Learn To Play Easy Acoustic Rock Volume 1

Are you ready to master the acoustic guitar songs that became the soundtrack of a generation? Licklibrary.com presents Easy Acoustic Rock Volume 1, a comprehensive collection of eight essential tracks from the alternative rock and Britpop movements. This online guitar course is your complete guide to playing the acoustic arrangements that made these songs beloved by millions, featuring detailed instruction on the fingerpicking patterns, chord progressions, and strumming techniques that define modern acoustic rock. This is more than just a collection of popular songs; it's a journey through the evolution of acoustic guitar in contemporary rock music. From the shimmering arpeggios of Coldplay's "Yellow" to the intricate fingerpicking of R.E.M.'s "Losing My Religion," you'll learn every chord voicing, every picking pattern, and every subtle technique that makes these songs so memorable. Our expert instruction will guide you through the playing styles of some of the most influential acoustic guitarists in modern rock, giving you the skills to recreate these timeless tracks with authenticity and confidence.
Looper function
Video speed controls
Jamie Humphries Tutor, Professional Guitarist
Image of tutor: Jamie Humphries

Song Lessons in this Course

1 Yellow
2 High And Dry
3 Karma Police
4 One
5 Babylon
6 Losing My Religion
7 Wild Wood
8 Sing

This Course is Ideal for Players Who...

Our "Learn to Play Easy Acoustic Rock Volume 1" guitar course is perfect for beginner to intermediate acoustic guitarists who want to build a repertoire of popular songs.

Perfect for Guitarists Who:

  • Are fans of alternative rock and Britpop acoustic music
  • Want to develop their fingerpicking and strumming techniques
  • Are looking to build a repertoire of well-known acoustic songs
  • Learn best through comprehensive, note-for-note online guitar lessons from Licklibrary.com

This course offers more than just the notes and chords; it's about understanding the musical choices that made these songs so effective and memorable. You'll gain insight into how great acoustic guitar parts serve the song, how to use dynamics and touch to create emotion, and the techniques that separate good acoustic playing from great acoustic playing. Sign up for Licklibrary.com's "Learn to Play Easy Acoustic Rock Volume 1" course today and start building your acoustic guitar repertoire with these timeless classics.

What will I achieve from completing this course?

Learning these acoustic rock classics will transform your acoustic guitar playing and expand your musical repertoire significantly. This course serves as a masterclass in modern acoustic guitar technique, covering everything from basic strumming patterns to advanced fingerpicking. By the end of this course, you'll not only be able to perform these eight beloved tracks with accuracy and feeling, but you'll also have developed a versatile skill set that applies to countless other acoustic songs.

Technical Skills You'll Develop:

  • Advanced fingerpicking patterns including Travis picking
  • Mastery of arpeggiated chord progressions for creating movement
  • Effective use of the capo to achieve different tonal colors
  • Understanding of syncopated rhythms in acoustic contexts
  • Barre chord techniques for smooth transitions
  • Double-stop techniques for adding harmonic richness
  • Skills that translate to acoustic rock, folk, and singer-songwriter styles
NEED SUPPORT WITH THIS COURSE OR LESSON?
WE CAN HELP...

1-ON-1 COACHING

Access to thousands of lessons is great, but without a plan you can feel like you’re practicing in circles. Book your FREE 1-on-1 video call with a Licklibrary pro to fix your technique, build a practice plan, get motivated, or overcome any challenge. It's all included in your membership!

** Disclaimer **
*This product is not endorsed by or made in association with any of the artists featured, nor do they perform or appear on this course.*

Learn to Play Easy Acoustic Rock Volume 1

From the most iconic alternative rock tracks to the modern classics, our newly curated "Learn to Play Easy Acoustic Rock Volume 1" features eight anthems that have undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the music scene. This course is taught by Jamie Humphries and is designed to help you accurately emulate the sounds and techniques of some of the greatest guitarists in the realm of rock. The tunes included in this volume are Yellow (Coldplay), High and Dry (Radiohead), Karma Police (Radiohead), One (U2), Babylon (David Gray), Losing My Religion (R.E.M), Wild Wood (Paul Weller), and Sing (Travis).

Yellow by Coldplay

This beautiful track from Coldplay, played primarily in standard tuning, opens up with a simplistic yet enchanting guitar riff. The lead guitarist, Jonny Buckland's minimalist approach lets the melody shine through, while his clever use of syncopated rhythms brings depth to the song. The predominant scale used in Yellow is G Major, and the song incorporates power chords and barre chords, which form the backbone of its signature sound. The solo is melodic, staying true to the theme of the song while emphasizing Buckland's melodic sensibilities.

High and Dry by Radiohead

Jonny Greenwood, the lead guitarist of Radiohead, adds a distinct touch to 'High and Dry'. The song is based on the A Major scale, utilizing the common I-IV-V progression. His guitar work with arpeggiated chord progressions brings out the nuanced emotionality of the song. Greenwood's solo in this song is a testament to his thoughtful approach to melody, utilizing alternate picking to add a rich dynamic quality.

Karma Police by Radiohead

In 'Karma Police', Greenwood's innovative guitar work shines through once more. He builds the harmonic structure of the song using both standard and barre chords. This track is based on A minor scale and incorporates chromaticism for a sense of harmonic complexity. The solo showcases Greenwood's prowess with arpeggios and legato playing, creating a hauntingly beautiful melody.

One by U2

The Edge, U2's lead guitarist, is renowned for his minimalist style. In 'One', he crafts a soundscape using the D Major scale that resonates with the song's emotive lyricism. Edge's judicious use of delay, sustain, and arpeggios lends an atmospheric depth to the song. His solo is a perfect blend of slides and sustain, underscoring his innovative approach to melodic construction.

Babylon by David Gray

David Gray's 'Babylon' is centered on the D Major scale and uses a mix of standard and power chords. Gray's delicate finger-picking and clever use of syncopated rhythms bring a folk-rock feel to the song. His solo in Babylon is a straightforward melody that perfectly encapsulates the song's lyrical theme.

Losing my Religion by R.E.M

Peter Buck, R.E.M's guitarist, provides the iconic mandolin riff for 'Losing my Religion'. The song uses an open D tuning, and the modal melody is based on the D minor scale. The interplay of arpeggiated chord progressions and octave melodies is key to this song. The solo is a tasteful blend of melodic phrasing and rhythmic dynamism, exemplifying Buck's versatile playing style.

Wild Wood by Paul Weller

'Wild Wood' sees Paul Weller employ a capo on the 2nd fret, with the song based around the D minor scale. His strong strumming technique, combined with finger-picking and Travis picking, creates an exciting mix of rhythm and melody. The solo includes bluesy bends and double stops, illustrating Weller's multi-genre fluency.

Sing by Travis

'Sing', by the band Travis, features the guitar work of lead guitarist Andy Dunlop. The song is played in standard tuning and uses the G Major scale. Dunlop uses a capo on the 7th fret to create high-pitched melodic lines. His melodic solo features string bending and slides, bringing out a playful mood that complements the song's lyrics.


Guitar Techniques Used

This course covers a vast array of guitar techniques. Here are the links to each technique:

  1. Syncopated rhythms
  2. Power chords
  3. Barre chords
  4. Arpeggiated chord progressions
  5. Alternate picking
  6. Legato
  7. Chromaticism
  8. Slides
  9. Sustain
  10. Finger-picking
  11. Bluesy bends
  12. Double stops
  13. Travis picking
  14. Capo

We hope this course provides you with both the insight and the practical skills to recreate these timeless rock anthems. Happy strumming!

Jamie Humphries playing the guitar.

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Jamie Humphries

Jamie is one of the mainstays of LickLibrary, having a stream of hugely successful best selling DVDs, Jamie is best known as Brian May's sideman who he's played shows with all over the world. Aside from this Jamie is a hugely popular clinician working all over the world with Ernie...

View More