Master the Grateful Dead's Shakedown Street on Guitar
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of the Grateful Dead and "Shakedown Street"
- The Boss Katana and its Free Patch
- Breaking Down the Song: Chords and Licks
- 4.1 Starting with a D Minor Chord
- 4.2 The Lick in D Major
- 4.3 Transitioning to a G Chord
- 4.4 Adding More Guitar Parts
- 4.5 The Funky Groove: C7 and G7 Chords
- Soloing in "Shakedown Street"
- 5.1 The C Blues Scale and Mixolydian Mode
- 5.2 Jerry Garcia's Style and Techniques
- 5.3 Hammer-Ons and Next Door Licks
- The Tasty Zone Bundle by Marty Music
- Conclusion
- Resources
Breaking Down "Shakedown Street" by the Grateful Dead: A Guitar Lesson
The Grateful Dead's "Shakedown Street" is a beloved song among fans, known for its groovy and infectious vibe. In this guitar lesson, we'll dive deep into the song, exploring its chords, licks, and soloing techniques. Additionally, we'll take a look at the Boss Katana amplifier and its free patch, which can enhance your performance of "Shakedown Street." So grab your guitar and let's get started!
1. Introduction
"Shakedown Street" is a track from the Grateful Dead's 1978 album of the same name. Written by Jerry Garcia and Robert Hunter, the song showcases the band's unique blend of rock, funk, and improvisation. With its catchy melodies and energetic rhythm, "Shakedown Street" has become a staple in the Grateful Dead's live performances.
2. Overview of the Grateful Dead and "Shakedown Street"
Before we dive into the details of "Shakedown Street," let's take a moment to appreciate the Grateful Dead's significance in the music world. Formed in 1965, the Grateful Dead became pioneers of the jam band genre, known for their improvisational skills and eclectic repertoire. "Shakedown Street" represents the band's ability to fuse various genres and create a sound that is uniquely their own.
3. The Boss Katana and its Free Patch
As mentioned earlier, the Boss Katana amplifier plays a significant role in enhancing the performance of "Shakedown Street." Boss has generously provided a free patch specifically designed for this song, which can be downloaded from their website. The patch adds a distinct tone to your guitar, capturing the essence of "Shakedown Street" and allowing you to recreate the iconic sound of the Grateful Dead.
4. Breaking Down the Song: Chords and Licks
To effectively learn "Shakedown Street," it's important to break it down into its core elements. Let's start by examining the chords and licks that make up the song.
4.1 Starting with a D Minor Chord
The song begins with a D minor chord, setting the foundation for the rest of the progression. Pluck the strings with precision, ensuring each note rings out clearly. This chord sets the mood for the song, creating a sense of anticipation and rhythm.
4.2 The Lick in D Major
After playing the D minor chord, we move to a lick in D major. This lick features a sequence of notes on the D string, starting with the third fret. Pay attention to the timing and articulation to capture the distinct character of the lick. Practice this section slowly at first and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
4.3 Transitioning to a G Chord
Following the lick in D major, we transition to a G chord. In a band setting, this chord can be harmonized by another guitarist. However, if you're playing solo, you can either continue with the G chord or substitute it with an F chord, depending on your preference. Both options work well and add variation to the progression.
4.4 Adding More Guitar Parts
For guitarists playing in a band, additional guitar parts can be incorporated to enhance the overall sound. Experiment with different voicings and positions on the fretboard to create harmonies and interesting variations. It's important to listen to the other instruments and adjust your playing accordingly to maintain a balanced sound.
4.5 The Funky Groove: C7 and G7 Chords
As we progress further into "Shakedown Street," we reach a section with a funky groove. Here, we introduce the C7 and G7 chords, providing a dynamic shift in the song. The C7 chord can be played as a bar chord or using different voicings around the neck. You can also experiment with adding variations, such as a C9 chord, to add flavor to your playing.
5. Soloing in "Shakedown Street"
Apart from the chords and licks, "Shakedown Street" offers opportunities for guitar soloing. Let's explore some techniques and scales that can be used to create captivating solos in this song.
5.1 The C Blues Scale and Mixolydian Mode
When soloing in "Shakedown Street," it's helpful to have a good understanding of the C blues scale and the mixolydian mode. These scales provide a framework for improvisation and allow you to navigate the song's chord progression with confidence. Experiment with different positions on the fretboard and incorporate slides, bends, and vibrato to add expression to your solos.
5.2 Jerry Garcia's Style and Techniques
To truly capture the essence of "Shakedown Street," it's worth exploring the playing style of Jerry Garcia, the Grateful Dead's legendary guitarist. Garcia was known for his melodic phrasing, impeccable timing, and unique approach to improvisation. Incorporate some of his techniques into your playing, such as playing with a clean tone, using double stops, and utilizing chromatic notes.
5.3 Hammer-Ons and Next Door Licks
One of the signature elements of Garcia's playing in "Shakedown Street" is the use of hammer-ons and next door licks. Experiment with hammering on notes within scales and arpeggios, particularly on the major third. This technique adds a fluid and expressive quality to your solos, allowing you to seamlessly connect different notes and create melodic lines.
6. The Tasty Zone Bundle by Marty Music
If you're looking to further refine your skills and explore advanced techniques, Marty Music offers the Tasty Zone Bundle. This comprehensive bundle provides in-depth lessons and tutorials on various guitar techniques, including the ones discussed in this lesson. Check out Marty Music's website for more information and access to this valuable resource.
7. Conclusion
Congratulations on learning the intricacies of "Shakedown Street" by the Grateful Dead. This iconic song showcases the band's musicality and offers guitarists an opportunity to explore different techniques, chords, and soloing styles. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with your playing, and have fun in the process. Stay groovy!
8. Resources
