Master the Guitar Chords for 'Advice' by Alex G - Easy-to-Follow Tutorial

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Tuning Down a Whole Step
3. The Coolest Chord in the Song
4. Strumming Patterns
5. Learning the Verse
6. Reviewing the Verse
7. Moving on to the Chorus
8. Adding Finger Placement for the Chorus Chords
9. Playing the Chorus
10. Learning the Outro

Introduction

🎸 Welcome to this guitar tutorial on how to play "Advice" by Alex G. In this lesson, we'll cover all the chords and strumming patterns you need to know to play this song. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate guitarist, you'll find this guide helpful in mastering the song. So let's get started!

Tuning Down a Whole Step

🎵 Before we dive into the chords, let's talk about the tuning. In the original recording, Alex G tunes down a whole step. However, to make it easier for you, we'll learn the song in standard tuning. This way, you won't need to detune your guitar. Now that we have that sorted, let's move on to the chords.

The Coolest Chord in the Song

🎶 The coolest chord in "Advice" is played in the eighth fret. Place your middle finger on the eighth fret of the low E string, your pointer finger on the seventh fret of the A string, your ring finger on the ninth fret of the D string, and your pinky on the ninth fret of the G string. This chord is essentially a power chord with the middle finger playing the eighth fret.

Strumming Patterns

🎵 The strumming pattern for this song is simple but effective. It consists of eighth-note strums, which means you'll strum down once for each beat. Let's try it on the cool chord we just learned. Count along with me: "one and two and three and four and." Strum down on each count. It's that easy!

Learning the Verse

🔈 Now that you've got the strumming pattern down, let's dive into the chords for the verse. The verse starts with the cool chord we just learned, and you'll strum it eight times. Then, release your middle finger and strum it eight times open. This creates a nice contrast in sound.

Reviewing the Verse

🎶 Before we move on, let's take a moment to review the chords we've learned in the verse. Start with the cool chord on the eighth fret, strum it eight times. Then, release the middle finger and strum it open eight times. Next, move to the third fret power chord and strum it four times. Finally, move to the eighth fret power chord and strum it twelve times. For the second time through the verse, skip the fifth fret and start over.

Moving on to the Chorus

🎵 Now, let's shift our focus to the chorus. The chorus has a slightly different combination of chords. We'll continue with the thumb power chord technique, but we'll add in the middle finger on the G string. This creates a fuller sound. Let's try it out.

Adding Finger Placement for the Chorus Chords

🎶 To play the chorus chords, place your thumb on the first fret of the low E string, your ring finger on the third fret of the A string, your pinky on the third fret of the D string, and your middle finger on the second fret of the G string. Leave the high two strings open. This chord closely resembles an F major chord shape and adds a nice texture to the chorus.

Playing the Chorus

🔈 Now that we have the chords, let's strum through the chorus. Start on the first fret chord and strum it eight times. Move the same shape up two frets to the third fret and strum it four times. Then, move up to the eighth fret while maintaining the same shape and strum it twelve times. Finally, return to the third fret and strum it four times, followed by the eighth fret strummed twelve times. Repeat this progression three times.

Learning the Outro

🎵 Finally, let's tackle the outro. The outro starts with the first fret chord, strummed eight times. Then, move the same shape back one fret to the eighth fret and strum it eight times. Next, move to the third fret and strum it four times. Finally, move to the second fret and strum it twelve times. Conclude the song by playing the first fret with no thumb on the low E string and transitioning to an E minor chord.

Conclusion

🎸 Congratulations! You've learned how to play "Advice" by Alex G. Practice these chords and strumming patterns until you feel comfortable with them. With time and practice, you'll be able to play along with the recording and enjoy jamming to this catchy tune. Keep up the good work!

Highlights

• Easy-to-follow guitar tutorial for "Advice" by Alex G
• No need to detune your guitar; we'll learn in standard tuning
• Learn the cool chord in the eighth fret
• Simple yet effective strumming pattern
• Step-by-step breakdown of the verse and chorus chords
• Detailed finger placement for the chorus chords
• Tips for mastering the outro section
• Suitable for beginners and intermediate guitarists

FAQs

1. How do I tune my guitar down a whole step to match the original recording?

   • To tune your guitar down a whole step, simply lower each string's pitch by two frets. Start with the low E string and tune it to D, then tune the remaining strings relative to the low E string.

2. Can I play "Advice" without using the thumb power chord technique?

   • Yes, you can play the song using traditional chord shapes if that feels more comfortable for you. Experiment with different fingerings and find what works best for your playing style.

3. Are there any guitar tabs available for "Advice"?

   • Yes, you can find guitar tabs for "Advice" online on various guitar tab websites. These tabs provide a visual representation of the chord shapes and strumming patterns used in the song.

4. Can I use a capo to make playing "Advice" easier?

   • While you technically can use a capo to transpose the song to a different key, it may affect the overall sound and feel of the song. It's recommended to play "Advice" in the original key to maintain the intended sound and vibe of the song.

Resources:

• Video tutorial: [link to the video tutorial]
• Guitar chords and tabs: [link to a guitar tab website]