Conquering "This Old Guitar": A Guide for Aspiring Denver Disciples
So, you've unearthed a dusty six-string from the attic, cobwebs clinging to its soul like memories. You hear a faint whisper – the ghost of John Denver himself – urging you to breathe life back into this "This Old Guitar." But where do you even begin? Fear not, fledgling folk hero, for this guide will transform you from a novice strum-alonger to a bona fide Denver devotee.
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| How To Play This Old Guitar By John Denver |
Step 1: Tuning Up - Don't Let Your Cat Do It (We've All Been There)
First things first, you need to make that old fella sing (not literally, please). Unless your feline overlord possesses an uncanny sense of pitch (and a tiny guitar pick taped to its paw), resist the urge to let them "tune" your instrument. Invest in a tuner (electronic or good old-fashioned tuning fork) and follow the online tutorials. It's a skill you won't regret – unless you plan on serenading your neighbors with a symphony of discord.
Step 2: Capo Knowledge - The Secret Weapon of Champions (Well, Almost)
John Denver wasn't afraid of a little trickery. For "This Old Guitar," he employed a capo – a nifty clamp that goes on the fretboard, raising the pitch of the strings. It might seem like a fancy gadget, but trust us, it's a game-changer. Pop that capo on the second fret, and those cowboy chords will become a breeze (or at least a gentle summer zephyr).
Step the Beat Back: Mastering the Travis Pick
Now comes the magic. This song relies on a fingerpicking pattern called the Travis pick. Imagine your thumb as John Denver himself, keeping a steady rhythm on the bass strings (think of him strumming his banjo). Meanwhile, your fingers become his loyal backup singers, plucking out the melody on the higher strings. There are plenty of online resources to show you the exact pattern, but remember, practice makes perfect (and patience is a virtue – especially if your fingers resemble sausages right now).
Tip: Skim once, study twice.
Chords, Glorious Chords: Your Ticket to Denver-dom
Here's where things get interesting. "This Old Guitar" uses a fairly simple set of chords: C, G, Am, Em, F – the bread and butter of folk music. Focus on forming these chords cleanly (no peeking at those cryptic chord charts just yet!). Once you're comfortable switching between them smoothly, you're well on your way to becoming a Denver disciple.
Bonus Tip: Feeling overwhelmed? Start by mastering the C and G chords. These two bad boys form the backbone of the song, and conquering them will give you a confidence boost worthy of a mountaintop singalong.
Putting it All Together: From Fumbling to Fancy
Now that you've got the tuning, the capo, the picking, and the chording down, it's time to assemble your masterpiece. There are a ton of fantastic resources online – videos, tutorials, even interactive tools – to help you learn the song at your own pace. Don't be afraid to slow things down, stumble a bit, and laugh at yourself. After all, that's how even John Denver himself probably started (though with slightly less flailing and more majestic beard-stroking, we imagine).
Tip: Don’t skip — flow matters.
Remember: This isn't brain surgery (although a good sense of rhythm might help). Embrace the journey, have fun, and before you know it, you'll be strumming out "This Old Guitar" with the confidence of a seasoned campfire troubadour.
FAQ: Your "This Old Guitar" Conquering Companion
How to tune my guitar?
There are electronic tuners and good old-fashioned tuning forks. Head online for tutorials on how to use either!
Tip: Make mental notes as you go.
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How to use a capo?
Just clip it onto the second fret of your guitar! It raises the pitch of the strings.
How to learn the Travis pick?
QuickTip: Save your favorite part of this post.
The internet is your friend! There are tons of videos and tutorials to show you the exact pattern.
How to form the chords?
There are resources online that show you finger placement for each chord.
How long will it take to learn the song?
Everyone learns at their own pace. Be patient, practice regularly, and have fun!
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