Justin Guitar Community
Song Books & Song Lessons - All => Beginners Songbook 1 (BS) Video Lesson Specific Questions => Topic started by: justinguitar on August 13, 2012, 11:59:31 am
-
Lesson Link: http://www.justinguitar.com/en/BS-105-IWalkTheLine-JohnnyCash.php
Questions?
-
I was wondering What speed should i set my metronome to to play along with this song.
Regards
-
Hi edward, and welcome :)
When you're learning, you should set the metronome as slow as you need to to be able to play the through 100% correct (without regard to the tempo of the original).
If you want to play along with the original, then you should be able to pick up the beat from the original recording (important skill to practice). If your metronome has a 'tap tempo' feature, you can use this to 'tap in' the rhythm of the original and get a tempo setting.
(Or you can cheat, and do a search for sheet music on the internet - this usually gives you a preview of the first page with the key signature & tempo - 'moderately' or 104 bpm, but *DON'T* just plug this into your metronome and try to keep up - learn to play it *S-L-O-W-L-Y* and gradually work up to seed as you improve.)
Andy
-
I really struggled with getting the song to sound "right" with the "Boom Chicka" rhythm when played slowly.
However when I thought "sod it, I'm going to go for it" and tried it at "full speed" it sounded so much better.
Trouble is it got a little sloppy in the middle but tightened up up again towards the end.
I know this approach is wrong, but it seems more relaxed, what do I do?
-
Country shuffle isn't easy, like you said it's a feel. One thing you can do is play along with the record at lower speed. There's a lot of software that can slow down recordings. I'm using Audacity (it's free). That helps to get the fine points in rhythm.
-
I second the idea of playing along with the recording slightly slower to make sure you get the groove right. It's a tricky one and one that I'm still working on!
-
Anyone have a link to the tabs for this song? I find it hard to lern it just by listening to the instructions and then going for it
-
No tabs on site, legal reasons. I believe you can buy one of Justin's song books that has the song written out.
Shadow
-
What is the ending that Justin plays after the alt base section?
-
I am confused. It seems that Justin says to play one bar each of E A E A D etc.. But, when he goes to the faster 'boom chick-a boom chick-a' playing it sounds to me like he is playing two bars per chord. Is this the case or is it just my hearing?
Phil
-
... sounds to me like he is playing two bars per chord.
I listened to the intro again. It's only one bar per chord, he's just getting four of those boom-chickas in each bar.
Who you gonna believe? Justin, or your lying ears? ;)
-
... sounds to me like he is playing two bars per chord.
I listened to the intro again. It's only one bar per chord, he's just getting four of those boom-chickas in each bar.
Who you gonna believe? Justin, or your lying ears? ;)
So, does that mean he is playing 1/16 notes instead of 1/8 notes? My ears do play tricks on me :)
Phil
-
I think it's like quarter notes
1e+a2e+a3e+a4e+a
D D D D
where D are the downstrums.
Versus 16th notes
1e+a2e+a3e+a4e+a
B duB duB duB du
where B is the "boom" and the du is the "chicka".
-
I think it's like quarter notes
1e+a2e+a3e+a4e+a
D D D D
where D are the downstrums.
Versus 16th notes
1e+a2e+a3e+a4e+a
B duB duB duB du
where B is the "boom" and the du is the "chicka".
But if I count it out he seems to be playing 1 2& 3 4& twice through with the E chord before switching to A. This is either two bars of E or ???
I'll just keep at it and see if I can work it out.
Thanks for your help.
Phil
-
But if I count it out he seems to be playing 1 2& 3 4& twice through with the E chord before switching to A. This is either two bars of E or ???
Yes, you say potato, I say patato....
1 2& 3 4& 1 2& 3 4&
B du B du B du B du
1e+a 2e+a 3e+a 4e+a
B du B du B du B du
-
maybe i choosed the wrong thread, maybe not
but
i finaly got my songbook yesterday ;-)
and the first song i tried to play is this one
but my question isnt just about this song and more about strumming at all, anyway the question occured while practising this song so i ask here
here we go
i have no problems to play that song with these chords and the boom chika while listening to the recording - need practise but am ok
but when i start singing, well i probably could stay strumming that way, but i dont want to,... let me call it, that it feels like i have to strumm differently and add here and there some strumms, maybe just some fast dududud
so i could work on strumm correctly
i also could strumm like i feel
maybe it just feels like it because while singing i dont strumm correct and have to speede up sometimes to fit in , i dont know
i know playing and singing at once is a differenrt thing then just playing
but here its just that it feels like i have to add some strumms, is that in genneral ok not to strumm accurate and sometimes more and sometimes less?
i know ...if it sounds good , it ist good
but i am not sure how it sound, i am a beginner and probaqbly all i do sounds terible anyway ;-)
what should i do?
-
Can somebody post the chord changes according the the lyrics? This is always hard for me to know on what word to change chords. :o ;D ;)
-
you have to do the counting 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4 and listen to the song, making sure to listen for the chord change and when it happens .... training your ear to hear the movement of chords is vital ... don't try to get around it for some easy fix that won't help you in the long term
give a man a fish
teach him how to fish
etc
:)
-
Could someone answer to the Andreas Fischer's post please ? As this is happened to me too and i suppose we are not the only two!
-
is that in genneral ok not to strumm accurate and sometimes more and sometimes less?
No (and yes):
I found that there is a temptation to play to the sound of the lyrics and/or melody, especially when trying to sing at the same time. This is a BAD thing.
Varying the rhythm whilst keeping in time can be a good thing.
I get the impression from the question that Andreas is likely to be strumming with the lyrics, so should concentrate on NOT doing this, but to keep to an accurate and strict rhythm. Once this becomes second nature, then - sure - it is OK to vary the rhythm. But only after being able to keep a strict rhythm easily.
I think that the rhythm needs to be solid before trying to sing along.
YMMV :)
-
Could someone answer to the Andreas Fischer's post please ? As this is happened to me too and i suppose we are not the only two!
No, you're not the only two: I did have the same problem (and sometimes still have), but like close2u said, there is no easy fix or shortcut. You'll have to practice and try and try and try and one day, suddenly you will get it and realise it was not that difficult after all. "Sadly" you'll have to put in the time. It's all part of the learning process.
Not the answer you were looking for, I think, but sorry, unfortunately there is no other. My own experience, but who am I to know? (I'm just another beginner, but I'm finally getting the hang of it ;)).
Good luck!
-
is that in genneral ok not to strumm accurate and sometimes more and sometimes less?
No (and yes):
I found that there is a temptation to play to the sound of the lyrics and/or melody, especially when trying to sing at the same time. This is a BAD thing.
Varying the rhythm whilst keeping in time can be a good thing.
I get the impression from the question that Andreas is likely to be strumming with the lyrics, so should concentrate on NOT doing this, but to keep to an accurate and strict rhythm. Once this becomes second nature, then - sure - it is OK to vary the rhythm. But only after being able to keep a strict rhythm easily.
I think that the rhythm needs to be solid before trying to sing along.
YMMV :)
So you're just saying that because a begginer is not so good keeping rythm, he has to try keeping rythm. But later on, that he will always be in time, then he can change patterns. Do i get it right?
-
^I think that sounds right.
-
Where can I find translation for the strumming notations?
Simple enough until I get to "I walk the Line" and then I think it might be helpful to know why some strums are attached, the swoops underneath or the notation in "Walk of Life".
-
it's really difficult to manage the boom chick-a rythm pattern, it's ok if you're playing an E chord, or whatever chord that has the root in the 6th string, but it's really difficult to keep it accurate in the other 2 bass strings. Except from the usual advice of practice practice practice, is there any other tip that maybe it will help to be more accurate without hitting other strings in the Bass hit ? Thanks people :)
-
Two things: Start very slowly, and cheat. I.e. use your thumb and fingertips on your fretting hand to mute out the upper strings in case you do hit them.
-
What kind of sorcery is this at 5:25?
After the boom chick-a Justin ends with:
6th string 2nd fret
6th string 4th fret
5th string open
??
Any help filling out the ?? is much appreciated. Every chord I try with my fingers positioned like his end up sounding horrible :P
-
He's just doing a walk up to end the song. One string only just like you posted and ending with an A chord.
He's using a mini barre A so he can hit the G# note again.
-
Two things: Start very slowly, and cheat. I.e. use your thumb and fingertips on your fretting hand to mute out the upper strings in case you do hit them.
I cant seem to get this to work. When i try to use my thumb, I mute the thindest string with my palm.
-
You only need to barely touch the low E string with your thumb. Also, on this type of rhythm it doesn't sound bad if you intentionally mute the high E. The high E can get pretty bright and jangly.
-
Hey people! Beginner here! (perpetual... I do have some experience but am starting Justin's course from the beginning).
I just have a general query about this song which may be a 'how long is a piece of string' category question but just really want some feedback for some more experienced players.
I have set myself a goal to play this song with either the boom-chicka strum pattern or the more technical walking bass line strum by the middle of September 2015 as I want to play it to my Grandad at his birthday as he is a big Johnny Cash fan.
All I want to know is - Is this doable? I am practicing 5 times a week following Justin's course. How long did it take others to "get" the more advanced strums? I just don't want to be setting myself up for a failure if I am kidding myself.. As I said how long is a piece of string? hehe.
-
It will depend on how fast you learn. Some people complete the whole BC in less than a year. So you should
have no problem having I Walk The Line down. Good luck and remember to practice the things that you
don't know and play the things you know.
Welcome to the forum
-
I think you will do fine. Just start out with a straight down strum until you get the chord changes mastered. Then make a simple boom-chuck (B D B D), and add boom-chucka later.
There are many Johnny Cash songs that are easy but sound great. Another easy one is "I Still Miss Someone". You can do a websearch for these and come up with chord charts easily.
If you are nervous turn it into a sing-along instead of a performance. Everyone will have a great time.
-
Can someone tell me what key this is in please?
-
Like every song in Stage 1 (accounting for the use of a capo), it's in A. However, as Justin mentions in the video lesson, the original song modulates to 2 other keys from verse to verse. That's why you can only play along to the original for the first part of the song.
-
I'm learning this song on a strat. Are there any hints and tips for better sound for electric guitar players?
-
Just play it clean
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
-
Man I am super stoked, after 3 weeks of good solid practice I was finally able to play this song while singing.
I love it, thanks Justin for teaching this. Learning songs is definitely making this a fun process...
At first I just wanted to play and make my own sounds, now that I'm playing one song I'm learning another and just enjoying all of it.
-
Well done Dubah it's a fantastic feeling the first time isn't it.
-
Hah, this was my first song, too Dubah :-) As a die-hard Johnny Cash fan from the age of about two it was so much fun to actually twang my way through it!
Sent fra min C6903 via Tapatalk
-
Yeah, I'm surprised my wife isn't tired of listening to me play Walk the Line yet lol, I've been speeding it up slowly, I was able to play the song at 60 bpm.
But yeah, I love Johnny Cash, and am learning the 2 Elvis songs he has too, pretty fun so far.
Although I'd rather play some AC/DC or Metallica but I'm not looking to rush it either.
-
Blast! Revisiting this song three months later, and in my infinite hubris I figured it would be easy. It is - sorta. The chord changes are easy. I know the song well. The D DU D DU is easy. But putting it all together does all kinds of strange things to my singing. I find myself holding some notes, and speeding up others, so that "I walk the line" comes out "I walk ..theline", and I have no time to sing "each day (is) through"
Arg, why is this difficult? I wanted to just put up three easy recordings as a Christmas gift to my mother who lives abroad and who loves Johnny Cash, but it really doesn't sound very good. And I figured if there was any song I could add a strumming pattern to it's this one.
I wonder if changing from a simple downstrum to a down-up is confusing my brain to try to speed up singing? I should play this with a metronome, but since for the time being my phone is both my recording Device and my metronome it's a little difficult ;-)
-
You could record the guitar and voicals seperatly the merge them together.
Just sing to your recording of your playing a couple of times and pick the best one.
-
Probably too late to say now but it's a good idea for future reference, get yourself a looper pedal, with it you can record your guitar first and then sing along with it. I've got an Electro Harmonix one that gives you 12 mins of recording time; I find it useful when I learn something new, I record the track and then play along with it until I get it right.
-
Is that what a looper pedal is! Thanks ;D I'm a complete newbie at the techy stuff, all I have is an acoustic guitar, a tuner, a capo and my smartphone...
I've been wanting to sing over a recording many times, but couldn't figure out any way to do it with just the phone.
-
With a looper pedal you can layer things, and add new bits on a different layer; it's fun when you get it right. I'm not using it the way it's meant to be used, I'm adapting it to do what I want.
Trouble with mp3 files with the track on you're learning the don't have a count in so what you do with the looper is to give yourself a count in before you start to record the mp3. I've just more or less got through Bob Marley's Redemption song using it - it has been very useful and we'll worth what it cost. You can record an electro acoustic straight in or a miked up acoustic. You can also record your voice miked up so lots of options apart from its intended use.
The downside is that you do need an amplifier, so if you don't have one to use it you would need one, something like this would do the job, also be useful if at some time you decide to go for an Electro acoustic.
https://www.andertons.co.uk/p/LANEY-LA12C/acoustic-guitar-amps/laney-la12c-la-acoustic-guitar-combo-12w
Here's what a looper can do:
https://youtu.be/hCI4xp5xFFs
-
Laila, you can go the looper route or indeed go the full hog and go the DAW route but you'll need to invest in things for that e.g. usb mic.
You might want to search the app store for a multi track app. I haven't used one but I think there are a few on there. That would allow you to record your guitar first and then sing over it. It is the best way to ensure you get both the best guitar and vocal track (As you only have to think about one at a time) that said it's not always easy.
-
Laila
I don't know why but that boom\chicka pattern is hard to get just right and be able to sing too. It looks so simple but... :o I can sing while playing some pretty complex 16th patterns but still struggle with boom\chicka :-[
I recorded "I Walk the Line" 2 years ago when I was doing the BC at maybe stage 6 or 7.
A simple way to play it is to use your simple 4 down pattern but make the 1 and 3 beats a Bass only strike, like this and alternate the bass...
1 2 3 4
B D B D
A link to my very old recording to https://soundcloud.com/sweed59/i-walk-the-line-key-changesmp3 It is a key change version, that stretches my range, but gives you an idea of how it can sound with simple strumming. And as you'll hear, at the time, I also had some problems making the lyrics fit ;)
-
I think this is difficult to sing because for most of the song the vocals follow the rhythm of the guitar leading you to lock in the vocals to your playing. Then, he switches the rhythm of the vocals up. If you're not ready for it you'll most likely either mess up your playing or your singing. You have to get the playing really on automatic, so you can concentrate on the vocals.
-
I think this is difficult to sing because for most of the song the vocals follow the rhythm of the guitar leading you to lock in the vocals to your playing. Then, he switches the rhythm of the vocals up.
Yes! This is sort of what I was trying to say. I feel like I lose conscious control of the rhythm of the vocal because it follows something else, most probably the rhythm of the guiatr which I'm trying desperately to keep steady.
A lot of good feedback here. I will look into an app that will help record guitar and vocal separately. At the same time the skill I'm trying to develop is playing and singing simultaneously. I'm beginning to realize that some songs are a lot harder to sing while playing than others, no matter how well I know them.
-
@sweed77 thank you for that tip about the bass note. I'll try it out and see if it sounds more interesting than the 4/4. For now the link to the recording is sent so she gets what she gets ;-)
-
What the end bit justin plays?
Interesting version on songnotes if you youtube it.
It has a g and a b7! he even gets a plug in for justin!
-
Hi,
I have some confusion. I started on this song using the payed app with a karaoke type beat you can slow to suit your ability. This has 2 x bars per chord nearly all throughout.
I then got both hard copy songbooks and it has 1 bar per chord change.
I thought the app would be great as you can adjust the bpm to suit but it doesn't align with the book.
This isn't the only song I think, any advice please.
-
This song (https://www.justinguitar.com/songs/johnny-cash-i-walk-the-line-chords-tabs-guitar-lesson-bs-105) is down as White difficulty so thought I would have a go. Well I can just about play the chords but doesn't sound anything like the video or the JC version, which I listened to on Spotify. )JG has a Beginners Playlist that includes this and a number of other White songs.) Having listened to the JC version I can't even tell where he changes chords to match the JG version!!
-
So first things first...you've got to understand that Justin simplifies a lot of songs so that those beginning can play something approximating the original. During the beginners stage this goes on all the way through slowly building to a point where the songs are more complex, more chord variations, more complex strumming etc. If you have the song books then Justin does in may say how you can take it to the next stage. In that video he starts off with the simple variation for the stage i.e. all down strums, then introduces something more complex (hitting the bass note as part of the strumming). The simple variation is what you're aiming for at this stage.
Secondly the tracks you're listening to on Spotify, in particular if it's an original, are going to be in a "band" situation with drums and probably at least two guitars with one playing rhythm and the other some form of lead guitar part OR if it's an acoustic they are probably playing a picked pattern over those chords...all just way to difficult for someone on that this stage.
Think of the songs as reinforcing the lessons being learning and slowly leading to a point when they sound more like them. Even without the complex picking this song sounds okay once you've got better at chord changes and strumming. Learning simple songs like this breaks you out of the pattern of just chord changes and prepares you for learning more complex songs as you progress....give it time
-
So first things first...you've got to understand that Justin simplifies a lot of songs so that those beginning can play something approximating the original. During the beginners stage this goes on all the way through slowly building to a point where the songs are more complex, more chord variations, more complex strumming etc. If you have the song books then Justin does in may say how you can take it to the next stage. In that video he starts off with the simple variation for the stage i.e. all down strums, then introduces something more complex (hitting the bass note as part of the strumming). The simple variation is what you're aiming for at this stage.
Secondly the tracks you're listening to on Spotify, in particular if it's an original, are going to be in a "band" situation with drums and probably at least two guitars with one playing rhythm and the other some form of lead guitar part OR if it's an acoustic they are probably playing a picked pattern over those chords...all just way to difficult for someone on that this stage.
Think of the songs as reinforcing the lessons being learning and slowly leading to a point when they sound more like them. Even without the complex picking this song sounds okay once you've got better at chord changes and strumming. Learning simple songs like this breaks you out of the pattern of just chord changes and prepares you for learning more complex songs as you progress....give it time
Yet another incredibly helpful reply, Jason ... good vibes to you 8)
-
Don't forget that the original Johnny Cash song contains five changes of key - one each time a new verse comes along.
-
Don't forget that the original Johnny Cash song contains five changes of key - one each time a new verse comes along.
That's another new word (key) which I have seen mentioned on here and am aware of but don't really know what it means. I even googled it but still not sure!!
-
That's another new word (key) which I have seen mentioned on here and am aware of but don't really know what it means. I even googled it but still not sure!!
The chord progression you are playing in verse 1 is changed for verses 2, 3, 4 and 5. The vocals have to change pitch to match this.