"Learn to Play Elvis Presley" by Licklibrary.com

Welcome to our new comprehensive course: "Learn to Play Elvis Presley". Discover the magic of the King's music as you dive deep into five of his greatest hits: "Good Rockin' Tonight", "Mystery Train", "My Baby Left Me", "Hound Dog", and "Too Much". This course by Lee Hodgson, breaks down each song in a note-for-note format, helping guitarists of all levels to learn, grow, and perfect their musical skills.

"Good Rockin' Tonight"

First on our list is the rollicking track, "Good Rockin' Tonight". It's a classic rock 'n' roll tune, characterized by a lively beat and energetic rhythms. Here, we focus on the blues scale in the key of E, a fundamental component that adds to the song's overall groove. You'll get to tackle and master the fast-paced alternate picking which is prevalent in the guitar solo section.

Scotty Moore, Elvis's primary guitarist, shines on this track, his rhythmic patterns interlacing seamlessly with Elvis's powerful vocals. His contribution to "Good Rockin' Tonight" brings out the essence of early rock 'n' roll and sets a high bar for the guitarists of that era.

"Mystery Train"

"Mystery Train" offers a rhythmic yet melodious exploration of the A blues scale. Its guitar part, marked by sharp riffs and a driving beat, is a fantastic example of the application of the palm muting technique, and it adds a distinct percussive quality to the song.

Moore's meticulous chord progressions and nuanced picking technique are what make the song's iconic guitar solo a pleasure to learn and play. His adeptness in blending rhythm and lead parts resulted in a unique sound that still influences guitarists today.

"My Baby Left Me"

An upbeat song laden with emotion, "My Baby Left Me" uses a combination of E major and minor pentatonic scales. The song incorporates essential guitar techniques like hammer-ons and pull-offs, and mastering these techniques will allow you to play the song with the same feel as the original recording.

Scotty Moore's clever use of double-stops in this track adds a harmonic richness to the lead guitar part. His ability to create memorable guitar solos while simultaneously driving the rhythm became a hallmark of Elvis's music.

"Hound Dog"

"Hound Dog" is a rhythm-centric song based on the 12-bar blues form in the key of C. This song uses various barre chords and the power chords to deliver a punchy and rhythmically engaging accompaniment. Scotty Moore's electric solo in "Hound Dog" is pure rock 'n' roll, filled with expressive bends and vibrato that create a sizzling sound.

"Too Much"

"Too Much" is a rhythmic masterpiece with its emphasis on the Bb major scale and the clever use of string bending. The bluesy bends technique used in this song imparts an authentic bluesy feeling, making the song's guitar part exciting to learn.

Scotty Moore's lead work on "Too Much" is iconic, showcasing his ability to draw out deep emotion through simple, yet expressive melodies. His contribution to this song solidifies his status as a rock 'n' roll guitar legend.

To conclude, our "Learn to Play Elvis Presley" course is a deep dive into the world of rock 'n' roll and blues. With each song, you will explore the depths of these genres, while sharpening your technical skills and expanding your musical vocabulary.

Techniques used in the course:

1. Alternate picking
2. Palm muting
3. Hammer-ons
4. Pull-offs
5. Barre chords
6. Power chords
7. String bending
8. Bluesy bends

In the process of learning these techniques, you'll gain a deeper understanding of how to infuse your playing with the kind of energy and emotion that made Elvis and Scotty Moore's music so unforgettable.