Robert Smith singing live, holding his signature guitar

Learn to play Boys Don't Cry - Guitar Lesson

Guitar lesson for this song by The Cure

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Learn to Play "Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure on Guitar with LickLibrary

Dive into the vibrant guitar melodies of The Cure’s iconic track "Boys Don't Cry" with our comprehensive guitar lesson. This course at LickLibrary is designed not only to teach you how to play the song note-for-note but also to enhance your guitar skills through mastering key techniques such as barre chords, alternate picking, and chord progressions. This lesson is crafted by Rich Shaw, to improve your playing precision, timing, and overall musical expression.

Detailed Breakdown of Techniques Used in "Boys Don't Cry"

Barre Chords

Barre chords are a fundamental guitar technique where a single finger presses down multiple strings across a fret. In "Boys Don't Cry," the use of barre chords allows for a fuller and more resonant sound that captures the emotional depth of the song. Learning these chords can significantly expand your chord vocabulary and enable you to play a wider range of music.

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking involves alternating downward and upward picking strokes, which results in faster playing and more rhythmic precision. This technique is pivotal in "Boys Don't Cry" for achieving the song’s rhythmic and melodic fluency. Mastering alternate picking can enhance your ability to tackle fast passages and complex rhythms with ease.

Chord Progressions

The chord progressions in "Boys Don't Cry" are simple yet effective, creating a catchy and memorable rhythm that defines the song. Understanding and mastering these progressions will not only help you play this song accurately but also improve your ability to compose and improvise in various musical settings.

The Influence of The Cure’s Guitarists

The Cure, with Robert Smith at the forefront, has been a major influence in the post-punk and new wave scenes. Smith’s guitar playing is characterized by its melodic inventiveness and emotional depth. His approach often involves intricate chord shapes and creative use of effects, which can be seen in the jangly guitar work of "Boys Don't Cry." Learning this song offers not just a technical skillset but also an artistic insight into the stylistic elements that make The Cure’s music enduringly popular.


List of Guitar Techniques Used in Our Lessons

Below is a list of all the guitar techniques we cover across various lessons at LickLibrary. If you are interested in learning more about any of these techniques, follow the links provided for detailed glossaries and tutorials.

This lesson on "Boys Don't Cry" by The Cure will not only help you master specific techniques but also give you a deeper appreciation for the artistry involved in crafting such timeless music. Join us at LickLibrary and transform the way you play and understand music!

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