Master the Art of Guitar with 'I Just Died in Your Arms' by Cutting Crew
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of "I Just Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew
- The Melodic Guitar Work of Kevin McMicheal
- Breaking Down the Intro and Verse Riffs
- Mastering the Chorus Section
- Variation in the Chorus and Bridge
- Unraveling the Solo by Kevin McMicheal
- Outro and Conclusion
- Pros and Cons of "I Just Died in Your Arms"
- Resources
Introduction
Hey guys, it's Carl Brown with GuitarLessons365.com! Today, we have a classic song from the 80s that we're going to dive into. In this lesson, we'll learn how to play "I Just Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew. This song is an incredible classic with excellent guitar work throughout, all thanks to the late great Kevin McMicheal.
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Now, let's jump right into learning "I Just Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew!
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Overview of "I Just Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew
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"I Just Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew is an iconic song from the 80s that continues to captivate audiences with its melodic guitar work and memorable lyrics. The track features the brilliant guitar playing of Kevin McMicheal, who effortlessly weaves his way through the song with intricate guitar melodies and solos.
Throughout the lesson, we will break down the different sections of the song, including the intro, verses, chorus, bridge, and solos. We'll also explore the variations and nuances that McMicheal adds to each section, giving you a comprehensive understanding of his playing style and techniques.
By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to play "I Just Died in Your Arms" from start to finish, impressing your friends and fellow guitar enthusiasts with your mastery of this 80s classic. So grab your guitar, let's get started!
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The Melodic Guitar Work of Kevin McMicheal
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The guitar work in "I Just Died in Your Arms" is a testament to the talent of Kevin McMicheal. McMicheal's style is characterized by his ability to create melodic and emotive guitar lines that perfectly complement the song's lyrics and overall feel. Throughout the track, McMicheal showcases his exceptional sense of phrasing, using a combination of chords, arpeggios, and single-note lines to create a rich and dynamic sonic landscape.
In this section, we will dive deeper into McMicheal's melodic guitar work, exploring his use of chord voicings, embellishments, and improvisational techniques. By understanding McMicheal's playing style, you'll be able to capture the essence of the song and add your own flavor to it.
So let's explore the melodic guitar work of Kevin McMicheal and discover how he brought "I Just Died in Your Arms" to life through his playing.
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Breaking Down the Intro and Verse Riffs
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The intro and verse sections of "I Just Died in Your Arms" set the mood for the song with their captivating guitar riffs. McMicheal's guitar parts in these sections perfectly complement the vocals, creating a captivating blend of melody and rhythm.
To begin, we'll focus on the intro, which features a melodic guitar part adapted from the original synth line. McMicheal takes this synth part and creates a memorable guitar riff using thumb chords and carefully executed muted notes. With the tabs provided, you'll learn how to play this guitar part note for note, capturing the essence of the intro.
Moving on to the verse sections, McMicheal maintains the same melodic guitar lines but adds his own embellishments and variations. By studying these riffs, you'll understand how McMicheal adds depth and texture to the song, making it truly stand out.
So grab your guitar and let's dive into the intro and verse riffs of "I Just Died in Your Arms"!
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Mastering the Chorus Section
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The chorus of "I Just Died in Your Arms" is where the song truly shines, thanks to McMicheal's exceptional guitar work. The chorus features a combination of chord progressions, arpeggios, and melodic lines that create a powerful and memorable musical experience.
To master the chorus section, we'll break it down into its individual components, starting with the chords. McMicheal utilizes various chord voicings to evoke different emotions and add color to the song. By learning these chord voicings, you'll be able to play the chorus with confidence and authenticity.
Next, we'll explore the arpeggios and melodic lines that give the chorus its distinctive sound. McMicheal's use of arpeggios adds a sense of movement and tension to the song, while his melodic lines provide a memorable hook that sticks with the listener long after the song is over.
By dissecting and practicing these elements, you'll be able to master the chorus section of "I Just Died in Your Arms" and create the same impactful guitar sound that McMicheal delivered.
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Variation in the Chorus and Bridge
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While the chorus and bridge sections of "I Just Died in Your Arms" follow a similar structure, McMicheal adds subtle variations that enhance the overall musical experience. These variations not only provide a refreshing take on the song but also showcase McMicheal's creativity and improvisational skills.
In this section, we'll explore the variations that McMicheal incorporates into the chorus and bridge sections. These include altered chord voicings, additional melodies, and dynamic changes that create a sense of tension and release. By learning and incorporating these variations into your playing, you'll be able to bring your own personal touch to the song while staying true to McMicheal's spirit.
So let's dive into the world of variation in "I Just Died in Your Arms" and discover how you can make the song your own!
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Unraveling the Solo by Kevin McMicheal
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The solo in "I Just Died in Your Arms" is a shining moment in the song, highlighting Kevin McMicheal's exceptional lead guitar skills. McMicheal's solo is melodic, expressive, and filled with memorable licks that perfectly capture the emotion of the song.
In this section, we'll break down the solo note for note, exploring the techniques and concepts that McMicheal employs. We'll cover bends, slides, vibrato, and other essential techniques that give the solo its distinctive flavor. By practicing these licks and incorporating them into your own playing, you'll be able to channel McMicheal's spirit and create your own breathtaking solos.
So grab your guitar and let's unravel the solo by Kevin McMicheal in "I Just Died in Your Arms"!
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Outro and Conclusion
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As we reach the outro of "I Just Died in Your Arms," the song concludes with a series of chords and melodic lines that beautifully wrap up the musical journey. McMicheal's guitar work in the outro adds a final touch of brilliance to the song, leaving a lasting impression on the listener.
Though we won't delve into the specific guitar work in the outro, it's worth mentioning that McMicheal's contributions continue to shine as the song fades away. His attention to detail, melodic sensibility, and tasteful playing are evident throughout this final section.
In conclusion, "I Just Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew is a timeless classic that showcases the exceptional guitar work of Kevin McMicheal. From the captivating intro to the powerful chorus and soulful solos, McMicheal's contributions make this song a true masterpiece.
So grab your guitar, dive into the world of "I Just Died in Your Arms," and let the music take you on a journey you won't soon forget.
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Pros and Cons of "I Just Died in Your Arms"
Pros:
- Captivating guitar melodies and solos by Kevin McMicheal
- Memorable riffs and hooks that stick with the listener
- Well-structured song with dynamic changes and variations
- Opportunity to develop melodic guitar playing techniques
- Iconic 80s sound that continues to resonate with audiences
Cons:
- Some challenging guitar techniques and chords for beginners
- Requiring precision and timing to replicate McMicheal's playing style
- Limited availability of learning resources specific to the song
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Resources
Here are some resources you can check out to further enhance your understanding and mastery of "I Just Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew:
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Highlights
- Learn how to play "I Just Died in Your Arms" by Cutting Crew note for note
- Dive into the melodic guitar work of Kevin McMicheal
- Master the intro, verse, chorus, bridge, and solo sections
- Explore variations and nuances added by McMicheal throughout the song
- Discover the pros and cons of tackling "I Just Died in Your Arms"
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FAQ
Q: Is this song suitable for beginners?
A: While "I Just Died in Your Arms" may pose challenges for beginners due to its complex chord voicings and techniques, with dedication and practice, beginners can gradually work their way towards mastering the song. Starting with simpler sections and gradually building up the skills required will help beginners make progress.
Q: Are there any simplified versions of the song available?
A: Simplified versions of the song may be available online, but they may not capture the intricate guitar work and nuances that make "I Just Died in Your Arms" so special. It is recommended to strive for the original version and gradually work towards mastering it.
Q: Can I learn this song on acoustic guitar?
A: Absolutely! While "I Just Died in Your Arms" is known for its electric guitar sound, the song can be adapted and played on acoustic guitar. Adjusting the strumming patterns and utilizing fingerstyle techniques can help recreate the essence of the song on an acoustic instrument.
Q: Are there any live performances of Kevin McMicheal playing this song?
A: Unfortunately, Kevin McMicheal passed away in 2002, making it challenging to find live performances of him playing "I Just Died in Your Arms." However, there are recorded performances and music videos available that showcase his exceptional guitar skills and contributions to the song.
Q: Can I incorporate my own improvisations into the song?
A: Absolutely! "I Just Died in Your Arms" provides ample room for improvisation, especially during the solos and instrumental sections. Once you have mastered the original arrangement, feel free to experiment and add your own personal touch to make the song uniquely yours.
