Streets of London - Ralph McTell

Learn to Play "Streets of London" Note for Note

Ralph McTell’s Streets of London is one of the most beloved folk songs of all time. Its beautiful fingerpicking pattern and heartfelt lyrics have made it a staple for acoustic guitarists worldwide. At Licklibrary.com, we bring you a detailed, note-for-note lesson to master this classic song. Our expert instructors break down the techniques used in Streets of London, helping you develop your skills while learning to play one of the greatest folk compositions in history.

This lesson not only teaches you how to play the song accurately but also focuses on essential guitar techniques that will enhance your overall playing ability. From fingerpicking to chord progressions, each section of the lesson is designed to help guitarists refine their touch, control, and musicality. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarist Profile: Ralph McTell and His Influence

Ralph McTell is an English singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist best known for Streets of London. His fingerpicking style is deeply influenced by American folk and blues artists like Bob Dylan and Blind Blake, and he has inspired generations of acoustic musicians with his warm, expressive playing. McTell’s technique combines delicate picking with rich chord voicings, making his style both intricate and highly melodic. His contribution to folk music remains significant, as his storytelling and guitar work continue to resonate with musicians worldwide.

Key Guitar Techniques in Streets of London

Fingerpicking

McTell’s Streets of London is a masterclass in fingerpicking. This technique involves plucking individual strings with the fingers rather than using a pick, producing a warm, intricate sound. Learning fingerpicking improves dexterity, independence between the thumb and fingers, and overall control of tone and dynamics.

Travis Picking

A crucial component of Streets of London is Travis picking, a fingerpicking technique that creates a steady bass rhythm with the thumb while the fingers pick the melody. This technique is widely used in folk and blues music and helps players develop a strong sense of timing and coordination.

Chord Progressions

The song follows a beautifully structured chord progression that enhances its storytelling quality. Understanding chord progressions allows guitarists to learn how chords interact harmonically, improving songwriting and improvisational skills.

Slides

Throughout the song, subtle slides add fluidity and expressiveness to the melody. This technique helps guitarists connect notes smoothly, making phrases sound more vocal-like and natural.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

McTell’s playing incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs to add articulation to the melody. These techniques enhance legato phrasing and improve finger strength and speed.

Barre Chords

The song requires the use of barre chords, which involve pressing down multiple strings with a single finger. Mastering barre chords expands a guitarist’s ability to play a wider variety of songs and enhances hand strength.

Capo Use

McTell often uses a capo to change the song’s key while maintaining familiar chord shapes. Learning to use a capo effectively allows for greater versatility and adaptability when playing different songs.

List of Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Fingerpicking
• Travis Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Barre Chords
• Capo

By mastering these techniques, you will not only be able to play Streets of London authentically but also develop a solid foundation in fingerstyle guitar. Our lesson at Licklibrary.com provides everything you need to refine your skills and play this timeless folk classic with confidence. Start learning today!