MODULE 1
MR SANDMAN
KEY COMPONENTS & BASIC ELEMENTS
It's important to understand the key components of the song before you get started so that you know what to aim for when practicing. All examples below are recorded at 90BPM. The video tutorials will be recorded at 70 & 80BPM to assist with your practice.
TIME SIGNATURE: 4/4
TEMPO: 90BPM
KEY: C
TEMPO: 90BPM
KEY: C
Playing this song in the key of C major is a great key for picking out that melody line during the chorus sections and solo as there are quite a few open strings to pluck. If you wish to sing along but find it difficult in this key, you can always change keys later, or slap on a capo and play the same patterns higher up the neck. If you are unsure about how to change keys, click on the button below to download a KEY SIGNATURE CHART and essential information on HOW TO CHANGE KEYS.
THE RIFF
The main riff of the song is based around the two chords of C major 7 (Cmaj7) and G7. The Cmaj7 is arpeggiated and single notes are plucked in ascending order on the G7 to provide that dreamy sound for the intro section and the bridge sections. Each note is played as an 8th note over two bars as follows:
The riff is played twice for each segment it appears in. Try adding a down strum on G7 in between the 1st and second riff as follows:
Remember, when picking arpeggios like this, ideally you want to alternate your plucking thumb between the G & C string, your index should pluck notes on the E string and your middle finger should be allocated to the A string. Watch the video below for a demonstration of this riff section:
BASIC OPEN CHORD SHAPES
This arrangement is dominated by 7th chords and contains a variety of: SEVENTHS, MAJOR 7th, MINOR 7th sand MINOR 6ths. However, to play the advanced version of the song you will need to explore some added 5th shapes, alternative minor 6th shapes and suspended 4ths too.
If you wish to play this song in a duo or as a group you can use these 12 basic chord shapes to create the main rhythm section of the song:
Please note that the red X above the G string on the Ab7 chord means that you should avoid playing that string when striking the chord. The same goes for the Fm6 below. Download the PDF song sheet below to see how these basic chords work.
ALTERNATIVE CHORD SHAPES
When playing the full advanced version with both chords and melody combined, you will need to become familiar with the following alternative chord shapes and added chords not necessary for the basic rhythm section to ensure the right melody notes are played:
Please note that when you see a number at the side of the chord box, either on the left or right, this represents the fret at which you are to position the chord. Watch the video below for a demonstration of each of these chords with the most effective fingerings. Click on the button below to download all chords onto a PDF
Now it's time to get started on the arrangement which will be broken down into sections, so click the button below for the module 2.