Learn to Play Shakedown Street by the Grateful Dead

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Breakdown of "Shakedown Street" by the Grateful Dead
   • The D Minor Chord and Lick
   • The G Chord Variation
   • The F Chord and C7
   • Two-Guitar Parts
3. Chord Progressions and Variations
   • F Major Seven and E Minor
   • Under the Bridge Chord Variation
   • E Minor Seven and F Major Seven
4. Funky Grooves and Soloing Techniques
   • C Blues Scale and Mixolydian Mode
   • Jerry Garcia's Influences
   • Pentatonic Extensions and Hammer-ons
5. Next Door Licks and Tasty Zone Bundle
   • Classic Licks in C Major
   • The Tasty Zone Bundle at MartyMusic.com
6. Conclusion

Breakdown of "Shakedown Street" by the Grateful Dead 💃🎸

The song "Shakedown Street" by the Grateful Dead is a catchy tune with an infectious rhythm. In this breakdown, we will explore the chords, variations, and soloing techniques used in the song. So grab your guitar and let's dive in!

The D Minor Chord and Lick

The song starts with a D minor chord, which sets the mood for the rest of the track. To add some flair, you can incorporate a simple lick using the third fret on the D string, followed by the second fret and open strings. This lick adds a touch of character to the song and showcases the Grateful Dead's signature sound.

The G Chord Variation

As the song progresses, it transitions to a G chord. If you're playing with another guitarist, one of you can strum the G chord while the other explores different chord voicings. However, if you're playing solo, you can alternate between the traditional G chord and an F chord for some variation. Feel free to experiment and find the sound that suits your style.

The F Chord and C7

Next up is the F chord, which adds a rich texture to the song. You can play an F major seven chord by positioning your fingers on the eighth fret, creating a smooth and jazzy sound. From there, you can seamlessly transition to an E minor chord, adding a touch of diversity to the progression. If you're feeling adventurous, try playing an E minor seven chord for a disco-infused jazz sound.

The song then resolves back to the F major seven, creating a satisfying resolution. You can continue this pattern, highlighting the minor blues elements of the song. Experiment with different chord voicings and find the ones that resonate with you.

Two-Guitar Parts

If you have another guitarist to jam with, you can divide the parts to create a fuller sound. One guitarist can play the chord progressions while the other guitarist adds embellishments and fills. This allows for a dynamic and layered performance, giving the song a professional touch. Alternatively, you can utilize some of the previous chord variations to create a compelling two-guitar arrangement.

Chord Progressions and Variations

To add depth to your performance, you can experiment with different chord progressions and variations. Incorporating a variety of chords and voicings can elevate your rendition of "Shakedown Street." By using a combination of the F major seven, E minor, and D minor chords, you can create a unique and captivating sound.

Another popular chord variation is the "Under the Bridge" chord for F major seven. This involves using a barre across the eighth fret, accompanied by the ninth and tenth frets on the A and D strings. This voicing adds a beautiful resonance to the song, making it all the more enjoyable to play.

Funky Grooves and Soloing Techniques

Now, let's explore the funky groove and soloing techniques used in "Shakedown Street." The song is primarily based on the C blues scale and mixolydian mode. These scales provide a bluesy foundation for improvisation, giving you the freedom to explore different melodic ideas.

Jerry Garcia, the lead guitarist of the Grateful Dead, heavily influenced the soloing style in "Shakedown Street." His extensive use of the mixolydian mode is evident throughout the song. It's a great opportunity to incorporate Garcia's approach to soloing into your own playing.

When soloing, make use of pentatonic extensions and hammer-ons. These techniques add flair and intensity to your solos, allowing you to create captivating melodic lines. Don't shy away from experimenting with sliding techniques and incorporating bends to add expressive elements to your playing.

Next Door Licks and Tasty Zone Bundle

To further enhance your guitar skills, try incorporating the classic "next door" licks into your playing. These licks involve utilizing adjacent notes on the fretboard to create a seamless transition between phrases. In the key of C major, these licks can be played on the 13th fret of the B and high E strings, as well as the 10th fret of the D and G strings.

If you're interested in diving deeper into these techniques and exploring a wide range of guitar concepts, check out the Tasty Zone Bundle available at MartyMusic.com. This comprehensive bundle covers various guitar styles, including funk, blues, and jazz. It's the perfect resource to take your guitar playing to the next level.

Conclusion

"Shakedown Street" by the Grateful Dead is an exciting song that combines catchy chord progressions, funky grooves, and captivating soloing techniques. By incorporating the discussed techniques and variations, you can add your own personal touch to the song. So dust off your guitar and start jamming to the infectious sounds of "Shakedown Street"!

Highlights:

• "Shakedown Street" breakdown and exploration
• Incorporating a variety of chord voicings for depth
• Funky grooves and soloing techniques in the mixolydian mode
• Next door licks for a seamless transition between phrases
• The Tasty Zone Bundle for comprehensive guitar learning

FAQ

Q: Where can I find the free patch for the Boss Katana mentioned in the video? A: The free patch for the Boss Katana can be downloaded from the provided link located below the video.

Q: Are there any recommended resources for further guitar learning? A: Yes! The Tasty Zone Bundle available at MartyMusic.com offers comprehensive guitar lessons covering various styles like funk, blues, and jazz. It's a great resource for taking your guitar playing to the next level.