How to Play Seven Nation Army on Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Source sheetchords.blogspot.com
Introduction
Are you ready to rock out and conquer one of the most iconic guitar riffs of all time? "Seven Nation Army" by The White Stripes is a timeless banger that has captivated audiences worldwide. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the song’s iconic riff into manageable steps, making it accessible to players of all skill levels. So, grab your guitar, tune up, and let’s dive into the thrilling journey of playing "Seven Nation Army."
Step 1: Get Your Guitar Ready
Tuning:
To play "Seven Nation Army," your guitar must be in standard tuning. This means the strings should be tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and E from the thickest to the thinnest string.
Step 2: Mastering the Basic Rhythm
The Groove:
The heart of "Seven Nation Army" lies in its infectious groove. Start by strumming eighth notes with a down-up-down-up pattern. Keep your strumming hand relaxed and let the rhythm flow naturally. Focus on creating a steady and consistent groove.
Step 3: Embellishing the Riff with the Open D String
The Power of Open D:
The riff’s distinctive sound owes much to the open D string. To play this, simply hold down the bass E string (the thickest string) with your index finger and strum the open D string next to it. This creates a rich and resonant sound that will make your guitar sing.
Step 4: Adding the Fretted Notes
Fretting the Riff:
Now it’s time to add the fretted notes that shape the riff. Start with your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the D string (the second thickest string) and your ring finger on the 5th fret of the B string. These notes form the iconic "dun, dun" part of the riff.
Step 5: Integrating the Hammer-On
Hammer Time:
To give the riff its characteristic punch, we’ll introduce a hammer-on. This technique involves using your picking hand to strike the 5th fret of the B string and then quickly "hammering" your ring finger onto the same fret to create a smooth and percussive sound.
Step 6: Putting it All Together
The Complete Riff:
Now, let’s combine all the elements we’ve learned. Start with the basic eighth-note strumming pattern, incorporate the open D string, fret the notes on the D and B strings, and execute the hammer-on. Practice this sequence until it becomes second nature. 😊
Step 7: Playing the Full Song
The Seven Nation Journey:
With the riff mastered, you’re ready to conquer "Seven Nation Army." The song follows a simple chord progression of Am – G – C – F. Start by strumming these chords while maintaining the iconic riff. As you progress, don’t forget to add the chorus and explore the song’s full potential.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve successfully embarked on the "Seven Nation Army" adventure. Remember, practice makes perfect. So, keep jamming, experiment with different variations, and let the music flow through you. And don’t forget to check out our other guitar guides to further enhance your musical journey! Rock on! 🤘
FAQ about how to play seven nation army on guitar
1. What are the chords for Seven Nation Army?
- Verse: Am, F, C, G
- Chorus: F, C, G, Am
- Bridge: Dm, Am, G, C
2. How do you play the riff?
The riff is made up of a simple two-note pattern picked repeatedly on the low E and A strings. The pattern is:
- E string: 0-0-0-0
- A string: 3-3-3-3
3. How do you play the solo?
The solo is played on the A and D strings. The notes are:
- A string: 0-2-3-5-7-9-10-12
- D string: 2-4-5-7-9-11-12-14
4. How do you get the distortion sound?
A distortion pedal will get you the signature distorted sound of the song.
5. What is the tempo of the song?
Seven Nation Army is played at around 140 BPM.
6. What do the lyrics mean?
The lyrics are open to interpretation, but they generally deal with themes of war and violence.
7. Who wrote Seven Nation Army?
The song was written by Jack White of the White Stripes.
8. What year was Seven Nation Army released?
Seven Nation Army was released in 2003.
9. Is Seven Nation Army a difficult song to play?
Seven Nation Army is a relatively easy song to play on guitar, making it a good choice for beginners.
10. What are some tips for playing Seven Nation Army?
- Start slowly and gradually increase your speed.
- Use a metronome to stay in time.
- Practice the riff and solo until you can play them smoothly.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sounds and effects to find your own unique style.
