Master the Classic Tune 'One Took Over the Line' with This Guitar Lesson

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Background of "One Took Over the Line"
3. The Chords of the Song
   1. C Chord
   2. C7 Chord
   3. F Chord
   4. Chase Sequence
   5. A Minor Chord
   6. D7 Chord
   7. G Chord
   8. Walk at the End
4. Strum Pattern and Timing
5. Using Guitar Animal for Practice
6. Conclusion

🎸 "One Took Over the Line": A Classic Tune from the Early '70s

In this article, we will dive into the iconic song "One Took Over the Line" by Brewer and Shipley. This song, released in 1971, remains a popular choice for guitarists of all levels. Whether you prefer acoustic or electric, this tune is a great one to add to your repertoire. Join me, Trevor Guitardo, as we go through the chords, strum patterns, and all the nuances of playing this song.

Background of "One Took Over the Line"

"One Took Over the Line" was a hit song released in the early '70s by Brewer and Shipley. With its catchy melody and memorable lyrics, the song quickly gained popularity and became an iconic tune of that era.

The Chords of the Song

To play "One Took Over the Line," you'll need to familiarize yourself with several chords. Let's go through each one, step by step.

C Chord

The song starts with a basic C chord. Place your fingers on the third fret of the fifth string, the second fret of the fourth string, and the first fret of the second string. The first and third strings should remain open. The C chord sets the foundation for the song's opening section.

C7 Chord

In the next part, we'll modify the C chord to a C7 chord by adding a little finger on the third fret of the third string. This simple change adds a bluesy sound to the progression.

F Chord

Moving on, we encounter an F chord. Instead of playing a full bar chord, we'll only strum the first four strings. Place your fingers on the first fret of the first and second strings, the second fret of the third string, and the third fret of the fourth string. As an optional variation, you can also add the third fret of the fifth string for a fuller sound.

Chase Sequence

Next up is a little chase sequence that involves changing chords quickly. We start with a C chord and then transition to a modified C, commonly known as Cb. To play Cb, move your finger from the third fret to the second fret on the fifth string. While doing so, mute the fourth string with your middle finger. The chase continues with an A minor chord, which consists of open first string, first fret on the second string, second fret on the third and fourth strings, and an open fifth string.

D7 Chord

After the A minor, we move on to a D7 chord. Form the D7 chord by placing your fingers on the second fret of the first string, second fret of the third string, first fret of the second string, and keeping the fourth string open. The D7 chord adds a bluesy flavor to the progression.

G Chord

Returning to the F chord we previously learned, we then proceed to a full G chord. Bar the third fret with your index finger across the first and sixth strings. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the fifth string and strum the remaining open second, third, and fourth strings. The G chord adds a dynamic sound to the song.

Walk at the End

To wrap up the sequence, we conclude with a walk. Play the third fret of the sixth string, followed by the open fifth string, and finally the second fret of the fifth string. This little walk adds a nice touch of movement before returning to the C chord.

Strum Pattern and Timing

Now that we have covered the chords, let's talk about the strum pattern and timing for "One Took Over the Line." The strum pattern we'll be using is "down, down, down, up, down, up." This pattern consists of quarter notes and eighth notes, giving the song its unique rhythm. As we move through the chord progression, we will incorporate different strum patterns to add variety and enhance the overall feel of the song.

Using Guitar Animal for Practice

If you're looking to practice "One Took Over the Line" at your own pace, Guitar Animal is a valuable resource. With its looper functions and slow-down features, you can easily break down the song into manageable sections, practice them at a slower speed, and gradually build up your skills. Additionally, Guitar Animal provides a tab sheet that perfectly complements the video tutorial.

Conclusion

"One Took Over the Line" is a timeless song that captures the essence of the early '70s. By mastering the chords, strum patterns, and timing outlined in this article, you'll be well on your way to playing this classic tune on your guitar. Don't forget to check out the companion video at guitaranimal.com for additional parts and a more detailed breakdown of the song. Keep strumming and enjoy the groovy vibes of "One Took Over the Line"!