All Aboard the Blues Train: Your Guide to Playing "Midnight Train to Memphis" Like a Rockstar (Without Falling Off the Stage)
You've heard the soulful twang of Chris Stapleton's "Midnight Train to Memphis," and that gritty riff has burrowed itself into your brain. Now, the undeniable urge to channel your inner guitar hero strikes. But where do you even begin? Fear not, fellow traveler, this guide will have you chugging out those bluesy licks like a seasoned pro in no time (or at least without setting your amp on fire).
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| How To Play Midnight Train To Memphis |
Gearing Up for the Journey (Guitar Essentials)
First things first, gotta have the right tools for the job. You'll need a trusty electric guitar (acoustic just won't capture that raw, electrified Memphis vibe). Don't worry, a fancy axe isn't essential at this point. A basic setup with a decent amp will do the trick.
Next, make sure your guitar is in standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, E). This is the most common tuning, and it's the one Chris Stapleton uses for the song. You can use a tuning fork or a handy online tuner (your phone might even have one!) to get your strings singing in harmony.
QuickTip: Repeat difficult lines until they’re clear.
Pro Tip: Fresh strings make a world of difference in both sound and playability. Treat your guitar to a new set before you embark on your musical adventure.
Ticket to Ride: Mastering the Main Riff
This is where the magic happens. The heart and soul of "Midnight Train to Memphis" lies in its opening riff. It might seem intimidating at first, but with a little practice, you'll be churning out those power chords like a blues legend.
QuickTip: Pause when something feels important.
Here's a breakdown of the main riff:
- E power chord: Barre your first finger across the second fret of the B and high E strings. Strum!
- G note (bend it, baby, bend it): Slide your first finger up to the third fret on the high E string, but don't stop there! Give it a slight bend to add some soulful expression.
- A power chord: Move your first finger back down to the second fret of the A and high E strings. Strum with authority!
- Repeat: This is the basic pattern. Practice switching between these chords smoothly, focusing on that expressive bend on the G note.
There's more to the riff than just chords, though. Chris throws in some cool little hammer-ons and pull-offs later on. But don't sweat those fancy techniques just yet. Master the basic riff first, and those extras will come naturally with time.
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
The Rhythm Section: Keeping the Train on Track
"Midnight Train to Memphis" isn't all about flashy lead guitar. The rhythm section lays down a solid foundation with a chugging beat. This is where you can unleash your inner drummer on the strings.
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Here's a simple way to get that Memphis groove going:
Tip: Reread if it feels confusing.
- Downstrokes are your friend: Focus on strumming downwards with your pick hand to create a driving rhythm.
- Eighth notes keep it steady: Imagine each strum hitting on a count of "eight" – one, eight, two, eight, and so on.
- Listen to the song: Pay close attention to how the drums and bass lock in together in the original recording. Mimic that feel with your strumming.
Remember, this is just a starting point. Experiment with different strumming patterns and accents to find your own groove.
Bonus Stop: Beyond the Basics
Once you've got the main riff and rhythm down, it's time to explore the rest of the song. The good news is, most of it follows a similar structure, with variations on the main chords and some bluesy embellishments.
Here are some resources to take your Memphis journey further:
- Online tutorials: There are plenty of fantastic online tutorials that break down the entire song, chord by chord, lick by lick. Search for "[YouTube] Midnight Train to Memphis Guitar Tutorial"
- Slow down the recording: Use a program or app to slow down the song's tempo. This makes it easier to pick out individual notes and techniques.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: As you get more comfortable, try adding your own variations and improvisations. That's where the true fun of playing guitar begins!
Frequently Asked Train Tickets (FAQ):
How to sound more bluesy? Use techniques like bends, vibrato, and palm muting to add grit and emotion to your playing.
How to sing and play at the same time? Start by mastering the guitar part on its own. Then
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