How to Play "New York, New York" on Guitar: A Hilarious (and Maybe Helpful) Guide for Aspiring Big Apples
So you wanna serenade the pigeons in Central Park with Sinatra's siren song? Strap on your six-string, because we're about to dive into the musical jungle of "New York, New York." Just a heads-up, though: this ain't "Mary Had a Little Lamb." This is a journey through chord changes trickier than navigating rush hour traffic, and a melody that'll twist your fingers like a pretzel vendor on Broadway.
Preparation is Key (Unless You Like Looking Like a Strumming Swan):
- Warm-up with some hand stretches. Imagine you're trying to wrangle a runaway bagel off a rooftop terrace. Those finger joints need to be limber, my friend.
- Befriend a capo. This little buddy will be your lifeline, transposing the song to a key that won't leave your voice sounding like a taxi horn stuck on high.
- Channel your inner Frank. Put on a fedora (tilted just so, of course), and practice that smoky, "seen-it-all" stare. Bonus points for adopting a New York accent so thick you could cut it with a bagel.
Chords: A Delicious (But Slightly Moldy) Buffet:
Tip: Note one practical point from this post.
- G: This is your home base, your Statue of Liberty of chords. Get comfy here, because you'll be visiting often.
- D: Think of this as Brooklyn – familiar, but a bit rough around the edges.
- E minor: This chord is the Times Square of emotions – bright lights, big drama.
- A: Ah, Central Park in springtime – fresh, hopeful, and full of tourists.
- G minor: Let's be honest, this chord is the back alley behind the bodega. Dark, mysterious, and probably smells like old hot dogs.
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| How To Play New York New York On Guitar |
Strumming: Unleash Your Inner Cabbie:
QuickTip: Use the post as a quick reference later.
- Verse: Imagine you're stuck in rush hour traffic, weaving between yellow cabs and honking your horn rhythmically. That's the vibe.
- Chorus: Channel your inner street performer, strumming with wild abandon like you're trying to impress a pigeon with your fancy fingerwork.
Bonus Round: The Infamous Intro:
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
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This little ditty is like a Broadway showstopper for your fingers. It's got hammer-ons, pull-offs, and enough bends to make a pretzel jealous. Don't worry if it takes you longer to master than deciphering a subway map – we've all been there.
Tip: Focus more on ideas, less on words.
Remember:
- Practice makes perfect (or at least slightly less embarrassing).
- Don't be afraid to sound awful. New Yorkers have heard it all, from screeching subway brakes to drunken karaoke renditions of "I Will Survive."
- Most importantly, have fun! This song is a celebration of the city that never sleeps, so let your music do the same.
And there you have it, folks! Your crash course in conquering "New York, New York" on guitar. Now go forth, strum with pride, and remember: if you can survive this song, you can survive anything the Big Apple throws your way. Just avoid playing it near hot dog stands – nobody wants ketchup on their Sinatra serenade.
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