Learn to Play "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman on Guitar

"Fast Car," a classic track by Tracy Chapman, is more than just a piece of music; it's a poignant story set against a melodic backdrop that captures the essence of hope and escape. This song has not only left a lasting mark on the folk-rock genre but also showcases an array of guitar techniques that can enhance any guitarist's skill set. Our guitar lesson at Licklibrary.com delves deep into the nuances of "Fast Car," teaching you the intricacies of playing this iconic song note for note. This lesson is designed to help guitarists master several important techniques that Tracy Chapman used to give the song its distinctive sound. This lesson is taught by Sam Bell.

Song and Artist Background

Tracy Chapman, known for her soul-stirring lyrics and minimalist yet poignant guitar playing, brought a unique style to the late 80s folk-rock scene. Her performance of "Fast Car" at Nelson Mandela’s 70th Birthday Tribute was a defining moment in her career, elevating her to global fame. The song features Tracy’s skilled acoustic guitar work that complements her narrative style of songwriting. Learning to play "Fast Car" offers guitarists a chance to explore Chapman’s expressive style and understand how her guitar playing serves both as a rhythmic foundation and a melodic lead.

Guitar Techniques Featured in "Fast Car"

Capo

The capo is a pivotal tool in "Fast Car," utilized to adjust the pitch of the guitar while allowing the player to use familiar chord shapes. By using a capo on the second fret, guitarists can play open chords that sound in a higher register, bringing a bright and full sound that matches the original track. This technique simplifies playing and enhances tonal possibilities.

Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking forms the backbone of the song’s distinctive texture. This technique allows for a greater control over individual strings, enabling the player to emphasize the melodic line while maintaining a rhythmic bass pattern. Mastering fingerpicking through "Fast Car" can significantly improve hand coordination and dynamic control, making it an essential skill for acoustic guitarists.

Hammer-Ons

Hammer-ons in "Fast Car" contribute to the fluidity of the melody, allowing for smoother transitions between notes. This technique involves striking the string and then pressing down onto the fretboard without plucking again, creating a legato effect. Learning this can add expressiveness to your playing, making it vital for both lead and rhythm guitarists.

Slides

The use of slides in the song enhances its lyrical quality by connecting notes smoothly, thereby creating a sense of movement and expression. Slides involve shifting from one fret to another to change the pitch in a gliding motion. This technique is instrumental in adding a vocal-like quality to the guitar’s voice.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Each of these techniques—capo, fingerpicking, hammer-ons, and slides—serves not just to replicate the sound of "Fast Car" but also to broaden a guitarist's expressive range. Learning these techniques through a well-loved and recognized song makes the process enjoyable and directly applicable to a wide array of musical situations. It equips guitarists with versatile skills that can be adapted across genres and styles.

Guitar Techniques Used in Our Lessons

• Capo
• Finger-Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Slides

By incorporating these techniques into your repertoire through "Fast Car," you not only enjoy recreating a classic tune but also enhance your overall guitar skills, making your musical expression as moving and memorable as the song itself. Join us at Licklibrary.com to start your journey into the rich soundscapes of Tracy Chapman’s "Fast Car."