Discover the Secrets of Playing Smoke on the Water on the Guitar like a Pro
Greetings music lovers and aspiring guitarists! Playing the guitar is a great way to express yourself and impress others with your musical skills. One of the most iconic and recognizable songs in rock history is “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or advanced guitar player, learning how to play this classic riff is essential. In this article, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to play Smoke on the Water on the guitar.
Introduction: Understanding the Basics
To play Smoke on the Water, you’ll need to be familiar with some basic guitar techniques. These include:
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Chords | A combination of notes played simultaneously. |
| Strumming | Using a pick or fingers to play chords with a rhythmic pattern. |
| Fretting | Pressing down on the strings with your fingers to change the pitch of the notes. |
| Palm Muting | Using the side of your picking hand to mute the strings and create a percussive sound. |
If you’re new to playing guitar, don’t worry. We’ll explain each of these techniques in more detail as we go along.
How to Play Smoke on the Water: Step-by-Step
Now, let’s dive into the heart of this article: how to play Smoke on the Water. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Tune your Guitar
Before we begin, make sure your guitar is properly tuned. Standard tuning for a guitar is E-A-D-G-B-E.
Step 2: The Main Riff
The main riff of Smoke on the Water is played on the first three strings of the guitar. Here’s the tab:
e|------------------------|------------------------|B|------------------------|------------------------|G|------------------------|------------------------|D|--------------0---------|--------------0---------|A|--------2--3-----3--2---|--------2--3-----3--2---|E|--0--3-----------------|--0--3-----------------|
Step 3: Chorus
Next, we’ll move on to the chorus. This is played using power chords and is a bit more challenging. The chords are:
E5 - 022xxxG5 - 355xxxA#5 - x133xx
Step 4: Verse
The verse of the song is similar to the main riff, but with slight variations. Here’s the tab:
e|------------------------|------------------------|B|------------------------|------------------------|G|------------------------|------------------------|D|--------------0---------|--------------0---------|A|--------2--3-----3--2---|--------2--3-----3--2---|E|--0--3-----------------|--0--3-----------------|
Step 5: Bridge
Finally, we have the bridge. This is played using power chords and is a bit more challenging. The chords are:
G#5 - 466xxxA#5 - x133xxF5 - 133xxx
Step 6: Putting It All Together
Once you’re comfortable with each of the parts, it’s time to put it all together. Play the verse, then the chorus, then the verse, then the chorus again. After that, play the main riff and the bridge. Finally, end with the chorus.
Step 7: Practice, Practice, Practice
Like anything else, practice makes perfect. Don’t worry if it takes you some time to get the hang of it. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be playing Smoke on the Water like a pro!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Playing Smoke on the Water
As with anything in life, there are both advantages and disadvantages to playing Smoke on the Water.
Advantages
One of the biggest advantages is that it’s a great song for beginners to learn. It’s relatively simple and easy to play, but still sounds impressive. It’s also a great song for jamming with other musicians, as most people are familiar with it.
Disadvantages
The biggest disadvantage is that it’s an overplayed song. Many musicians consider it to be a cliche or a “beginner” song, so playing it too often may make you seem less skilled or creative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main riff of Smoke on the Water?
A: The main riff is played on the first three strings of the guitar. Here’s the tab:
e|------------------------|------------------------|B|------------------------|------------------------|G|------------------------|------------------------|D|--------------0---------|--------------0---------|A|--------2--3-----3--2---|--------2--3-----3--2---|E|--0--3-----------------|--0--3-----------------|
Q: What are the chords for the chorus?
A: The chords for the chorus are E5, G5, and A#5.
Q: Is Smoke on the Water easy to play?
A: Yes, Smoke on the Water is considered to be one of the easiest songs to play on the guitar.
Q: Can I play Smoke on the Water on an acoustic guitar?
A: Yes, you can play Smoke on the Water on an acoustic guitar, but it may not sound as good as it does on an electric guitar.
Q: How long does it take to learn how to play Smoke on the Water?
A: It depends on your skill level and how much you practice. Some people can learn it in a few days, while others may take weeks or months.
Q: Who wrote Smoke on the Water?
A: Smoke on the Water was written by the British rock band Deep Purple.
Q: What is the meaning of Smoke on the Water?
A: The song was inspired by a real-life event where the band’s hotel caught on fire while they were recording their album in Montreux, Switzerland.
Q: Can I play Smoke on the Water using tabs?
A: Yes, you can find tabs for Smoke on the Water online or in guitar tablature books.
Q: What is a power chord?
A: A power chord is a two-note chord that is often used in rock music. It consists of the root note and the fifth note of the scale.
Q: What is palm muting?
A: Palm muting is a technique where you use the side of your picking hand to mute the strings and create a percussive sound.
Q: Can I play Smoke on the Water using a pick or my fingers?
A: Yes, you can play Smoke on the Water using either a pick or your fingers.
Q: What is standard tuning for a guitar?
A: Standard tuning for a guitar is E-A-D-G-B-E.
Q: What is a guitar riff?
A: A guitar riff is a repeated pattern of notes that is often used as the main melody of a song.
Q: Can I play Smoke on the Water using open chords?
A: No, Smoke on the Water is played using power chords, which are different from open chords.
Q: What is the tempo of Smoke on the Water?
A: The tempo of Smoke on the Water is around 108 beats per minute.
Q: Can I add my own variation to Smoke on the Water?
A: Yes, you can add your own variation to Smoke on the Water. In fact, many guitarists like to put their own spin on the song.
Conclusion: Play Smoke on the Water Like a Pro
Playing Smoke on the Water is a great way to showcase your guitar skills and impress your friends. By following the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be able to play the song like a pro in no time. Remember to practice regularly and have fun!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We’d love to hear from you.
Closing Disclaimer
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. We disclaim any liability for any actions taken or not taken based on this information.