Cannonball by Duane Eddy - Note-for-Note Guitar Lesson
Our Cannonball by Duane Eddy guitar lesson on LickLibrary.com brings you a detailed, note-for-note breakdown of one of the most iconic rockabilly instrumentals. This lesson focuses on the techniques that define Eddy’s powerful playing style, including alternate picking and barre chords. Each section is designed to help guitarists of all levels capture the unique tone and groove of Cannonball while enhancing their technical skills. By learning these techniques, you’ll gain insights into Eddy’s innovative style and build a solid foundation for mastering other classic rock and rockabilly songs. This song is taught by Steve Trovato.
Technique Breakdown
Alternate Picking
Alternate picking is one of the key techniques used in Cannonball, enabling Eddy to create a fast, rhythmic feel that drives the song forward. Alternate picking involves a down-up motion with the pick, allowing for smoother, faster transitions between notes. This technique is especially important for songs like Cannonball, where a steady, pulsating rhythm is crucial to maintaining the song’s momentum.
For guitarists, learning alternate picking is essential to building speed, accuracy, and efficiency. By mastering this technique, you’ll be able to tackle faster, more complex patterns with greater control and fluidity. Alternate picking is a staple in many rock and rockabilly songs, making it an invaluable skill for players who want to expand their rhythm and lead capabilities.
Barre Chords
Barre chords form the backbone of Cannonball, adding depth and power to Eddy’s driving rhythm. Barre chords are created by pressing down multiple strings with one finger, allowing you to move chord shapes up and down the fretboard easily. In Cannonball, Eddy uses barre chords to create a full, resonant sound that provides the perfect foundation for his twangy lead lines.
Learning barre chords is beneficial for guitarists who want to expand their chordal vocabulary and strengthen their fingers. Practicing this technique helps build finger strength and flexibility, allowing you to play a variety of chords in any key and transition smoothly across the fretboard. Barre chords are widely used in rock, blues, and country, making them essential for any guitarist looking to play songs across multiple genres.
About Duane Eddy and His Influence
Duane Eddy, often called the "King of Twang," is a pioneering guitarist whose distinctive playing has influenced countless musicians since the late 1950s. Known for his deep, resonant tones and innovative use of the guitar’s low strings, Eddy crafted a unique style that blended rock, country, and blues. His work on Cannonball is a testament to his mastery of rhythm, groove, and melody, showcasing techniques that became hallmarks of early rock and roll guitar. Learning Eddy’s style in this song offers guitarists a chance to understand the roots of rock guitar, as well as an opportunity to develop techniques that are foundational to rockabilly and surf music.
About The Tutor
Tutor Profile
Steve Trovato
To fans of country music, Steve needs no introduction and as an educator Steve holds a fulltime position in the Studio Jazz Department of Southern California. Steve has had a huge impact on the guitar learning scene with his old country guitar video and his Voodoo Blues series of books...