Space Oddity by David Bowie - Guitar Lesson Breakdown
David Bowie's timeless classic "Space Oddity" is a must-learn for any guitar enthusiast, offering a unique blend of folk rock and spacey atmospheres that have captivated listeners since its release in 1969. The song features an intricate combination of acoustic and electric guitar work, which adds texture and depth to the storytelling nature of the song. Our note-for-note guitar lesson at LickLibrary breaks down these parts and focuses on the various guitar techniques that form the backbone of the song's composition. This lesson is perfect for guitarists of all skill levels, with emphasis on mastering key guitar techniques that can be applied across multiple styles. Michael Casswell breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.
Guitarist Spotlight: Mick Wayne and David Bowie's Influence
The guitar on "Space Oddity" was primarily played by Mick Wayne, an accomplished session guitarist known for his work with Junior's Eyes, and of course, by Bowie himself. Wayne's contribution to the song is marked by his ability to blend folk, rock, and avant-garde elements, providing the iconic acoustic strumming and delicate electric textures that defined "Space Oddity." Wayne’s influence helped shape the psychedelic, cinematic feel of the song, and his interplay between acoustic guitar and subtle electric flourishes adds layers of complexity to what might otherwise seem a simple tune.
David Bowie was no stranger to incorporating complex guitar work into his music. His use of acoustic guitars, paired with his inventive songwriting, elevated "Space Oddity" to iconic status. This combination of rich harmonic structures and ethereal lead lines continues to influence countless guitarists, making this lesson a key opportunity to understand the groundbreaking style Bowie and Wayne brought to life.
Key Guitar Techniques in "Space Oddity"
Open-String Riffs
One of the most notable aspects of the acoustic guitar work in "Space Oddity" is its use of open-string riffs. This technique involves incorporating open strings within chord progressions or melody lines, creating a ringing, expansive sound that is perfect for building atmosphere. In "Space Oddity," the open-string riffs provide the foundation for the verses, giving the song its folk-like quality while maintaining a sense of space and tension.
Benefit: Learning open-string riffs allows you to add richness to your playing and expand your use of natural harmonics and resonance.
Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
Much of "Space Oddity" features arpeggiated chord progressions, where the notes of the chords are played individually rather than strummed. This technique is particularly effective in songs where the guitar serves both as a rhythmic and melodic element. In "Space Oddity," these arpeggios add emotional depth to the song’s verses, allowing each chord to resonate fully.
Benefit: Mastering arpeggios improves finger dexterity and coordination, and enhances your ability to create more melodic-sounding chord progressions.
Alternate Picking
To navigate the arpeggios and melody lines in "Space Oddity," alternate picking is a must. This technique, where you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes, ensures that your picking hand moves efficiently and fluidly through the song’s faster passages. It’s especially important during the transition from the verses to the chorus, where the pace quickens.
Benefit: Alternate picking builds speed and accuracy in your playing, making it easier to tackle complex passages in a variety of musical genres.
Slides
Throughout the song, particularly in the electric guitar parts, slides are used to transition between notes smoothly. Whether you're sliding between chord shapes or individual notes, this technique helps you connect different sections of the song with fluidity. In "Space Oddity," slides are especially effective in the outro and spacey interlude sections, giving the music a flowing, dream-like quality.
Benefit: Adding slides to your playing creates smoother transitions between notes and chords, making your performance more expressive and dynamic.
Chord Progressions with Barre Chords
"Space Oddity" uses several barre chords, particularly in its transitions between major and minor keys. Barre chords are essential for playing across the fretboard and unlocking a wide range of chord voicings. The chorus of the song features these barre chords to shift between tense and resolved harmonic moments, driving the emotional narrative of the song.
Benefit: Barre chords improve your finger strength and ability to play chord progressions in any key, opening up more possibilities across the fretboard.
Finger-Picking
The song’s delicate intro and sections of the verses rely on finger-picking to create a soft, intimate atmosphere. This technique allows the guitarist to emphasise individual strings and create a more detailed, nuanced performance. "Space Oddity" exemplifies how finger-picking can balance complexity and simplicity within a song structure.
Benefit: Finger-picking develops control over your picking hand, allowing for greater precision and dynamic contrast in your playing.
Syncopated Rhythms
The rhythmic structure of "Space Oddity" is a key element of its distinct feel. Syncopation, where the emphasis falls on off-beats or unexpected parts of the measure, is a prominent feature in the guitar parts. This technique adds a sense of movement and unpredictability, mirroring the otherworldly themes of the song.
Benefit: Syncopation challenges your sense of timing, helping you develop a more advanced rhythmic feel and the ability to play with a greater variety of grooves.
