Master Vance Joy's 'Fire in the Flood' with a Dynamic Pick!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Tuning your guitar to standard E
3. Fingerpicking vs. strumming
4. Basic strumming pattern
5. The intro and verse chords
6. Transitioning to the chorus
7. The chorus chords and strumming
8. Adding dynamics to the chorus
9. Putting it all together
10. Conclusion

Guitar Lesson for Vance Joy's "Fire in the Flood"

Vance Joy's "Fire in the Flood" is a beautiful song that combines fingerpicking and strumming techniques. In this guitar lesson, we will learn how to play this song using a pick for a more dynamic sound. So grab your guitar, ensure it is tuned to standard E, and let's get started!

Introduction

Before we dive into the details, let me introduce myself. I'm a guitar enthusiast and teacher, passionate about sharing my knowledge with fellow guitarists. This tutorial will guide you through the chords, strumming patterns, and techniques required to play "Fire in the Flood" by Vance Joy.

Tuning your guitar to standard E

To ensure we are on the same page, let's start by tuning our guitars to standard E. It's essential to have all strings in tune before proceeding with the lesson. If you're unfamiliar with tuning your guitar, there are numerous online resources and smartphone apps available to assist you.

Fingerpicking vs. strumming

"Fire in the Flood" features both fingerpicking and strumming parts. In this video tutorial, we will focus on using a pick to strum the chords. Strumming not only enhances the overall sound of the song but also allows us to sing along more comfortably.

Basic strumming pattern

Before we learn the specific chords for "Fire in the Flood," let's start with a basic strumming pattern that will serve as the foundation for the entire song. The strumming pattern we will be using goes like this: down, down, up, down, down, down, down, down, down, down. I recommend practicing this pattern slowly at first and gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable.

The intro and verse chords

The song begins with an F power chord for the intro and verse sections. To play this chord, place your index finger on the first fret of the low E string and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. For the strumming pattern, pluck the E and A strings on the downstrokes and the D string on the upstrokes. Practice this pattern slowly until you feel confident, and then increase the tempo.

Transitioning to the chorus

As we transition from the verse to the chorus, we introduce a B-flat power chord. To play this chord, simply move the F power chord shape down one string. The strumming pattern remains the same, but this time we strum the A, D, and G strings. Remember to revert to the F power chord when returning to the verse.

The chorus chords and strumming

In the chorus, we shift to a D minor chord, followed by a B-flat chord and an F chord. For the D minor and B-flat chords, use the same strumming pattern as before but strum the D, G, and B strings. On the F chord, strum through all six strings to add depth to the sound. Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords to maintain the song's flow.

Adding dynamics to the chorus

As the chorus progresses, we can add more dynamics to our strumming pattern. Instead of just downstrokes and upstrokes, we can emphasize certain beats and incorporate additional strums. This will create a more energetic and captivating sound. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what feels right for you and complements the song.

Putting it all together

Now that we've covered the individual sections, let's put everything together. Start with the intro and verse chords, smoothly transition to the chorus, and incorporate the dynamics we discussed. Pay attention to the song's structure and follow along with the lyrics to ensure you stay in sync. With practice, you'll master this beautiful song and be able to play it effortlessly.

Conclusion

Congratulations! You've learned how to play "Fire in the Flood" by Vance Joy on the guitar. Remember to practice regularly, experiment with different techniques, and have fun while playing. As you continue on your musical journey, don't hesitate to explore other songs and genres that inspire you. Keep strumming and never stop learning.

Highlights

• Learn to play Vance Joy's "Fire in the Flood" on guitar using a pick for a dynamic sound.
• Explore the combination of fingerpicking and strumming techniques.
• Understand the importance of tuning your guitar to standard E before starting.
• Master a basic strumming pattern to serve as the foundation for the entire song.
• Practice the intro and verse chords (F power chord) with the specific strumming pattern.
• Explore the transition from the verse to the chorus using the B-flat power chord.
• Discover the chords (D minor, B-flat, F, and C) and strumming patterns for the chorus.
• Add dynamics and energy to the chorus by experimenting with different strumming patterns.
• Put all the sections together to play "Fire in the Flood" smoothly and effortlessly.
• Enjoy the process, keep practicing, and never stop learning and exploring new songs.

FAQ

Q: Can I play "Fire in the Flood" without a pick? A: Absolutely! While this tutorial focuses on using a pick, you can adapt the strumming patterns to your preferred playing style.

Q: What if I struggle with transitioning between chords? A: Transitions can be challenging, especially for beginners. Start by practicing each chord individually and then focus on transitioning between them slowly. With consistent practice, your transitions will become smoother over time.

Q: Are there any alternative chord shapes I can use? A: While we have covered the basic chord shapes, feel free to experiment and explore different voicings or variations of the chords. This will help you personalize your playing and add your own style to the song.

Q: Can I play "Fire in the Flood" using only fingerpicking? A: Absolutely! In this tutorial, we focused on strumming the chords to match the recording. However, you can certainly fingerpick the song if that's your preferred style. Stay tuned for future tutorials where we will explore fingerpicking techniques.

Q: Is it necessary to sing along while playing the song? A: Singing along is not necessary but can enhance your overall musical experience. Feel free to practice playing the song separately before adding vocals. It's all about finding your own comfort and enjoyment while playing.

Q: Where can I find more guitar lessons and tutorials? A: For more guitar lessons and tutorials, feel free to visit my website www.guitartips.com or subscribe to my YouTube channel for regular updates and new lessons.

Q: How can I improve my strumming and rhythm skills? A: Strumming and rhythm are skills that develop with practice and patience. Set aside dedicated time for rhythmic exercises, practice with a metronome, and listen to different genres of music to expand your rhythmic repertoire.