Goo Goo Dolls - Iris Guitar Lesson
Iris
Mark Lincoln brings this famous Goo Goo Dolls classic to your fingertips. Weather you are just learning another song or wanting to serenade you significant other, this is one to pick up and play to. Mark breaks this song down in many steps and allows for numerous play along sessions. With this songs odd tuning, you will also learn in an alternate tuning to help broaden your horizons to playing guitar.
Taught by Mark Lincoln in Songs with Mark seriesLength: 37:52Difficulty: 1.5 of 5
Playing in open tunings can be a great way to step away from the everyday mundane world of guitar. The song Iris is certainly no exception to this rule as it's played in an extraordinary tuning that I've never seen used before. So before we begin on this amazing song, please tune your guitar to the following tuning:
High E string tune down to D
B string tune up to D
G string tune down to D
D string stays as D
A string down to D
Low E string down to B
When making big changes in string tuning the strings undergo a lot of tension change so you'll likely need to tune your guitar more than once after you've shifted to this tuning. It's always a good idea to strum the strings for a while to acclimate them to the new tuning so play around with the strings a bit before fine tuning it.
Most of the chords in Iris are one and two finger chords (which is common in songs with open tunings) so I'll show you the bulk of this song in tab form. But first, let's talk a little about singing. As most of you have grown tired of hearing me talk to you about vocal warm-ups, we won't get into that here. I would suggest to you in earnest that you warm your voice properly and thoroughly before trying to sing Iris. The vocals are in the upper registers and are challenging to say the least. So please take the proper measures in order that you may sing the song effectively and beautifully and don't hurt your voice in doing so. If you're not familiar with my Voice and Performance Series (located in Phase 2 on the Jam play site) please review it at this time for a full synopsis of proper warm-up procedures.
The Boom
This is another topic that many of you have heard me discuss but I want to go over it again since it's especially integral to singing this song properly. The boom simply means hitting the notes as loudly and passionately as a given portion of the song warrants and demands. In Iris, the Boom occurs during each chorus and is sung:
"And I don't want the world to see me
'cause I don't think that they'd understand
when everything's meant to be broken
I just want you to know who I am."
From a breathing perspective, gathering the momentum and breath necessary to Boom effectively takes a bit of planning. If you've ever watched a baby right before he or she let's loose on a scream, or wail, or cry for its mother you might have noticed how the child fills its lungs up to prepare for the lamentation. This same type of preparation is also necessary to boom effectively in a song like this. Subsequently, there is an element of planning when it comes to hitting those ever-evasive high notes and usually one wants to begin to fill one's lungs in the last seconds of the line preceding the boom. I'll be mentioning the boom again once we get into the heart of Iris.
Chording
When forming chords using an open tuning you will usually be forming them with one or two fingers (perfect for those of you who have become accustomed to playing power chords) which simplifies matters certainly. But keep in mind that the chords are often quite different from those you may have grown comfortable with using standard tunings. So please review each chord thoroughly and try to keep in mind ways to transition quickly and easily from one to the next without moving the entire position of your hands drastically.
Verse Riff
The verse chords are simply D|-----0--------0--------0----------0-----| D|-------0--------0--------0----------0---| D|---------0--------0--------0----------0-| D|-------------------------------0--------| D|----------------------------------------| B|-3----------5--------8------------------| D|-----0---------0----------0----------0-----| D|-------0---------0----------0----------0---| D|---------0---------0----------0----------0-| D|----------------------------------0--------| D|-------------------------------------------| B|--0----------10----------8-----------------|These chords are easily played simply by using your first finger (or middle, or ring or whatever is comfortable for you) and strumming softly. The verses in this song are very relaxed and have a slow and laid-back feel.
Exercise 1
Please play the verse chords along with me to get comfortable with the feel of this portion of the song. Try to keep in time with me while familiarizing yourself with the chords.
Chorus Chords
The chorus chords are even simpler than the verse chords and look like this:
D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-x-----x---x---x---x-----x---x---x---x-----x--x--x--x----x--x--| B|-12----12--12--12--12----10--10--10--10----8--8--8--8----8--8--|Notice how the second lowest string (what's usually the A-string) is muted on these chords. I believe this is the intention of the composer to add a little bit of a percussive element to the chorus. Other than that, it's simply talking one D-note out of the chord so it's really not crucial to mute it.
Exercise 2
Please play the chorus chords along with me to get accustomed to the feel of this section of the song. You can slant your finger (whichever one you've chosen for this part) slightly in order to mute the string above it if you choose to do so.
Interlude 1
This is the first of two riffs which the Goo Goo Dolls have incorporated into Iris. This one is played after the first chorus and before the third verse. The chords look like this:
D|--0----0---0---0---0---0-----0---0------0-0---| D|--0----0---0---0---0---0-----0---0------0-0---| D|--0----0---0---0---0---0-----0---0------0-0---| D|--12---12--12--12--12--11---11--11-----11/12--| D|--9----9---9---9---9---9-----9---9-----9--9---| B|----------------------------------------------| D|-0--0--0--0---0--0----0--0--0--0-| D|-4--4--4--2---2--2----0--0--0--0-| D|-5--5--5--4---4--4----0--0--0--0-| D|-5--5--5--5---5--5----4--4--0--0-| D|---------------------------------| B|---------------------------------|This riff is played twice but the second time you skip the F# note (which is the last 4 on the tab above) and go directly to the first chord in the verse chords. I'll show you how it's done.
Exercise 3
Please play Interlude 1 along with me paying attention to how I transition back in to the verse chords. Get a good handle on the changes in this section, their likely the most difficult ones in the song.
Interlude 2
This riff occurs after the second chorus and looks like this:
D|--------0-----0-----0-----0----------0-----0---0----0-| D|-----------0-----------0----------------0---------0---| D|------------------------------------------------------| D|------------------------------------------------------| D|------------------------------------------------------| B|---12-------------14-------------15-------------------| D|--------0-----0-----0-----0---------0-----0-------------| D|-----------0-----------0---------------0----------------| D|--------------------------------------------0------0----| D|------------------------------------------------0-----0-| D|--------------------------------------------------------| B|---12-------------10-------------8----------------------|Again these are simply one-finger chords but you'll need to play them in time with what I'm doing so let's practice it shall we?
Exercise 4
Play Interlude 2 chords with me and get a feel for the time through this section. These chords are simple but the timing is probably more important than anything here.
Except for the lead section (which is fairly tricky) that's it for the various parts that come together to make Iris. Let's take a look at the song itself and see what you think..
Intro X2 D|--0----0---0---0---0---0-----0---0-------0---0--0-| D|--0----0---0---0---0---0-----0---0-------0---0--0-| D|--0----0---0---0---0---0-----0---0-------0---0--0-| D|--12--12--12-12--12--11---11--11--------11/12-0-0-| D|--9----9---9---9---9---9-----9---9------9--9------| B|--------------------------------------------------| D|-0--0--0--0---0--0----0--0--0--0-| D|-0--0--0--0---0--0----0--0--0--0-| D|-0--0--0--0---0--0----0--0--0--0-| D|-5--5--5--4---4--4----4--4--0--0-| D|-5--5--5--5---5--5----5--5--0--0-| B|---------------------------------| V. 1. D|-----0--------0--------0----------0-----| D|-------0--------0--------0----------0---| D|---------0--------0--------0----------0-| D|-------------------------------0--------| D|----------------------------------------| B|-3----------5--------8------------------| And I'd give up forever to touch you D|-----0---------0----------0----------0-----| D|-------0---------0----------0----------0---| D|---------0---------0----------0----------0-| D|----------------------------------0--------| D|-------------------------------------------| B|--0----------10----------8-----------------| 'Cause I know that you feel me somehow D|-----0--------0--------0----------0-----| D|-------0--------0--------0----------0---| D|---------0--------0--------0----------0-| D|-------------------------------0--------| D|----------------------------------------| B|-3----------5--------8------------------| you're the closest to heaven that I've ever been D|-----0---------0----------0----------0-----| D|-------0---------0----------0----------0---| D|---------0---------0----------0----------0-| D|----------------------------------0--------| D|-------------------------------------------| B|--0----------10----------8-----------------| and I don't want to go home right now V.2 D|-----0--------0--------0----------0-----| D|-------0--------0--------0----------0---| D|---------0--------0--------0----------0-| D|-------------------------------0--------| D|----------------------------------------| B|-3----------5--------8------------------| and all I can taste is this moment D|-----0---------0----------0----------0-----| D|-------0---------0----------0----------0---| D|---------0---------0----------0----------0-| D|----------------------------------0--------| D|-------------------------------------------| B|--0----------10----------8-----------------| and all I can breath is your life D|-----0--------0--------0----------0-----| D|-------0--------0--------0----------0---| D|---------0--------0--------0----------0-| D|-------------------------------0--------| D|----------------------------------------| B|-3----------5--------8------------------| 'cause sooner or later it's over
D|-----0---------0----------0----------0-----| D|-------0---------0----------0----------0---| D|---------0---------0----------0----------0-| D|----------------------------------0--------| D|-------------------------------------------| B|--0----------10----------8-----------------| I just don't wanna miss you tonight and I... Chorus D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0---| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-x-----x---x---x---x-----x---x---x---x-----x--x--x--x----x--x--| B|-12----12--12--12--12----10--10--10--10----8--8--8--8----8--8--| don't want the world to see me 'cause I D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0---| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-x-----x---x---x---x-----x---x---x---x-----x--x--x--x----x--x--| B|-12----12--12--12--12----10--10--10--10----8--8--8--8----8--8--| don't think that they'd under- stand when D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0---| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-x-----x---x---x---x-----x---x---x---x-----x--x--x--x----x--x--| B|-12----12--12--12--12----10--10--10--10----8--8--8--8----8--8--| everything's meant to be broken I just D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0---| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-0-----0---0---0---0-----0---0---0---0-----0--0--0--0----0--0--| D|-x-----x---x---x---x-----x---x---x---x-----x--x--x--x----x--x--| B|-12----12--12--12--12----10--10--10--10----8--8--8--8----8--8--| want you to know who I am Interlude 1 (X 2) V. 3 D|-----0--------0--------0----------0-----| D|-------0--------0--------0----------0---| D|---------0--------0--------0----------0-| D|-------------------------------0--------| D|----------------------------------------| B|-3----------5--------8------------------| and you can't hide the tears that ain't comin' D|-----0---------0----------0----------0-----| D|-------0---------0----------0----------0---| D|---------0---------0----------0----------0-| D|----------------------------------0--------| D|-------------------------------------------| B|--0----------10----------8-----------------| or the moment of truth in your lies D|-----0--------0--------0----------0-----| D|-------0--------0--------0----------0---| D|---------0--------0--------0----------0-| D|-------------------------------0--------| D|----------------------------------------| B|-3----------5--------8------------------| when everything feels like the movies D|-----0---------0----------0----------0-----| D|-------0---------0----------0----------0---| D|---------0---------0----------0----------0-| D|----------------------------------0--------| D|-------------------------------------------| B|--0----------10----------8-----------------| Yeah you bleed just to know you're alive Chorus Interlude 2 Solo (The first tab gets played X4) D|-0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0-----0--0---0---0-0-0-0---0-0-0-0-| D|-0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0-----0--0---0---0-0-0-0--0-0-0-0-| D|-0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0-----0--0---0---0-0-0-0--0-0-0-0-| D|-0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0-----0--0---0---0-0-0-0--0-0-0-0-| D|-x--x--x--x-----x--x--x--x-----x--x---x---x-x-x-x--x-x-x-x-| B|-12-12-12-12----14-14-14-14----14-15--8---8-8-8-8--8-8-8-8-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-| B|-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--| B|-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-| B|-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--| B|-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-| D|-0--0---0---0---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0---0---0---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0---0---0---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0---0---0---0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-x--x---x---x---x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--| B|-12-12--14--14--15-17-17-17-15-15-14-14-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-| D|-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-| B|-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-8-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-7-| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--0--| D|-x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--x--| B|-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-12-| (let ring) (quietly) D|----0-----------0-----------0--------| D|-------0-----------0-----------0-----| D|----------0-----------0-----------0--| D|-------------------------------------| D|-------------------------------------| B|-----0---------2----------3----------| D|----0-----------0-----------0---------| D|-------0-----------0-----------0------| D|----------0-----------0-----------0---| D|--------------------------------------| D|---9----------------------------------| B|--------------10----------8-----------| Chorus (X2) I just want you to know who I am I just want you to know who I am I just want you to know who I am I just want you to know who I Outro D|--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0--| D|--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0--| D|--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0--| D|--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0--| D|--x-----x--x--x--x--x-----x--x--x--x--x-----x--x--x--x--x--| B|--0-----0--0-12-12-14----14-14-14-14-15-----15-15-15-15-15-| am............................ D|--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0--| D|--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0--| D|--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0--| D|--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0-----0--0--0--0--0--| D|--x-----x--x--x--x--x-----x--x--x--x--x-----x--x--x--x--x--| B|--12----12-12-12-12-10----10-10-10-10-8-----8--8--8--8--8--| fade
Well there it is my friends, the masterpiece known as Iris. First things first, please take note of the fact that the last word in the last chorus which is "am" falls on the first chord of the outro. I'll show you how this works when I play it but I wanted you to take note of this anomaly in the song as it's written in the tablature.
Exercise 5
Play the entire song along with me without the lyrics. There are a lot of subtle changes in this song and it's important that you take your time with the mechanics of the song before you jump in and try to sing it at the same time.
Exercise 6
Go for it! This is one of the most challenging songs that I've ever learned to sing and play and I know you all can do it as well. Take your time and don't forget to breathe! Good Luck:)
Supplemental Learning Material
Songs with Mark
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsLearning to play songs is a rewarding and enjoyable way to put your guitar skills to the test. This series is all about learning great songs.
Lesson 3
Jeni Lani
Mark Lincoln teaches his original song "Jeni Lani." He also throws in a good deal of useful music knowledge.
Length: 31:57 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Zero Hour
Mark Lincoln teaches his original song "Zero Hour."
Length: 23:59 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
That's What She Told Me
Mark brings us one of his original songs with a punch. Here Mark teaches "That's What She Told Me."
Length: 33:31 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
A Song For You
Yet again, Mark brings his unique songwriting style to JamPlay with an original song. "A Song For You" is a more difficult song that features a Latin feel and a strong punctuated chorus line. This one...
Length: 28:16 Difficulty: 3.0 Members Only
The Story of Me
Mark Lincoln teaches an original song of his entitled "The Story of Me."
Length: 17:16 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Hope Springs Eternal
Mark Lincoln just does not stop writing great originals! Here he teaches a rather complex song called "Hope Springs Eternal." This song will test your ability to play arpeggios and chord transitions.
Length: 30:22 Difficulty: 3.5 Members Only
Iris
In this lesson Mark Lincoln teaches the famous Goo Goo Dolls song, "Iris."
Length: 37:52 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
About Mark Lincoln
View Full Biography
Mark Lincoln was born in S. California but was raised near Portland Oregon in a town called Beaverton. When he was twelve years old, he began his journey into the realm of the creative by composing poetry and was later published in a journal called "In Dappled Sunlight." He wrote for four years until his older sister blessed him with his first guitar, an old beat-up nylon stringed classical guitar. Mark played that guitar for five years, continuing to compose his own lyrics and starting the process of matching his own words with chords that he was learning on the guitar. He learned to play chords from his friends and from music books that he both bought and borrowed. Mark cited his four biggest influences, at that point at least, as The Who, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, The Rolling Stones.
Mark cites his most current influences as Radiohead, U2, older music by REM, and Peter Gabriel amongst others. He performs with two acoustic guitars, one being a six-string M-36 Martin with a three-pieced back for increased bass response, and a Guild Twelve-string which is his most recent acquisition. Mark is fond of saying that the twelve-string guitar is better because you get two guitars for the price of one, but he still plays his Martin equally as much and with the same passion.
Mark ended up in Fort Collins Colorado where he currently lives, works as a Marriage and Family Therapist, and continues to write, teach and perform music. He currently performs with a group called "Black Nelson" as well as with a number of other seasoned professional musicians including his cousin David, a virtuoso lead-guitar player. Mark has performed in many of the smaller venues in Denver and Boulder, as well as some of the larger ones including the Fox Theatre, The Boulder Theatre, Herman's Hideaway, and also at The Soiled Dove where he opened for Jefferson Starship as a soloist. Some of Mark's originals are also available for your listening pleasure on MySpace.
Acoustic Guitar Lessons
Our acoustic guitar lessons are taught by qualified instructors with various backgrounds with the instrument.
Jessica Baron
Jessica kindly introduces herself, her background, and her approach to this series.
Free LessonSeries Details
Steve Eulberg
Steve Eulberg does a quick review of this lesson series and talks about moving on.
Free LessonSeries Details
Eve Goldberg
Eve talks about the boom-chuck strum pattern. This strum pattern will completely change the sound of your playing.
Free LessonSeries Details
Orville Johnson
Orville Johnson introduces turnarounds and provides great ideas and techniques.
Free LessonSeries Details
Randall Williams
In this lesson Randall introduces the partial capo (using a short-cut capo by Kyser) and talks about how it can make the...
Free LessonSeries Details
Mark Kailana Nelson
Mark Nelson introduces "'Ulupalakua," a song he will be using to teach different skills and techniques. In this lesson, he...
Free LessonSeries Details
Kaki King
In lesson 6, Kaki discusses how the left and right hands can work together or independently of each other to create different...
Free LessonSeries Details
Danny Voris
Lesson 7 is all about arpeggios. Danny provides discussion and exercises designed to build your right hand skills.
Free LessonSeries Details
Peter Einhorn
In this lesson, Peter discusses the two bar clave that is common to the Brazilian style. You'll put together several patterns...
Free LessonSeries DetailsElectric Guitar Lesson Samples
Our electric guitar lessons are taught by instructors with an incredible amount of teaching experience.
James Malone
James explains how to tap arpeggios for extended musical reach.
Free LessonSeries Details
Stuart Ziff
Stuart doesn't waste an ytime diving into blues as he starts his series off by demonstrating one of the most iconic and recognizable...
Free LessonSeries Details
Steve Stevens
Steve Stevens shows some of his go-to licks and ideas while improvising over a backing track he made.
Free LessonSeries Details
Emil Werstler
Emil takes you through some techniques that he uses frequently in his style of playing. Topics include neck bending, percussive...
Free LessonSeries Details
Dennis Hodges
Learn a variety of essential techniques commonly used in the metal genre, including palm muting, string slides, and chord...
Free LessonSeries Details
Nick Greathouse
Nick starts his series with Alternate Picking part 1. Improve your timing, speed, and execution with this important lesson.
Free LessonSeries Details
Brendan Burns
Brendan demonstrates the tiny triad shapes derived from the form 1 barre chord.
Free LessonSeries Details
Bryan Beller
Bryan Beller of the Aristocrats, Dethklok, and Steve Vai takes you inside his six step method to learning any song by ear....
Free LessonSeries Details
Eric Madis
In this lesson Eric talks about playing basic lead in the Memphis Blues style.
Free LessonSeries Details
Lisa Pursell
Lisa breaks into the very basics of the electric guitar. She starts by explaining the parts of the guitar. Then, she dives...
Free LessonSeries DetailsAdditional Lesson Features Available to Members
While we have attempted to provide you with an accurate rendition of our video lesson experience, there are some features which
require a membership with us!
Custom Progress Reporting
At JamPlay, we give you the ability to monitor your own progress for any lesson! If you watch one of our lessons and feel as though you understand around half of it, mark your progress at 50%. This adds the lesson to your customized Progress Report, and gives you an incredible ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.
Progressive Bookmarking
With thousands of lessons at your fingertips, JamPlay can be a touch intimidating to a first-time user. With Progressive Bookmarking, we give you the ability to systematically bookmark sections of any lessons you are working on to quickly access later. After all, what is the point of all this content if it isn't easy to use?
Save Your Notes
JamPlay also gives you the ability to leave notes for yourself on any lesson. Just like in any educational system, taking your own notes while learning gives you the ability to highlight the instruction that is important to you. Leave your notes, and we store them in our database for you to reference each and everytime you come back to the lesson.
Join the Thousands of Members at JamPlay
Signup today to enjoy access to our entire database of video lessons, along with our exclusive set of learning tools and features.
Unlimited Lesson Viewing
A JamPlay membership gives you access to every lesson, from every teacher on our staff. Additionally, there is no restriction on how many times you watch a lesson. Watch as many times as you need.Live Lessons
Exclusive only to JamPlay, we currently broadcast 8-10 hours of steaming lesson services directly to you! Enjoy the benefits of in-person instructors and the conveniences of our community.Interactive Community
Create your own profile, manage your friends list, and contact users with your own JamPlay Mailbox. JamPlay also features live chat with teachers and members, and an active Forum.Chord Library
Each chord in our library contains a full chart, related tablature, and a photograph of how the chord is played. A comprehensive learning resource for any guitarist.Scale Library
Our software allows you to document your progress for any lesson, including notes and percent of the lesson completed. This gives you the ability to document what you need to work on, and where you left off.Custom Chord Sheets
At JamPlay, not only can you reference our Chord Library, but you can also select any variety of chords you need to work on, and generate your own printable chord sheet.Backing Tracks
Jam-along backing tracks give the guitarist a platform for improvising and soloing. Our backing tracks provide a wide variety of tracks from different genres of music, and serves as a great learning tool.Interactive Games
We have teachers covering beginner lessons, rock, classic rock, jazz, bluegrass, fingerstyle, slack key and more. Learn how to play the guitar from experienced players, in a casual environment.Beginners Welcome.. and Up
Unlike a lot of guitar websites and DVDs, we start our Beginner Lessons at the VERY start of the learning process, as if you just picked up a guitar for the first time.Our teaching is structured for all players.
Member Comments about this Lesson
Discussions with our instructors are just one of the many benefits of becoming a member of JamPlay.thank you so much! been trying to learn this song for a while... do you have a preferred gauge of strings? like light, extra light, medium?
Awesome Video, Just a quick question about the strumming for the part after interlude #2, since it's longer than it usually goes, do you just repeat the previous pattern bass down up down over and over?
Hi, where is scene 2? Where can i find a list of "scene by scene" links?
im having trouble with the strumming throught the whole video, any suggestions?
'
its the same thing through the video, pretty much just strum all the strings.
im having troubles with the strumming throughout the song. Any suggestions?
sounds awsome! was playing this song with some tabs off the internet just didnt sound right. really glad to actually know how to play it now
Very true! I got some tabs off Ultimate Guitar rated as 5 star by about 300 people. They're nowhere near!
Really good song for a lesson! thanks
Am i the only one who cant view Scene 6: The Chorus Riff? It says the video is not availible
nevermind i fixed it
Hey Mark. New user. Thank you I have always been frustrated trying to learn this song on my own. One of my favs. Crazy tuning but cool.
couldnt finish the video.. the first 4 videos you didnt even teach anything.. you just repeated what was said in the description.. the intro video talked about the tuning.. you would think that the intro video would contain the intro.
Thanks Mark! Beautiful song yes it is! Even brings a tear! Thanks again.
Hey, well first off really enjoying the lesson. I'm learning this for a friend who needs some back up proposing to his lady. However I seem to be having some problems reconciling this version with the acoustic performed acoustically by the Goo Goo Dolls. Here's a link to what I'm talking about. Any advice? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kuSq1jgyD0
Well, I snapped a string.
Hey Sam...yes, this tuning is challenging to say the least so definitely take your time with it and you'll get there. Peace, Mark
I don't have any extras, so I'm gonna have to go out and get some. Really confused as to how this tuning is going to go for me, tho. tried to loosen the second string, it didn't get there, hence the snapped string. Kinda frustrating.
And another, 6th string hit your flat 5 TIMES and tune 6E. Man, just describing this tuning is difficult
Sorry, 1 mistake in my tip - Tighten 2nd string (going up from B to D)
Tip for anyone having the trouble getting the tuning - if you have a korg tuner as most guitarists do: 4th string - obviously don't need to touch this 1st, 2nd, 3rd strings - just loosen these as much as needed and tune them to 4D 5th string - hit your flat sign twice, and then tune to a 6E 6th string - same as fifth, flat sign twice and tune to 6E
Great lesson Mark I have 2 electric guitars did'nt now what song two use for the other one but now I no. I love it it puts you into a trance when you'r playing it. Love it.
Awesome Jeremiah! I'm a big fan of the Goo Goo Dolls too so I'm glad you're getting inot this! Mark
Hey Jeremiah, let me know how it comes out using electric rather than acoustic guitars. I'd love to hear you play it! Good luck! Mark
Hey mark it sounds realy good. it sounds like you have a chorus pedal hooked up to you're amp.
Mark thanks for the lesson! I am a begginer and it was great having such a nice song made so easy to pick up. Can't wait to learn more!
Hey BL I'm really glad you're enjoying this song! Happy jamming my friend! Mark
Hey Mark, I can't get my low E string to register as B on my tuner, could you put up a short video with you hitting the Low E string in B please. thanks
ummmm I have to go through channels in the head office to make videos Wash, I can't just go and make one on my own, unfortunately...we might be able to address this issue though in one of my chats so remind me next time you seeme ok? Mark
Great lesson! I've been looking for an Iris video tutorial for months, and this really is the very best one. Thanks Mark!
Thanks a lot AJay,hope you can sing it better than I can lol! Great to hear from you, Mark
I'm having problems with the interlude #1 and the intro. Any pointer?
Hey Chris how nare you? If you're having trouble with any particular parts of the song, try tofind similarities between the chordsthat you're using on those parts. In other words, play the chords in the interlude (for example) and look for ways that your chording hand can make shortcuts between the chords in that section. Finding easy ways to make those changes can help to speed youup and keep the song flowing along. Good luck! Mark
ok quick question whats the strumming pattern for this song...?
Hey Andrea how are you? The basic strum pattern for Iris is down down up down but since there's a lot of little parts that get a different sort of feel you really need to watch how I do it in the video. If you get a chance, come into my live chats and I might be able to help you a little more as well. See ya, Mark
i am having a bit of trouble with the sound i am making on my low E string and even though my tuner says that it's tuned right on the open D when i push on the frets it doesn't sound in tune. is there something i can do to help this?
You may need to have the intonation setup on your guitar. most guitars come with instructions on how to do this, or you could take your guitar to a qualified luthier and have them setup the entire thing, which would include intonation.
Having a tough time getting the tuning right on the Low E and A strings. Not real good by ear. I use a tuner. Any suggestions on how I can use the tuner to tune the E to a B and the A down to D?
Hi Allen, yes this is tough tuning to get to there's no doubt about that. You basically need to just keep tuning and fine tuning the guitar until you get it, I don't know what else to tell you! There is one other way to go about it and that is to put different strings in each of the positions,so if you're tuning down to D you can just restring the guitar with a D string in that position. Does that make sense?
mark it would be cool if you could post the lyrics and lyric notation too!
Thanks Mark you are the best. DO you remember me mentioning this song
great lesson. any chance of some additional song lessons for Goo Goo Dolls, Name or Naked would be great
Hey Ritec how are you? Actually I just got done posting a reply to a question similar to this in the forums, check it out! Mark
Hey Mark, that 1st Interlude is really stretching my reach, I feel like a lead guitar player ! Thanks again for a great lesson. I need my wife to sing the chorus at the moment, I can't reach that High
Hey Jason thanks for the effort man and good luck with your duet on this one! Mark
Hey mark, Just a note when you play the complete song there is a portion or a small section you did not put in the tabs. Right before you go to the section where you do it silent 0,2,3. The section before that you do a walk down in the demo that goes to 3 but it's not in the tabs. Thanks Ralph
Hey Ralph, I'm hoping that the supplemental content that has yet to be posted will clarify that, I had a feeling a would get a question or two about that!
They added it in the supplemental. Awesome. Thanks
I think you did a 10,8,7,5,3
Nice lesson and performance. Sorry though when I go to the supplemental information for this song there is nothing there.
Scroll down on the info about lesson tab.
really nice lesson mark... thanks mate
Look at "info about this lesson," the entire printable writeup can be found there. Matt is also gonna do the regular supplemental content for continuities sake but everything is in the info section.
wont let me watch the video lesson
Okay Mr. Lincoln...you didn't put a disclaimer at the VERY beginning of the video about tuning and I snapped a string and now I am ANGRY!!! Ha ha ha...you said you don't like angry males but you didn't say you don't like angry females! Okay, now I am being serious...my strings are all intact and the lesson is AWESOME! Thanks for doing this song!
Hi Jill Jill! I hope you're not angry 'cause that scares me, seriously! Great to hear from you Georgia and I hope you get this one down good! See ya soon, Marky Mark
Super lesson Mark, I've been looking forward to this. It took me a while to tune the guitar and I thought I was going to lose a B string for a minute, but it's full speed ahead now. Many thanks to all involved
Now THIS is how great instructional videos should be filmed, edited, embellished and performed. Incredible job, all. And, Mark, this was such an awesome lesson series. You blew me away with this one. And thank GOD someone did this right. Congrats on that! Can't wait to try it out when everyone isn't sleeping.
OUT FRIGGIN STANDING MARK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
very intense interpretation. I love it!
Great job Mark! I was learning to play this about a year ago. I had a dedicated guitar tuned for this song like you mentioned. That's definitely the way to go, if you can.
Hey Snow, yes you almost need a separate guitar for such a strange tuning right? Good to hear from you! Mark
Good Job Mark , I was learning how to play this song a few weeks ago.Your video was much better then the one I was learning from ..............
Thanx Greg good to hear from! Mark
Nice this was my brothers Wedding song il have to learn this.
WOW!
Great job guys. I like this song. I learned a simple version that was not accurate but it gave some good sounding chord progressions. This looks to be the way the Goo Goo Dolls play it. Lov it .
Graphics, animations, filming...wow, this came out amazing guys, nice job!
Looks great Ty! Good lesson Mark!
Also whoever filmed this is AMAZING!
Thanks for the Compliment viter! Thats always getting overlooked!
Love the graphics / animated stuff you have on the videos! :D And great video as always