UCL1 - WEEK 4
"SONG BIRD"
This week you will explore a relatively easy song by Oasis with just 2 chords, called SONGBIRD. However, you will also be introduced to TAB or TABLATURE which is another way of reading and playing single line melody music, which is great for instrumental pieces, solos and riffs.
PDF DOWNLOADS
Chord Shapes
🎸 G Major & E Minor: Your First Relative Chords
G major and E minor are what we call relative chords — think of them like musical cousins:
One is bright and cheerful, the other a bit more moody and mellow.
They’re closely related because they share two of the same notes. In fact, the only difference is a single note:
For now, let’s focus on the easiest way to switch between G and Em smoothly. Check out the chord diagrams below to practise the transition.
🎵 Note: Chords labelled in blue are for left-handed players.
G major and E minor are what we call relative chords — think of them like musical cousins:
One is bright and cheerful, the other a bit more moody and mellow.
They’re closely related because they share two of the same notes. In fact, the only difference is a single note:
- G major = G – B – D
- E minor = E – G – B
For now, let’s focus on the easiest way to switch between G and Em smoothly. Check out the chord diagrams below to practise the transition.
🎵 Note: Chords labelled in blue are for left-handed players.
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Strumming Pattern
🎸 How to Play a Country-Style “Train Track” Strumming Rhythm
This upbeat, syncopated rhythm mimics the steady motion of a moving train and is a classic in country, folk, and bluegrass styles.
🪕 The Feel: Think of the "chugga-chugga" sound of a train on the tracks. It has a driving, bouncy rhythm that emphasizes the offbeats (especially beats 2 and 4), giving it that signature country swing.
🧭 The Strumming Pattern:Try this pattern using down (D) and up (U) strums:
D - DU - DU - DU
or counted as:
1 - 2& - 3& - 4&
This upbeat, syncopated rhythm mimics the steady motion of a moving train and is a classic in country, folk, and bluegrass styles.
🪕 The Feel: Think of the "chugga-chugga" sound of a train on the tracks. It has a driving, bouncy rhythm that emphasizes the offbeats (especially beats 2 and 4), giving it that signature country swing.
🧭 The Strumming Pattern:Try this pattern using down (D) and up (U) strums:
D - DU - DU - DU
or counted as:
1 - 2& - 3& - 4&
- Keep the down strums on beat 1 & 3 light and percussive - just aim for the top two strings.
- Emphasise beats 2 and 4 slightly to give it bounce
- Maintain a steady rhythm, like a train chugging along the tracks
- Start slowly, then gradually increase speed to match a moderate to fast country tempo (e.g., 100–140 BPM)
EXERCISE: Watch the video below to see how to play this strumming pattern effectively.
MP3 DOWNLOAD
Click the button below to download the MP3 with click track to help you practice your timing with this new rhythm.
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