Beginner Guitar Class #4 ...

  2 new songs.

     Before we got instruction on our two new songs on Wednesday, we practiced playing the ones from last week together. Hush Little Baby was not so bad but Oh Susannah was a different story.

     We played through it and then the Good Dr. stooped and asked what the problem was. When he got to me, I said that I don't actually have a problem playing the song, unless I try to sing the words with it. For some reason they did not all seem to fit. He looked at me and said try it, try the music and the words together. I figured he meant all of us, but once I started playing and singing it didn't take long to figure out that I was in it alone. Of course the words all fit and I made it through my first solo in front if the class. The only solo so far ; )   

  

     Our two songs for this week are On Top Of Old Smokey and Home On The Range. I was sort of surprised to read the words to Old Smokey about a false hearted lover and all, the only part I remember is something about spaghetti and loosing a meatball when somebody sneezed.

     Both songs are in 3/4 time, three beats to a measure. Home on the Range adds two new chords G7 and A7 and the use of the alternate G (with pinkie finger) for smoother chord exchange.

     A capo on the fifth fret changes the song to the key of C and makes it easier to sing. I know this music class stuff is probably getting pretty boring to most of you, it's just what's on my mind most right now so please be patient with me. Plus ... once I become a "Famous Rock Star", you can say you knew me when, right? (wink)