Songs to Try

The songs covered in this lesson are all great examples of the power of music theory, and how a proper understanding of it can be used to create truly memorable musical pieces. Try the songs below. If you have questions, please ask; ActoGuitar instructors are here to help.

Sweet Child o' Mine. Perhaps the quintessential hard rock love song, Slash's guitar work on this track remains some of his most impressive work yet. Music theory is religiously adhered to in this song; the introduction in particular offers a great example of how a major scale can be used to create pieces appropriate for virtually every genre of music.



For a detailed look at how to play this song, complete with some great videos to help, check out the full tablature for Sweet Child Of Mine on ActoGuitar.

Day Tripper. Yet another great song by the Beatles -- this one combines peculiar interval structure with a unique rhythm. The formula proved to be quite successful.



This is the main riff:

e------------------------------

b------------------------------

g------------------------------

d-------------2-0---4----0-2----

a----------2------2----2--------

e--0--3-4-----------------------

The following variation is also incorporated into the song:

E---------------------------------

B----------------------------------

G-------------2-0----4----0-2-----

D----------2------2----2----------

A--0--3-4-------------------------

E----------------------------------

Below is a video clip of the riff being played. Be sure to have your speakers turn on, and please allow a few seconds for the video to load.



Oye Como Va . Carlos Santana has proven himself to be a skilled guitarist throughout multiple decades in multiple genres. With all the changes, though, he has continued to utilize various forms of music theory as a base. "Oye Como Va" is no exception.



Intro (Repeat 4X):


e|--------7-8-10--7-------|

B|-10--10-----------8h10--|

G|------------------------|

D|------------------------|

A|------------------------|

E|------------------------|

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