Down in the Valley Guitar Lesson

Chapter 1: (00:27) Musical Introduction Steve begins this lesson by performing a verse of "Down in the Valley." In the scenes that follow, he will provide you with the tools necessary to singing and playing this song. Chapter 2: (05:21) Down in the Valley As you first learn to play and sing at the same time, it is important to practice songs that are easy to remember. Songs with simple lyrics and chord changes will allow your brain to focus on coordination skills between your hands and voice.

Note: Complete lyrics to this song can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab.

Strumming Pattern

This song is played with an alternating bass line in 3/4 time. Many of you are probably familiar with playing in alternating bass line in 4/4 time. When playing this type of bass line in 3/4, some adjustments need to be made. Begin by picking the lowest root note on beat one. Then, strum the rest of the chord on the remaining two beats of the measure. In the following measure, play the fifth of the chord on beat one. Then, strum the chord on the last two beats. In 3/4 time, the root and fifth alternate every other measure when playing an alternating bass line.

Chord Progression

The chord progression to this song is very simple. The I, V, and V7 chords in the key of G major are used to harmonize the entire song. Respectively, these chords are G, D, and D7. Refer to Steve's marker board to see how the chord changes line up with the lyrics of the song. Tablature and notation to this chord progression can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab.

Walk Down

Steve typically applies a descending scalar line to the end of each verse. For example, as he sings the word "blow" at the end of the first verse, Steve strums the G chord for 1 measure. Then, the descending scalar line is played. The line consists of the notes C, B, and A played in a steady quarter note rhythm.

The walk down serves many musical and practical purposes. It breaks the monotony of the simple waltz strumming pattern. Adding the walk down implies a IV to I plagal cadence that creates a strong transition back to the top of the form. It also serves as a helpful memory tool. The walk down is an indication that one verse has ended, and the next is about to begin. Chapter 3: (02:26) Simplifying the Song In lesson 5 of this series, you learned several ways to simplify a song when you are first learning to sing and play it. Follow these steps to make the learning process easier for you:

1. Isolate and learn the chord progression.
2. Learn the vocal melody to the song.
3. Memorize one verse at a time.
4. Sing the memorized verse without playing guitar.
5. Begin to sing the verse while accompanying yourself on guitar. Do not play the full strumming pattern just yet! Only strum when the chords change.
6. Sing the verse along with the full strumming pattern.
7. Repeat this process with the remaining parts of the song.
8. At 00:20 practice singing and playing the song along with Steve.

Note: Notation and tablature to the vocal melody can be found under the "Supplemental Content" tab. Chapter 4: (04:42) Your Voice Keep in mind that the way in which you perceive your voice is different from the way that others hear it. When singing or speaking, the sound that you hear is greatly affected by the vibrations occurring in your chest and nasal cavities. To overcome this perceptual difference, record yourself singing as much as possible. With due time and practice, you will become used to the way your voice sounds to other people.

Supporting the Voice with Proper Breathing

Breathing is one of the most crucial components of singing. Proper breathing improves intonation, phrasing, and tone. Make sure that your breathing originates from your diaphragm. When breathing properly, your abdomen should extend outwards slightly. If your shoulders raise in a shrugging motion, your breathing is too shallow.

Also, you must plan where you will take each breathe within the context of the melody. Before you begin to practice singing the melody, print out the notation for it. Then, mark off each phrase with a pencil. Take a breath roughly about two beats prior to the start of each next phrase.

Note: For more information on this topic, please visit Mark Lincoln's Phase 2 Guitar Performance lessons.
Chapter 5: (03:01) Songs, Singing, and Review Remember to apply what you have learned in this lesson to every song that you sing. When choosing songs to sing, follow the guidelines listed below:

1. Songs that are well-written are easier to sing.
2. Choose songs that are appropriate for your vocal range.
3. Songs with memorable lyrics are much easier to perform. They are typically more enjoyable for the audience as well. Chapter 6: (01:07) Final Thoughts Playing a musical instrument requires hard work and dedication. However, it should always be fun! Practice your instrument in a way that keeps you entertained and interested. Practicing in such a way will also make your playing more enjoyable to listen to.

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