Learn to Play "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong on Guitar

Embark on a musical journey with our comprehensive guitar lesson on Louis Armstrong's iconic song "What a Wonderful World." This lesson is designed for guitarists looking to explore the nuances of jazz guitar playing and enhance their technical skills. We focus on arpeggiated chord progressions and barre chords, which are integral to mastering the style and essence of this classic tune. This song lesson is taught by Mitch Laddie.

Song Overview

"What a Wonderful World," performed by Louis Armstrong, is a timeless piece that has touched millions with its soothing melody and optimistic lyrics. The song features guitar work that perfectly complements Armstrong's vocal lines, providing a warm, rich backdrop to the lyrics. The guitar arrangements in the song are an excellent resource for learning advanced techniques that are prevalent in many jazz standards.

Guitar Techniques in "What a Wonderful World"

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Arpeggiated chord progressions involve playing the notes of a chord sequentially, rather than simultaneously. This technique adds a harmonic richness and texture to the music, making it more expressive and sonically interesting. In "What a Wonderful World," the use of arpeggiated chords helps in creating a flowing, continuous sound that enhances the song's lyrical themes of beauty and serenity. Learning this technique can greatly improve your hand coordination and timing, making you a more versatile player.

Barre Chords

Barre chords are a fundamental guitar technique where one finger presses down multiple strings across the fretboard. This song utilizes barre chords to achieve a fuller sound and to modulate between different chord shapes efficiently. Mastering barre chords can be incredibly beneficial as they allow you to play a wider range of chords and can be used in various musical genres beyond jazz.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

While Louis Armstrong is primarily known for his trumpet playing and distinctive vocal style, the guitarists accompanying him in various recordings of "What a Wonderful World" also deserve recognition. Their ability to blend seamlessly with Armstrong's performance using subtle yet effective guitar techniques has been instrumental in creating the song's enduring appeal. These players are exemplary models of how guitarists can support a lead melody and enhance the overall musical arrangement without overshadowing the main performer.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By focusing on arpeggiated chord progressions and barre chords, guitarists can gain a deeper understanding of musical structure and improve their technical skill set. These techniques are not only essential for jazz but are also applicable in many other music styles, increasing your versatility as a musician. Furthermore, the skills developed through this lesson can expand your repertoire and enable you to express yourself more fully through your instrument.

Conclusion

Learning to play "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong is not just about acquiring new guitar skills—it's also an opportunity to delve into the rich history of jazz music and interpret one of its most beloved songs. This lesson will not only enhance your technical abilities but also deepen your appreciation for the subtleties of musical expression.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords

Through this lesson, you will not only learn to play a beautiful piece of music but also build a foundation in guitar techniques that will serve you in countless other musical endeavors. Join us at Licklibrary to discover the magic of guitar music and improve your playing one note at a time.