes • played in the opening few minutes of The Hateful Eight (just as the carriage scene ends). This was one of my earliest lessons — and I just updated my practice notes for it, along with a new slow playthrough video. View my lesson »​

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California Dreamin' as covered by Jose Feliciano • from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, played during the montage just before the final act. I just updated my practice notes for this one – along with two new bonus videos (step-by-step practice routine, and a zoomed playthrough). View my lesson »​

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Mrs. Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel • also from Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, in another driving scene when Brad Pitt meets Margaret Qualley & the rest of the Manson family – in a bit of a nod to The Graduate. View my lesson »​

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And that's the collection so far! There's a ton of other songs he uses in his movies I'd like to teach eventually – let me know if you have any specific favorites.

Thanks as always, and I'll see you in the next one. Until then!

David

Browse all my lessons @ songnotes.net​