Learn To Play The Clash

Guitar Lesson Course Overview

The Clash, known for their explosive contributions to punk and rock music, have left an indelible mark on guitarists worldwide. Their catchy riffs, raw energy, and socio-political lyrics make their songs timeless and always exciting to play. "Learn To Play The Clash" is an immersive experience into the band's guitar-driven anthems. This product dissects five iconic Clash songs, providing note-for-note guitar lessons that delve into the musical genius of lead guitarist Mick Jones and the fiery essence of punk rock that the band embodies. This course is taught by Michael Casswell.

Guitar Lessons Include:

London Calling

White Riot

Should I Stay Or Should I Go

I Fought The Law

Tommy Gun 

Lesson Performance Notes

London Calling

"London Calling" is one of The Clash's most iconic songs, known for its apocalyptic lyrics and reggae-influenced rhythm. The song primarily uses the E major scale, providing a mix of rock and reggae feels. The rhythm guitar is aggressive yet melodic, using barre chords to create a rich, full sound that drives the song's urgency. Mick Jones' lead guitar interjects with short, poignant fills that supplement the song's melodic structure. The solo is relatively simple but effective, emphasizing the song's overall mood rather than showcasing technical prowess.

White Riot

"White Riot" is raw, fast-paced, and embodies the punk spirit. The song is in the key of A, and it's a straightforward progression that relies heavily on power chords and palm-muting to deliver its high-energy rhythm. The rapid alternate picking required encapsulates the urgency and the message of the song. There isn't a traditional "guitar solo" in this track, but the lead guitar is constant and uses a mix of scales and pentatonics for fills, maintaining the song's fast tempo and raw energy.

Should I Stay Or Should I Go

With its catchy riff and sing-along chorus, "Should I Stay Or Should I Go" is a classic that incorporates a strong rock 'n' roll vibe. The song uses a basic D major scale, with the lead guitar part featuring a memorable opening riff and a solo that utilizes double-stops and slides to add to its infectious rhythm. The strumming pattern is key here, with a mix of syncopated rhythms that give it a distinct sound characteristic of The Clash's style.

I Fought The Law

"I Fought The Law" is marked by its driving rhythm and the continuous interplay between the vocal melody and guitar lines. This song, in the key of E, features a mix of power chords and open-string riffs, creating a buoyant musical landscape that propels the song forward. The solo is short and melodic, using the minor pentatonic scale, and it complements the song's structure rather than overtaking it.

Tommy Gun

"Tommy Gun" starts with an aggressive, rapid-fire rhythm mimicking the sound of the gun it's named after. It uses the F# minor scale, and the guitar work involves fast alternate picking and a consistent rhythm that holds the song together. The lead guitar in "Tommy Gun" follows the vocal melody in several sections, enhancing the song's thematic content. There's a brief but intense solo that uses a combination of scales, string-bending, and fast picking to illustrate the song's volatile theme.

Mick Jones' Contribution

Mick Jones, the lead guitarist of The Clash, was instrumental in shaping the sound and attitude of the band. His ability to meld raw aggression with an innate sense of melody allowed the band's music to be both edgy and accessible. Jones wasn't just a punk rocker; he was a musician capable of integrating different genres into his playing, evident in the reggae, rockabilly, and ska influences in many of The Clash's songs. His solos often served the song's message and mood, not just his technical skill. In these five songs, Jones' versatility and musicality are evident, making them excellent learning material for guitarists.

Techniques Used in These Lessons

• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Barre Chords
• Power Chords
• Double-Stops
• Slides
• String Bending
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Open-String Riffs
• Hammer-Ons

These techniques are fundamental to capturing The Clash's unique sound, providing both beginner and experienced guitarists with valuable skills that are transferable across various music styles. Whether you're looking to master the punk genre or expand your musical repertoire, "Learn To Play The Clash" offers comprehensive lessons that will enhance your guitar playing.