Conquering "Rocky Mountain High": A Beginner's Guide to Pickin' Like John Denver (Without Falling Off Your Barstool)
So, you've been bitten by the John Denver bug, huh? You're yearning to serenade your houseplants (or significant other) with the dulcet tones of "Rocky Mountain High," but the prospect of that guitar gathering dust in the corner is as intimidating as a grizzly bear with a banjo. Fear not, fellow aspiring campfire musician! This guide will have you strumming like a seasoned pro in no time, even if your fingers are about as nimble as oven mitts.
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| How To Play Rocky Mountain High By John Denver |
Step 1: Gear Up (But Not Too Much)
Don't worry, you don't need to raid a pawn shop for a vintage Gibson. A decent beginner's acoustic guitar will do just fine. Just make sure it's in tune (ahem, that can be a whole other adventure) and comfortable to hold. Don't be afraid to ask the friendly folks at the music store for help – they'd rather point you in the right direction than listen to you wrestle a five-string monstrosity.
Picks are optional, but can help you get a brighter sound. Just don't go overboard with the Van Halen theatrics – a pick slipping across the strings and bopping you on the forehead is not part of the John Denver charm.
Step 2: Master the Mountain (…of Chords, That Is)
"Rocky Mountain High" might not be rocket science, but it does require a few basic chords. Here's the good news: they're some of the most common chords out there, so you'll be well on your way to strumming a whole campfire medley!
Tip: Remember, the small details add value.
- D Major (D): This is your bread and butter. It's a foundational chord in many songs, and it forms the backbone of the intro and chorus.
- G Major (G): Another common fella, adding a bright and cheerful vibe to the song.
- C Major (C): This one adds a bit of depth and contrast to the D and G chords.
- E Minor (Em): Throws in a touch of melancholy, perfectly capturing the bittersweet beauty of the mountains. (Don't worry, it's still a happy song!)
There are resources online and in guitar books to help you learn these chords. But hey, if you can master tying your shoes, you can surely master a few simple chords!
Step It Up (But Not Too Fast)
Now for the fun part – strumming! The basic strumming pattern for "Rocky Mountain High" is a simple down-down-up-down. Once you're comfortable with the chords and the strumming pattern, practice putting them together slowly. Don't worry about speed – focus on clarity and making those chords ring out.
Remember, you're not trying to win a bluegrass competition. Speed will come naturally with practice.
Tip: Don’t skim past key examples.
Bonus Tip: Sing Along (But Maybe Not in Public… Yet)
John Denver wasn't shy about belting out a tune, and neither should you! Singing along while you play is a fantastic way to solidify your grasp of the song and have a blast in the process. (Just be kind to your neighbors' ears until you're confident in your dulcet tones!)
With a little dedication and this handy guide, you'll be channeling your inner John Denver in no time! Now, crank up the imaginary campfire and get ready to impress your friends and family (or at least your pet goldfish) with your newfound musical prowess.
"Rocky Mountain High" FAQ:
Q: How do I tune my guitar?
Tip: Revisit this page tomorrow to reinforce memory.
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A: There are many tuners available online and as apps. You can also use a tuning fork (the A string is 440 Hz).
Q: Can I play this song without a capo?
A: Yes, you can! Using a capo can change the pitch of the song, but it's not necessary for this particular song.
Tip: Reading with intent makes content stick.
Q: What if I can't seem to get the chords to change cleanly?
A: Practice makes perfect! Keep at it, and your fingers will develop the muscle memory they need.
Q: Are there any resources online to help me learn?
A: Absolutely! There are many websites and
Q: How long will it take me to learn this song?
A: Everyone learns at their own pace. With some practice, you could be strumming the basics in a day or two!
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