How to Play "Austin" by Blake Shelton: A Guide for Aspiring Honky-Tonk Heroes (and Heroines)
You've heard the song, you've seen Blake Shelton rock out with his mullet flowin', and now you're itching to belt out "Austin" yourself. But hold on there, partner, before you grab your dusty acoustic and serenade the neighborhood cats. Mastering this country classic requires a little more finesse than just strumming wildly and hoping for the best.
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| How To Play Austin By Blake Shelton |
Gear Up, Pilgrim: Essential Supplies
First things first, you gotta arm yourself for battle. Here's what you'll need:
- A trusty acoustic guitar: This is your weapon of choice, so make sure it's in tune and ready to wail. Don't worry if yours isn't a top-of-the-line model. Even a beat-up friend from college can churn out some twang.
- A pick (or your fingers, if you're fancy): Picks give you a brighter sound, while fingers offer more control. Experiment and see what feels natural. Just don't use a butter knife – that'll only lead to tears (and possibly a broken string).
- The internet (or a friend who can play): You'll need the chords for the song, and unless you're some kind of musical savant, the internet is your best bet.
Wranglin' Those Chords: A Beginner's Guide
Now comes the not-so-scary part: learning the chords. Don't be intimidated by fancy chord names – they're just fancy names for pressing your fingers on certain frets. There are plenty of resources online (ahem, the internet we just mentioned) that will show you how to form the chords for "Austin."
Here's a sneak peek at some of the main chords you'll encounter:
Tip: Jot down one takeaway from this post.
- C major: This is your bread and butter. Get comfortable with this one, because you'll be using it a lot.
- G major: Another common chord that adds a bit of sunshine to the mix.
- D major: This one adds a touch of drama (because let's face it, there's always drama in country music).
- E minor: Don't let the "minor" fool you, it still fits right in with the song's overall vibe.
Pro Tip: There are a few trickier chords in the song, but don't sweat it. Focus on getting the main ones down first, and then you can tackle the fancy stuff later.
Strummin' Like a Pro (Well, Almost)
Now that you've got the chords figured out, it's time to make some noise! The strumming pattern for "Austin" is pretty straightforward. You can start with a simple down-down-up pattern and adjust it from there.
Here are some additional tips for becoming a strumming sensation:
Tip: Take notes for easier recall later.
- Listen to the song: Pay attention to how Blake strums and try to mimic his rhythm.
- Practice makes perfect: Don't get discouraged if you don't sound like a Nashville star right away. Keep practicing, and you'll develop your own unique style.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: Once you're comfortable with the basics, try out different strumming patterns to add some personality to your playing.
Bonus Round: Belting Like Blake (Optional)
While the focus here is on the guitar, you can't forget the vocals! If you're feeling brave, unleash your inner Blake Shelton and belt out those lyrics.
Word to the Wise: If you're worried about your singing voice scaring the small animals, you can always just play the instrumental parts and leave the singing to the professionals (or the shower, no judgement here).
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Howdy, Partner! Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: How do I sing the high notes in "Austin"?
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
A: Unless you're blessed with the vocal chords of a celestial being, it's okay to adjust the melody to fit your range. Nobody will judge you (except maybe your cat, but they're probably judging you anyway).
Q: What if I can't play all the chords yet?
A: Start with the easier ones and gradually work your way up. There's no shame in simplifying the song a bit until you build up your skills.
QuickTip: A short pause boosts comprehension.
Q: My fingers hurt after playing!
A: That's normal! Building up calluses takes time. Take breaks and don't push yourself too hard.
Q: Where can I find the lyrics for "Austin"?
A: The internet
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