"Angie" by The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones' "Angie" is a timeless ballad known for its intricate guitar work, delicate picking patterns, and emotive phrasing. Learning to play "Angie" note for note is an enriching experience for any guitarist, as it introduces a blend of essential techniques that are both accessible to beginners and beneficial for advanced players looking to refine their touch and tone. This comprehensive lesson on "Angie" focuses on each detail of the guitar work, providing insights into the techniques and the stylistic elements that bring this song to life. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Work on "Angie"

The guitar on "Angie" primarily features Mick Taylor, who, alongside Keith Richards, crafted the song’s iconic melody and harmony. Mick Taylor’s influence brought a unique touch to The Rolling Stones, blending his bluesy, melodic approach with Richards’ rhythmic sensibility. Taylor’s work on "Angie" highlights his expressive use of melody and feel, particularly in the way he captures the emotive depth of the song. His touch resonates with precision and a lightness that contrasts beautifully with the melancholic undertone of the song, giving guitarists a chance to explore how subtlety and restraint can enhance a piece.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

1. Finger-Picking

The foundation of "Angie" is its delicate finger-picking style, a technique that involves using fingers rather than a pick to pluck the strings individually. This method creates a soft, resonant sound that fits perfectly with the ballad’s emotional vibe. By practicing finger-picking, players can develop a deeper connection with the instrument, gain more control over their dynamics, and achieve a smoother transition between strings. Finger-picking also encourages finger independence, a valuable skill for any guitarist looking to explore complex patterns and rhythms.

2. Chord Progressions

The song’s chord progression is rich and flowing, guiding the melody with a sequence that reinforces the melancholic tone. Working through these chord changes helps guitarists understand how progressions support a melody and create emotional movement within a song. By mastering the chord progressions in "Angie," learners improve their ability to transition smoothly between chords and build a more intuitive grasp of harmony and song structure.

3. Slides

Slides add a unique expressiveness to the song, giving the notes a smooth, connected feel. This technique requires sliding a finger along the string to transition from one note to another seamlessly. Practicing slides in the context of "Angie" enhances a player’s fluidity and precision, helping them develop a more expressive style by adding character and continuity to each phrase.

4. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

"Angie" features subtle use of hammer-ons and pull-offs, techniques that involve pressing down or releasing a string to produce additional notes without re-picking. These techniques add smoothness and complexity to a melody. Hammer-ons and pull-offs improve finger strength and dexterity, which are crucial for executing fast, clean phrases. In "Angie," they allow guitarists to explore how to incorporate these techniques seamlessly into a song's flow.

5. String Bending

String bending is another expressive technique used subtly in "Angie," allowing notes to reach pitches in between the standard frets, adding emotion and depth to the sound. This technique can be challenging, requiring precision to reach the desired pitch without overshooting. By practicing bends, guitarists gain control over pitch modulation, allowing for a more nuanced and expressive play-style.

6. Barre Chords

The lesson on "Angie" also covers barre chords, which involve pressing multiple strings with a single finger to create fuller, richer chords. Barre chords are essential for building strength in the fretting hand and expanding the range of voicings available. They are also foundational for playing many other genres, from rock to jazz, making them a versatile skill.

7. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Arpeggiated chord progressions are a hallmark of "Angie." This technique breaks up chords into individual notes, allowing each string in the chord to be heard separately. Playing arpeggios enhances accuracy and finger independence, while also developing the player's sense of timing. Arpeggios make it easier to add movement to chords, creating a more dynamic and layered sound.

8. Sustain

The sustain in "Angie" is subtle but crucial, allowing notes to resonate for a more profound, lingering effect. Practicing sustain involves focusing on finger pressure and timing, ensuring each note rings out to its fullest potential. Mastering sustain helps guitarists with their tonal control, allowing them to play notes that feel more expressive and well-rounded.

9. Vibrato

Vibrato is employed with finesse in "Angie," adding a slight variation in pitch to sustain notes, giving them a more vocal quality. Vibrato is essential for adding depth and emotion to playing, allowing guitarists to breathe life into each note. It’s a foundational skill for developing an expressive style and is widely used across various music genres.

10. Alternate Picking

While subtle in "Angie," alternate picking provides a steady, rhythmic foundation. This technique, involving alternating downstrokes and upstrokes, improves speed and accuracy, making it easier to handle fast passages with precision. Alternate picking is a core technique for guitarists of all levels, helping to enhance timing, control, and fluidity.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Angie" Guitar Lesson

Here is a list of the guitar techniques explored in the "Angie" guitar lesson, along with links to their definitions and exercises:

• Finger-Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Barre Chords
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Sustain
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking

By focusing on these techniques in the context of "Angie," guitarists gain a deeper understanding of both the technical and emotional aspects of the guitar, making this lesson a valuable experience for players at any stage.