"Brown Eyed Girl" (Guitar Lesson)

Chapter 1: (00:44) Introduction Brad plays through the verse and chorus parts to the classic Van Morrison song "Brown Eyed Girl." In this lesson, Brad will demonstrate how to play this basic song. Chapter 2: (11:03) Intro to Brown Eyed Girl Intro

The intro to "Brown Eyed Girl" features a harmonized melody in the key of G major. Guitarist Keith Richards harmonizes the melody in diatonic thirds to create the intro's trademark sound. Frequently, melodies are harmonized in diatonic thirds or sixths to create a more full and colorful sound. When a scale is harmonized in thirds, each note of the major scale is paired with the note that is a third interval higher. For example, the first note in the G scale is obviously the root G. A is the note a second away from G. B is a third away from G. As a result, G is paired with B in a harmonization of the G major scale. The second note of the scale, A is paired with C. Basically, you are skipping over one note in the scale to find the note that is a third higher.

Note: Open the "Supplemental Content" tab for a full harmonization of the G major scale in diatonic thirds.

Playing the Intro

Note: Open the "Supplemental Content" tab for tablature to the intro section of the song. In the context of the song, the intro section is repeated twice.

Brad breaks the intro down into four individual sections. Notice how each of the four sections are slightly isolated in the tablature. The first and third sections are identical. Brad begins the first section by barring his first finger across the G and B strings. The remainder of the double stops in the first intro section are played by the third and second fingers. Notice how Brad adds a little flair by adding a slide to the section.

The second section of the intro features a harmonization of the G scale on the B and E strings. The first double stop shape is played with the second and first finger. The other figures in this section are played with the third and first finger.

The third section is a repeat of the first. The intro section ends with a brief lick that implies the dominant chord D. This dominant chord transitions the tune into the verse section.

Verse

The verse section consists entirely of strummed open chords. However, if you have the opportunity to play this song with another guitarist, one guitarist should strum the chords while the other arpeggiates them. This will give the verse a rich, full sound. Brad demonstrates how to properly arpeggiate each chord at 6:36.

The first line of the verse chord progression uses the I, IV, and V chords in the key of G. These chords are G, C, and D. Over the D chord, Brad occasionally alternates between a regular D chord and a Dsus4. Start with the normal D chord shape. Then, add the pinky finger to the 3rd fret of the high E string. This forms a Dsus4 chord.

Each chord is strummed for one measure using the rhythm 1 2+ (3)+ 4+. No strum occurs on beat three. A tie carries over to beat three from the "+" of beat 2.

Once the second line of the verse is reached, the vi chord (Em) is added to the progression. Since this chord is the only minor chord, and it rarely appears in the progression, accenting the first downstrum of the measure adds some needed dramatic effect. Also, a nice lick can be added to the G chord in the measure that precedes Em to further spice things up.

Note: Open the "Supplemental Content" tab for tablature to this lick.

Congratulations! You have now mastered the keys parts to "Brown Eyed Girl." Stay tuned for another great classic rock lesson from Brad Henecke.

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