If you’re a fan of classic rock and blues, chances are you’ve heard of Greta Van Fleet. This young band, hailing from Michigan, has taken the music world by storm with their vintage sound and electrifying live performances. One of their most popular songs, “Highway Tune,” features a killer guitar riff that any aspiring rock guitarist would love to learn. In this article, we’ll break down the Highway Tune guitar lesson step by step, so you can play like a pro in no time.
Getting Started
Before we dive into the specifics of the Highway Tune guitar lesson, let’s start with some basics. If you’re new to guitar playing, you’ll need to learn a few chords and techniques before attempting this song. Start by learning the basic open chords (G, C, D, E, A) and practice switching between them smoothly. You’ll also want to learn how to read guitar tablature, which is a shorthand notation for guitar music. Once you have these skills down, you’ll be ready to tackle Highway Tune.
The Riff
The heart of Highway Tune is its killer guitar riff, which is played throughout the song. The riff is relatively simple but sounds great when played correctly. Here’s how to play it:
1. Start with your index finger on the fifth fret of the A string.
2. Use your ring finger to play the seventh fret of the D string.
3. Use your pinky to play the eighth fret of the G string.
4. Slide your pinky up to the tenth fret of the G string.
5. Use your ring finger to play the ninth fret of the D string.
6. Use your index finger to play the seventh fret of the A string.
7. Repeat steps 2-6.
Practice playing this riff slowly at first, making sure each note sounds clean and clear. Once you have the hang of it, try playing along with the song at full speed.
The Chorus
The chorus of Highway Tune features some simple but effective power chords that give the song its driving energy. Here are the chords you’ll need to know:
1. G5: Play the third fret of the E string with your index finger and the fifth fret of the A string with your pinky.
2. C5: Play the third fret of the A string with your index finger and the fifth fret of the D string with your ring finger.
3. D5: Play the fifth fret of the A string with your index finger and the seventh fret of the D string with your ring finger.
4. E5: Play the seventh fret of the A string with your index finger and the ninth fret of the D string with your ring finger.
The chorus progression is simple: G5, C5, D5, E5. Play each chord for one measure (four beats) and strum down with your pick. Repeat the progression throughout the chorus.
The Bridge
The bridge section of Highway Tune features a melodic guitar solo that’s both fun to play and impressive to listen to. Here’s how to play it:
1. Start with your index finger on the seventh fret of the G string.
2. Use your ring finger to play the ninth fret of the G string.
3. Use your pinky to play the tenth fret of the G string.
4. Slide your pinky up to the twelfth fret of the G string.
5. Use your ring finger to play the eleventh fret of the B string.
6. Use your index finger to play the ninth fret of the G string.
7. Repeat steps 2-6.
Practice playing this solo slowly at first, focusing on getting the timing and notes right. Once you have it down, try playing it along with the song at full speed.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve just completed the Highway Tune guitar lesson! With practice and patience, you’ll be able to play this classic rock anthem like a pro. Remember to take your time, start slow, and focus on getting each note right. Before you know it, you’ll be jamming out like Greta Van Fleet themselves.
