Master Vance Joy's 'Fire and the Flood' on Guitar
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Standard E Tuning
- Finger Picking and Strumming Parts
- The Intro and Verse
- Transition to Chorus
- The Chorus
- Variation in Strumming Pattern
- Further Explanation of Chorus
- Recap of Song Structure
- Conclusion
Introduction
If you're a fan of Vance Joy's "Fire and the Flood" and want to learn how to play it on guitar, you're in luck! In this guitar lesson, we'll go through the song step by step, covering everything from the tuning to the fingerpicking and strumming parts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, this tutorial will help you master the song and have you strumming along in no time. So grab your guitar and let's get started!
Standard E Tuning
Before we dive into the song, it's important to ensure that your guitar is properly tuned. "Fire and the Flood" is played in standard E tuning, which means the strings are tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and E. Take a moment to tune your guitar to this standard tuning before proceeding with the lesson. It's always best to start with a well-tuned instrument for the best sound quality.
Finger Picking and Strumming Parts
"Fire and the Flood" consists of both fingerpicking and strumming parts. In this tutorial, we'll focus on using a pick for the strumming part to enhance the sound and make it easier to sing along. If you prefer fingerpicking, don't worry – we'll have a separate video demonstrating that technique. For now, let's dive into the strumming part using a pick.
The Intro and Verse
The song opens with a distinctive intro and continues with the verse. The intro starts with an F power chord, where you'll pluck the E and A strings for the down strums, and the D string for the up strums. The strumming pattern for this chord is: down, down, up, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down. The verse switches between the F power chord and a B-flat power chord. To transition to the B-flat power chord, simply move the shape down one string. The strumming pattern remains the same, with the slight variation of strumming the A, D, and G strings for the B-flat chord. Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords to master the verse section of the song.
Transition to Chorus
As the verse concludes, we move into the chorus section. Before we reach the chorus, there is a small transition, which involves changing from B-flat to an M chord and then to a C chord. The same strumming pattern used for the A, D, and G strings in the verse is now applied to the C chord. The transition to the chorus adds a dynamic element to the song, preparing us for the catchy chorus.
The Chorus
The chorus of "Fire and the Flood" is the catchiest part of the song, and it truly showcases the emotion and energy behind Vance Joy's music. It starts with a D-minor chord, with the same strumming pattern used for the D, G, and B strings. The chorus continues with the chords B-flat and F, while maintaining the same strumming pattern as before. These chords are played for a shorter duration compared to the F and B-flat chords in the verse. The chorus intensifies as we reach the second half, where the strumming pattern becomes more intricate. The chords D-minor and C are emphasized with a more complex strumming pattern, creating a dynamic and exciting sound.
Variation in Strumming Pattern
To add more flair to the second half of the chorus, the strumming pattern becomes more elaborate. Instead of a consistent down-up pattern, we incorporate additional down and up strums, focusing on hitting more strings during regular strums. The strumming pattern for this section is: down, up, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up. Let your strumming hand flow with the rhythm, and feel the energy of the chorus come alive.
Further Explanation of Chorus
Let's break down the chorus section further for a clearer understanding. After the second half of the chorus picks up, the chord progression continues with D-minor, B-flat, F, and C. The strumming pattern remains the same as before, creating a harmonious and melodic sound. Remember to practice the transition between chords to ensure smooth progression throughout the chorus.
Recap of Song Structure
To recap the structure of "Fire and the Flood," the song follows an intro-verse-chorus format. The intro and verse focus on the F and B-flat power chords, with a consistent strumming pattern. The chorus brings in a variety of chords, including D-minor, B-flat, F, and C. The strumming pattern becomes more intricate in the second half of the chorus, highlighting the emotional intensity of the song. By mastering the intro, verse, and chorus sections, you'll be able to play the entire song from start to finish.
Conclusion
Congratulations on learning how to play Vance Joy's "Fire and the Flood" on guitar! This tutorial covered all the essential parts of the song, including the fingerpicking and strumming sections. Remember to practice regularly and enjoy the process. Music is a journey, and every song you learn adds to your repertoire and skills as a guitarist. Keep strumming, keep improving, and most importantly, keep enjoying the magic of music.
Highlights:
- Learn how to play Vance Joy's "Fire and the Flood" on guitar.
- Step-by-step tutorial covering tuning, fingerpicking, and strumming.
- Master the intro, verse, and chorus sections of the song.
- Detailed breakdown of chords and strumming patterns.
- Improve your guitar skills and enjoy the process of learning music.
FAQ:
Q: Do I need any prior guitar playing experience to learn this song?
A: While some basic knowledge of guitar chords and strumming patterns will be beneficial, this tutorial is designed to accommodate beginners and experienced players alike. With practice and dedication, anyone can learn to play "Fire and the Flood."
Q: Can I use fingerpicking instead of a pick for this song?
A: Absolutely! While this tutorial focuses on using a pick for the strumming part, there will be a separate video demonstrating the fingerpicking technique for those who prefer it. Feel free to explore both approaches and choose the one that suits your style best.
Q: Are there any recommended resources or websites for further guitar learning?
A: Yes, there are several online resources and websites that provide comprehensive guitar lessons and tutorials. Some popular options include Guitar Tricks, JustinGuitar, and Ultimate Guitar. These platforms offer a wide range of lessons for all skill levels and genres.
Resources:
- Vance Joy's "Fire and the Flood" music video: [URL]
- Guitar Tricks: [URL]
- JustinGuitar: [URL]
- Ultimate Guitar: [URL]
