It's a Plain Shame - Peter Frampton Guitar Lesson

Introduction

Peter Frampton's "It's a Plain Shame" is a classic rock gem that embodies the spirit of the early 1970s rock and roll. As a guitar-driven track, it showcases Frampton's signature style and the technical prowess that made him a household name. For any guitarist looking to capture the essence of this track, note-for-note guitar lesson provides an in-depth exploration of the techniques that Frampton employed. From the crunchy riffs to the melodic solos, this lesson breaks down each segment of the song, offering you the tools to not only play it accurately but also to incorporate these techniques into your own playing style. Danny Gill breaks down this iconic song in this exclusive Lick Library tutorial.

Peter Frampton and His Influence

Peter Frampton, an English rock musician, rose to fame in the mid-1970s with his groundbreaking album "Frampton Comes Alive!" which remains one of the best-selling live albums of all time. Known for his melodic sensibilities and his innovative use of the talk box, Frampton has influenced generations of guitarists. His style blends blues, rock, and pop elements, creating a unique sound that is both technically challenging and emotionally resonant. In "It's a Plain Shame," Frampton's playing is a perfect representation of his ability to fuse catchy rhythms with intricate solos, making it a must-learn for aspiring rock guitarists.

Breakdown of Guitar Techniques in "It's a Plain Shame"

Power Chords

Power chords are the backbone of the rhythm guitar in "It's a Plain Shame." These chords are simple yet powerful, providing a driving force behind the song's main riff. Learning to play power chords effectively is essential for any rock guitarist, as they are a fundamental building block of the genre. Mastery of power chords will allow you to play with the aggression and precision needed for rock music.

Slides

Slides are frequently used throughout the song, adding a smooth, connected feel between notes. In "It's a Plain Shame," Frampton uses slides to transition between chords and to add flair to his solos. Practicing slides will improve your ability to move around the fretboard efficiently, making your playing sound more fluid and expressive.

String Bending

String bending is a crucial technique in rock and blues guitar playing, and it’s prominently featured in the solos of "It's a Plain Shame." Frampton's bends are soulful and precise, adding emotional depth to his leads. Learning to bend strings accurately will enhance your ability to express yourself on the guitar, allowing you to hit notes with intensity and emotion.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create smooth, fast transitions between notes, especially in the song's solo sections. These techniques are essential for building speed and fluidity in your playing. By mastering hammer-ons and pull-offs, you can add a legato feel to your solos, making them sound more connected and seamless.

Vibrato

Vibrato is the subtle yet powerful technique that adds character and sustain to notes. Frampton’s use of vibrato in "It's a Plain Shame" is particularly effective in making certain notes stand out. Developing a strong vibrato technique is essential for adding expressiveness to your playing, as it allows you to control the tone and sustain of each note.

Double Stops

Double stops, or the technique of playing two notes simultaneously, are used in the song to add richness to the rhythm parts and to thicken up solos. Learning to play double stops will give your playing a fuller sound and help you understand harmonisation on the guitar.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking is a technique where the guitarist alternates between downstrokes and upstrokes, which is critical for maintaining speed and precision. Frampton uses alternate picking in the faster sections of "It's a Plain Shame" to keep the notes clear and defined. Mastering alternate picking will improve your overall picking efficiency and allow you to play faster passages with accuracy.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios, or broken chords where the notes are played individually, are utilised in the song to create melodic interest in both rhythm and lead sections. Practicing arpeggios will enhance your understanding of chord shapes across the neck and improve your finger independence, allowing for more creative soloing.

Conclusion

Learning "It's a Plain Shame" by Peter Frampton is more than just memorising a series of notes. It’s about mastering a collection of essential guitar techniques that can be applied across countless other songs and styles. Our detailed lesson breaks down each of these techniques, ensuring that you not only learn to play the song but also understand the methods behind it. By integrating these techniques into your repertoire, you’ll be well on your way to capturing the spirit of Peter Frampton’s iconic playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in "It's a Plain Shame"

• Power Chords
• Slides
• String Bending
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato
• Double Stops
• Alternate Picking
• Arpeggios