How to Play Operator Chorus by Jim Croce (Guitar Lesson)

Chapter 1: (05:20) Operator Chorus Welcome back! Steve Eulberg continues the "Operator" mini-series in lesson 12. In this segment, he cover the chorus section to Jim Croce's classic tune, "Operator (That's Not The Way It Feels)."

In lesson 11, Steve walked you through the entire verse section. The verse ends with a lick comprised of double stops diatonic to the key of G major. Steve provides a quick recap of the ending lick here in Scene 1. This lick serves a dual function in the song. It creates a smooth transition from the end of the verse back to its beginning. Later, it used as an interlude section between the chorus and the verse.

Chorus Chord Progression

The chorus section features chords diatonic to the key of G major. Refer to the chords listed on Steve's marker board. The I, ii, IV , and V chords are used to harmonize the chorus section. In the key of G, these chords are G, Am, C, and D respectively.

Some additional passing chords are also added to the progression. Notice how a G/B chord is used in the final line. This chord is used in passing between the IV chord, C, and the ii chord, Am. The bass note of the G/B chord creates a smooth transition between the roots of the C and Am chords. Steve demonstrates this segment at 01:15 in the lesson video.

Full Demonstration

At 02:00 in the lesson video, Steve provides a full demonstration of the chorus section. Pay careful attention to the rhythm of the chord changes. On which beat does a specific chord change occur? As you watch Steve, count the beat out loud. Count, "1+2+3+4+" in a steady eighth note rhythm. In addition, make a note of where the changes occur in the song transcription.

Remember the Intro?

The final four bars of the introduction section are tagged onto the end of the chorus. These four bars function as a transition back into the song's verse. For a quick demonstration and review, watch Steve at 04:55.

Right Hand Pattern

The arpeggio pattern applied during the chorus section can be improvised at will. The index, middle, and ring fingers play the role of time keepers. As long as these fingers maintain a steady eighth note pulse, any arpeggio figure played on the treble strings presents a viable option. The tablature and notation that accompany this lesson demonstrate one possible way of arpeggiating the chorus section. Feel free to experiment with your own right hand variations. Chapter 2: (04:34) Practicing the Chorus and Putting it Together Once you have learned the chorus section, you are ready to perform the song in its entirety. The structure of the song is listed below.

1. Introduction (from lesson 10)
2. Verse 1 (from lesson 11-repeats twice)
3. Chorus 1
4. Interlude 1 (last 4 bars of introduction)
5. Verse 2 (from lesson 11 - repeats twice)
6. Chorus 2
7. Interlude 2 (last 4 bars of introduction)
8. Verse 3 (from lesson 11 - repeats twice))
9. Chorus 3
10. Outro (same as the intro)*

*Note: The final chords in the outro section are played as three note chords. These chords are played as double stops in the introduction section. Refer to "Full Song Tablature" listed under the "Supplemental Content" tab for details.

When you feel ready, begin to practice through the entire song form. Practice the song along with a metronome. If necessary, set the metronome to a slow tempo at first. Playing through the song slowly will help you remember the form. As the song form becomes second nature, gradually increase the speed of the metronome. Finally, return to the lesson video and practice "Operator" along with Steve.

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