Conquering Concrete Jungles with Six Strings: How to Play "Detroit City" on Guitar
So you've got that itch in your fingers, a hankering for a song that captures the blue-collar blues and the yearning for home? Well, look no further than the classic country tune, "Detroit City" by Bobby Bare. This ain't your flashy shred-fest, but a slow, steady ballad that'll have you crooning like a lovesick mechanic by the end.
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| How To Play Detroit City On Guitar |
Gear Up, But Not for Winter (Unless You're in Detroit)
First things first, you'll need your trusty acoustic guitar. No need for amps or effects pedals here, folks. We're keeping it pure and simple, just like the streets of Detroit...well, maybe not exactly like that.
Bonus points for: a dusty Stetson hat (not required, but highly recommended for added authenticity).
Chord Chart: A Map to Motor City Magic
This ain't rocket science, but it is the foundation of our musical journey. We're dealing with just a handful of chords:
Tip: Summarize the post in one sentence.
- E: The workhorse, the bread and butter. Get comfortable with this one, you'll be using it a lot.
- A: A beacon of hope, a reminder of home.
- B7: A touch of spice, a hint of something bittersweet.
- E7 (optional): Adds a little extra flavor if you're feeling fancy.
There's also a sneaky little E5/F# thrown in for good measure, but don't worry, we'll tackle that together.
Strumming Like a Motown Master
This ain't a rock concert. We're going for a slow, steady strumming pattern. Think gentle breeze, not hurricane. A basic down-down-up-down pattern will do the trick.
Pro Tip: If you're feeling fancy, try accenting the downbeats for a bit more emphasis.
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Putting it All Together: Building Your Detroit Dreamscape
- Start with the intro: It's just a simple E chord, strummed slowly. Let that melancholic mood settle in.
- Verse 1: Here come the chords! E, then A, then B7, and back to E. Easy as pie, right? Don't forget to sing along!
- Chorus: Time to crank it up a notch (well, kind of). It's the same progression as the verse, but with a little more emphasis. "I wanna go home, I wanna go home..." Belt it out!
- Repeat: Rinse and repeat, my friend. There's a bit of a bridge with a E7 thrown in, but you'll figure it out.
- Outro: Just like the intro, fade out on that lone E chord.
Remember: Practice makes perfect (or at least passable at a backyard barbecue). Don't get discouraged if it doesn't sound like a Nashville recording right away.
Bonus Round: Avoiding Embarrassment on Eight Mile Road
- Don't try to be a rockstar: This is a slow song, so ditch the speed demon tactics.
- Focus on the vocals: The melody is what makes this song shine. Even if your guitar skills aren't top-notch, a heartfelt voice goes a long way.
- Feel the feels: This song is about longing and homesickness. Channel your inner bluesman and let the emotions flow.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Frustrations (and How to Avoid Them)
1. How to make that fancy E5/F# chord change sound smooth?
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Practice! But seriously, it's just a quick barre across the second fret with your index finger, then lift it slightly to fret the E string on the first fret. Slow and steady wins the race.
QuickTip: Look for lists — they simplify complex points.
2. My fingers are killing me! What do I do?
Build those calluses, my friend! There's no shortcut, but playing regularly will toughen up your fingertips. You can also try using a lighter gauge string set for easier fretting.
3. The song sounds too slow. Can I speed it up?
Tip: Read in a quiet space for focus.
Sure, if you want to sound like you're on a sugar rush. But resist the urge! The slow tempo is what gives the song its character.
4. I can't sing and play at the same time!
It takes practice, but you'll get there. Start by strumming the chords without singing, then add the melody slowly.
**5. Will playing
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