Fairytale of New York on Guitar: A Guide for Desperate Romantics and Closet Punks
Ah, "Fairytale of New York." The Pogues' Christmas classic that's about as festive as a bar brawl in a reindeer costume factory. A song that swings wildly between drunken tenderness and whiskey-fueled rage, all wrapped up in a melody that sticks to your ribs like plum pudding after a week-long bender. And you, brave soul, want to unleash this beast on your six-string? Buckle up, buttercup, 'cause we're about to dive into the murky depths of Shane MacGowan's musical mayhem.
Step 1: Chords (the not-so-fairytale part)
Let's be honest, the chord progression isn't exactly rocket science. It's basically "D, G, A, repeat until your fingers fall off." But there's a catch (isn't there always?): Shane's strumming hand has the attention span of a squirrel on espresso. He throws in little hammer-ons, pull-offs, and random string mutings like confetti at a Celtic wedding. So, yeah, good luck capturing that chaotic magic perfectly. My advice? Embrace the mess. Channel your inner pogo-ing leprechaun and let the chords go wild.
QuickTip: Stop scrolling fast, start reading slow.
Sub-heading: A chord cheat sheet for the lazy (or time-pressed):
- Verse 1: D major, G major, A major, D major (rinse and repeat)
- Chorus: Bm (with a sneaky little G thrown in), D major, A major, D major (and here come the screams!)
- Shane's random interludes: Just squint at your fretboard and hope for the best.
Step 2: The Melody (where the angels weep)
Tip: Stop when you find something useful.
Now, for the real challenge: Kirsty MacColl's soaring vocals. Hitting those high notes without sounding like a strangled cat is a feat worthy of a Guinness World Record (and possibly a throat lozenge sponsorship). But fear not, brave bard! Here are your options:
- Option 1: Embrace the rasp (and potential lawsuits). Channel your inner Kirsty and belt it out with all the gravelly glory you can muster. Just be prepared for confused stares and potential accusations of animal cruelty.
- Option 2: The octave trick. Sing an octave lower, like Shane does in some parts. It's less impressive, but hey, your vocal cords will thank you.
- Option 3: The "fake it till you make it" approach. Hum along vaguely. Nobody will know the difference, especially after a few pints of Guinness.
Step 3: The Accordion (because why not?)
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
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Okay, this one's optional. But if you really want to go full "Fairytale" mode, grab yourself a squeezebox and unleash the inner polka demon. Bonus points if you can wear a jaunty beret while doing it.
Step 4: The Performance (where chaos reigns)
Tip: Summarize each section in your own words.
Now, the moment of truth. Grab your guitar, your accordion (optional), and a bottle of something strong (mandatory). Find a pub with a sticky floor and an audience with questionable taste in Christmas music. And unleash the Pogues-ness! Remember, it's not about playing it perfectly, it's about capturing the spirit of the song: messy, raucous, and full of heart (and possibly liver damage).
Bonus Tip: If you really want to impress, learn the bit where Shane screams "Ya bastard!" at the top of his lungs. Just make sure you don't direct it at your actual significant other. Christmas might get a little awkward.
So there you have it, folks! Your guide to playing "Fairytale of New York" on guitar. Now go forth and make some beautiful (or at least entertaining) noise. And remember, even if you sound like a banshee trapped in a tin can, at least you're not spending Christmas alone. Unless, of course, you are. In which case, I recommend a double gin and tonic and a good cry. Merry Christmas, ya filthy animals!
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