Pick Up Notes on the Guitar: Not That Kind of Pick Up Line, But Way Cooler
Hey there, guitar slingers and aspiring rockstars! Ever wanted to shred like your heroes, but get tripped up by those pesky "pick up notes" at the beginning of a song? Fear not, fellow riff-raff, because this here guide will turn you from pick up newbie to pick up pro in no time (and maybe even impress a date or two, who knows?).
First Things First: What Are We Even Talking About?
No, my friends, these pick up notes aren't cheesy one-liners to use at the bar. In the world of music, a pick up note (also known as anacrusis for all you fancy folks) is a little musical phrase that lands before the first full bar of a song. It's like a little intro to get your ears warmed up and your head bopping before the main riff kicks in.
Think of it like knocking on the door of the song before you barge right in. It adds a touch of drama, anticipation, or maybe even a playful surprise.
Conquering Those Pick Up Notes: A 3-Step Smackdown
Alright, enough with the metaphors. Let's break down how to tackle those pick up notes like a guitar-wielding ninja.
Identify the Pick Up Note Culprit: Grab your favorite song with a pick up note (think "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple, or "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes) and listen closely. How many notes are there before the first full bar hits? Are they single notes or a little melody? This is your intel, soldier!
Practice Makes Perfect (Especially with a Metronome): Once you've identified the pick up note, it's time to get your fingers moving. Grab a metronome (or use a phone app) and set it to the song's tempo. Now, focus solely on those pick up notes and practice playing them clean and clear. Slow and steady wins the race, so don't rush!
**Connect the Dots: **Once you've mastered the pick up note in isolation, it's time to connect it to the rest of the song. Start by playing the pick up note immediately followed by the first full bar. Gradually increase the speed until you can seamlessly transition from the pick up note to the main riff.
Bonus Tip: Feeling fancy? Try experimenting with different picking techniques (downstrokes, upstrokes, alternate picking) to see what sounds smoothest for the specific pick up note you're working on.
Pick Up Note Hall of Fame: Masters of the Intro
Feeling inspired? Here are a few legendary guitarists who absolutely slayed the pick up note game:
- Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin): Think "Whole Lotta Rosie" - that iconic single note intro will forever be etched in rock history.
- Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen): Dude pretty much invented his own pick up note vocabulary. Listen to "Hot for Teacher" and prepare to have your mind blown.
- Angus Young (AC/DC): The opening riff of "Back in Black" is a masterclass in how a simple pick up note can set the tone for an entire song.
So there you have it, folks! With a little practice and these handy tips, you'll be playing pick up notes like a pro in no time. Remember, even the coolest guitarists started somewhere, so don't get discouraged if it takes a few tries. Now go forth and conquer those fretboards!
Pick Up Note FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
1. How to count pick up notes?
Treat the pick up note(s) as part of the last beat of the previous bar. So, if the song is in 4/4 time and there's a single pick up note, count "one, two, three, FOUR (play the pick up note), one (start the song)."
2. How to play pick up notes with chords?
The same principles apply! Just focus on playing the pick up note(s) cleanly before strumming the first full chord.
3. How to find songs with easy pick up notes?
Many classic rock songs have simple pick up notes. "Brown Sugar" by The Rolling Stones or "Blitzkrieg Bop" by The Ramones are great places to start.
4. How to practice pick up notes without a metronome?
Tap your foot or clap your hands to keep a steady beat as you practice the pick up note(s).
5. How to make pick up notes sound cool?
Experiment with different picking techniques and
