how to play that's alright mama on guitar

3 min read 02-02-2025

how to play that's alright mama on guitar

Meta Description: Learn to play Elvis Presley's iconic "That's All Right, Mama" on guitar! This beginner-friendly guide breaks down the chords, strumming pattern, and techniques to get you rocking this blues classic. Includes video tutorials and tips for mastering the song.

Introduction: A Rock 'n' Roll Classic

"That's All Right, Mama," the song that launched Elvis Presley's career, is a relatively simple blues tune perfect for beginner guitarists. This guide will walk you through the chords, strumming pattern, and even some embellishments to help you master this rock 'n' roll anthem. We'll focus on the basic version, making it accessible even if you're just starting your guitar journey.

The Chords: Keeping it Simple

The beauty of "That's All Right, Mama" lies in its simplicity. You'll primarily use three chords:

E7: This is a dominant 7th chord, providing a bluesy feel. If you're unfamiliar, many online resources offer fingerpicking diagrams for this chord.
A7: Another dominant 7th chord. The transition between E7 and A7 is crucial for the song's rhythm.
D7: The final chord in the progression, providing resolution. Practice smooth transitions between all three chords.

Practice switching smoothly between E7, A7, and D7. This forms the foundation of the song. Spend time getting comfortable with these chord changes before moving on.

Chord Variations and Embellishments

While the basic version relies on just E7, A7, and D7, you can add subtle variations. Consider these for a more authentic bluesy sound.

E7 to E: Experiment with resolving the E7 chord to a plain E major chord. This creates a slightly more open feel.
A7 to A: Similarly, resolving A7 to A creates variation in the feel of the song.
D7 to D: Resolving D7 to D offers a final touch of harmonic variation.

The Strumming Pattern: Finding the Groove

The strumming pattern for "That's All Right, Mama" is relatively straightforward. A simple down-down-up-down-up rhythm works well. Focus on a consistent tempo to maintain the song's energy.

Downstroke: This is the most common motion, emphasizing the main rhythm.
Upstroke: The upstroke is used to highlight changes. Try adding it after the second down-stroke.

Practice your strumming pattern independently. Focus on a consistent tempo and smooth transitions. Try to follow along with a recording, so you internalize the pace.

Adding Variation to Your Strumming

Once you're comfortable with the basic pattern, experiment with slight variations. For instance, try muting some strings on certain downstrokes to create a slightly more percussive feel. Listen to different recordings of the song to pick up nuances in the strumming.

Putting it All Together: Playing the Song

Now comes the fun part: combining the chords and strumming pattern. Play through the entire progression multiple times, focusing on smooth transitions. Take breaks if your fingers get tired to keep a good mood.

Structuring the Song

The song structure is fairly simple: E7, A7, D7, and repetition. You can loop these chords endlessly to achieve the bluesy effect that gives the song its feeling.

Verse: Play the E7, A7, D7 sequence repeatedly for the verses.
Chorus: The chorus maintains the same basic chord progression.

Tips and Tricks for Mastering "That's All Right, Mama"

Listen Actively: Listen to several versions of the song, paying attention to the nuances in the strumming, timing, and phrasing.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your guitar skills. Even short, focused practice sessions are beneficial.
Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing helps you identify areas for improvement. Use this to check for consistency in your strumming.
Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you develop a steady sense of rhythm and timing.
Find a Tutor: While this guide provides good starting points, consider seeking the help of a guitar teacher to help resolve specific issues you find.

Conclusion: Rock On!

With practice and patience, you'll be playing "That's All Right, Mama" like a pro. Remember to focus on the fundamentals: mastering the chords, practicing the strumming pattern, and listening carefully to the song's rhythm and feel. Have fun, and rock on!