Free Fallin' by Tom Petty

Learn to Play "Free Fallin’" by Tom Petty

Tom Petty’s Free Fallin’ is an iconic song that stands as one of the greatest acoustic-driven rock tracks ever recorded. Known for its simple yet effective chord progression and emotive vocal delivery, Free Fallin’ is a fantastic song for guitarists to learn. This note-for-note lesson from Licklibrary.com breaks down every detail of the song, allowing players to master the distinct techniques that give the song its signature feel.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to improve your rhythm playing or an experienced guitarist wanting to refine your acoustic performance, this lesson provides an in-depth breakdown of the key guitar techniques used throughout the track. Danny Gill breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Guitarists on Free Fallin’ and Their Influence

The song Free Fallin’ was recorded by Tom Petty and featured guitarist Mike Campbell, Petty’s longtime collaborator and a master of subtle, expressive playing. Campbell’s ability to craft timeless guitar parts with minimal notes is a key element of Petty’s music. His playing style, rooted in rock, folk, and blues influences, focuses on feel and dynamics rather than technical complexity. This makes his work both accessible to beginners and inspirational to seasoned players.

Techniques Used in Free Fallin’

Capo Usage

One of the defining characteristics of Free Fallin’ is the use of a capo on the third fret. This allows the song’s chords to be played using open chord shapes while keeping the bright, ringing sound that defines the track. Learning to use a capo effectively is crucial for any guitarist, as it expands the possibilities of playing songs in different keys without changing chord fingerings.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The main guitar part in Free Fallin’ features arpeggiated chord progressions, where each note in the chord is played separately rather than strummed. This technique creates a delicate and flowing feel, making the song sound more melodic and expressive. Mastering arpeggiated chord progressions improves picking accuracy and overall finger coordination.

Finger-Picking Technique

Rather than relying on a standard pick-based approach, Free Fallin’ incorporates finger-picking, giving it a softer, more intimate sound. This technique involves using individual fingers to pluck the strings, allowing for greater control over dynamics and articulation. Learning finger-picking enhances a player’s versatility, making it easier to play folk, classical, and acoustic rock songs.

Chord Progressions and Open Chords

The song follows a repeating chord progression that is simple but incredibly effective. Playing open chords in a steady rhythm is essential for capturing the song’s feel. Open chord progressions are fundamental to all guitar styles and improve a guitarist’s ability to transition between chords smoothly.

Slides

Some of the embellishments in the song feature slides, where a note is played and then smoothly moved up or down the fretboard to another note. This technique adds expressiveness and fluidity to the playing. Learning slides enhances lead guitar phrasing and helps create smoother note transitions.

Sustain and Dynamics

Mike Campbell’s playing in Free Fallin’ emphasises sustain, allowing certain notes and chords to ring out for a more atmospheric effect. Developing control over sustain and dynamics is vital for making guitar parts sound more emotional and engaging.

Guitar Techniques Used in Free Fallin’

• Capo
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Finger-Picking
• Chord Progressions
• Slides
• Sustain

By mastering these techniques, you’ll not only be able to play Free Fallin’ accurately but also enhance your overall guitar skills, making it easier to play other acoustic-driven rock songs. Get started now with Licklibrary.com’s detailed lesson and take your guitar playing to the next level!