Master Northern Attitude with this Easy Guitar Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Playing Northern Attitude
   1. Different ways to play with a capo
   2. Playing in an open version
   3. Easiest version for beginners and intermediate players
3. Fingerpicking Technique
   1. Open D, G, and B strings
   2. Hammering on the D string
   3. Fiddly part on the D string
   4. Hammering off and pulling off notes
4. Tabs and Patreon
   1. Link to Patreon for tabs and chord charts
   2. Other sections in the song
5. Chord Chart
   1. D major and B minor chords
   2. F# minor chord
6. Chorus Section
   1. Changing chords during the chorus
   2. Accenting certain chords
7. Repetition in the Song
   1. Returning to the fingerpicking part
   2. Verse and bridge sections
8. Strumming in the Bridge Section
9. Sustained Chorus and Outro

🎹 Playing Northern Attitude

Northern Attitude is a song that has recently been released by Noan, featuring Josier. In this tutorial, we will explore different ways to play this song, with a focus on the version where a capo is used on the first fret. For those interested in learning the fingerpicking part, we will break it down step by step. If you prefer to play chords, we will cover the D major and B minor chords, which are the main chords used in the song. So, let's dive in and start playing Northern Attitude!

Different Ways to Play with a Capo

When playing Northern Attitude with a capo, there are several positions you can place it to achieve different sounds. For this tutorial, we will use a capo on the first fret. If you don't have a capo, don't worry! You can find a link in the description to purchase an affordable one on Amazon.

Playing in an Open Version

Alternatively, you can also play Northern Attitude without a capo in what is called the "open version." However, for the purpose of this tutorial, we will focus on the version with a capo on the first fret, as it is generally easier for beginners and intermediate players.

Fingerpicking Technique

Before we dive into the chords and strumming patterns, let's first take a look at the fingerpicking technique used in Northern Attitude. It is a brilliant part of the song but can be quite challenging. By breaking it down into smaller steps, we can make it more approachable.

Open D, G, and B Strings

To start the fingerpicking part, we will play the open D, G, and B strings together. Place your fingers on the second fret of the G string and the third fret of the B string, using your index finger and ring finger. Play the notes in this order: D, G, B. Keep practicing this pattern until you feel comfortable.

Hammering on the D String

Continuing with the fingerpicking part, we will now add a hammer-on technique to the D string. Hammer-on from the open D string to the second fret, while simultaneously playing the G and B strings. This adds a melodic element to the fingerpicking pattern and gives it a beautiful sound.

Fiddly Part on the D String

Next, we have a slightly more intricate part on the D string. Keep your fingers in place and hammer-on from the second fret to the fourth fret on the D string. At the same time, play the second and third frets on the B and G strings, respectively. This part may require some extra practice to get comfortable with the finger positions.

Hammering off and Pulling off Notes

To conclude the first half of the fingerpicking pattern, we need to play the D string at the 4th, 2nd, and 0th frets consecutively. You can choose to either hammer off or pull off these notes. Experiment with both techniques to find the sound that you prefer.

🎼 Tabs and Patreon

If you'd like access to the tab corresponding to the fingerpicking part shown in the video, as well as the chord charts and lyrics for the entire song, consider visiting our Patreon page. For a small contribution, you'll gain access to these resources, saving you time and potential mistakes when writing them out yourself. Head over to the description for the Patreon link.

The next part of the song features a section called the chorus, which consists of various chord changes. We will cover this section in detail in the following sections, along with other parts of the song.

Chord Chart

Before we continue, let's go over the main chords used in Northern Attitude. The two primary chords are D major and B minor. Mastering these chord shapes will allow you to play the majority of the song.

D Major: Place your fingers in an open D position, which includes the open D string, second fret on the G string, third fret on the B string, and second fret on the high E string.

B Minor: Starting two frets up from the capo, form a barre chord with your index finger. Press down all the strings on the second fret, then add your middle finger on the fourth fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string.

Additionally, we will encounter the F# minor chord, which can be formed by taking the B minor shape and moving it up one string. Remove your middle finger, resulting in an open high E string.

🎵 Chorus Section

The chorus is a significant part of Northern Attitude, and it involves transitioning between chords while maintaining a consistent rhythm. Let's take a closer look at how to play this section.

Changing Chords during the Chorus

During the chorus, the chord progression consists of D major, G major, A major, and G major. To emphasize certain chords, we will accent them by playing them slightly louder. Accentuate the D major chord, play the G major chord normally, accentuate the A major chord, and do the same for the G major chord. This subtle variation adds dynamics to the chorus and enhances the overall musicality.

Repetition in the Song

Throughout Northern Attitude, you will notice certain sections and chord progressions repeating. This repetition adds cohesion to the song, making it easier to follow along and play. Let's take a look at the sections that reappear.

Returning to the Fingerpicking Part

After the chorus, we return to the fingerpicking part we learned earlier. This part serves as a recurring motif throughout the song, adding character and continuity. Practice and master the fingerpicking pattern so that you can flawlessly transition back to it.

Verse and Bridge Sections

The song transitions into a verse section, which consists of the D major and B minor chords, followed by a bridge section. This bridge section repeats the chords from the chorus - D major, G major, A major, and G major - with a more energetic strumming pattern. Concentrate on maintaining a consistent rhythm while strumming these chords to capture the essence of the bridge section.

Strumming in the Bridge Section

During the bridge section, there is a shift in strumming style. Rather than fingerpicking, we use a more pronounced strumming pattern. For the D major chord, strum down four times quickly, followed by the same pattern for the G major and A major chords. This rhythmic variation adds intensity to the bridge section, creating an engaging dynamic in the song.

🎶 Sustained Chorus and Outro

Returning to the chorus, we transition into a sustained version, holding each chord for four beats. The progression remains the same: D major, G major, A major, and G major. This creates a more expansive sound, allowing the chorus to build towards a powerful climax.

As the song draws to a close, we have an outro section. It revisits the fingerpicking part one last time, providing a melodic and captivating ending to "Northern Attitude."

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FAQs

Q: Can I play "Northern Attitude" without a capo? A: Yes, you can play the song without a capo using the open version. However, this tutorial focuses on the version with a capo on the first fret.

Q: Where can I find the tabs and chord charts for the song? A: You can find the tabs, chord charts, and lyrics on our Patreon page. Check out the link in the description for more information.

Q: Are the chords the same throughout the entire song? A: No, the song includes different sections with varying chord progressions. However, there are recurring sections that repeat certain chords.

Q: How do I strum during the bridge section? A: In the bridge section, strum each chord down four times quickly to create an energetic rhythm.

Q: Can I sustain the chords during the chorus? A: Yes, you can sustain the chords during the chorus section. Simply hold each chord for four beats before transitioning to the next one.