The days are getting shorter, the leaves are turning yellow, temperatures are dropping: It’s autumn. Think of it what you want, fact is you have to deal with it. So, if you have a hankering for the summer, here’s the solution: play along with our Reggae Channel. Where the sun is always shining.
Underneath is a preview of what’s on offer. We selected some extra sunny tracks for you and also explain the best way of playing them. Try to jam along and remember that it’s not just about performing the song perfectly, but also about the learning process.
Legalize It – Peter Tosh
Are you an absolute beginner? Then this song is the absolute must for you. It’s all about the G chord and the F chord. Now, the latter is one of the most difficult basic triads, but you also need to have a bit of a challenge, right?
The track is slow, which makes it easy to play. Although the characteristic rhythm of the genre is difficult, this song’s good for practicing because of the simplicity of the chord progression of “Legalize It” by Peter Tosh. Try it and look out your window. Are the sun’s rays breaking through the clouds yet?
Stir It Up – Bob Marley
What is a reggae channel without the man, the myth Bob Marley? You tell us. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced guitarist, it doesn’t matter with this song. This song has two challenges for improving your skills. The song consists of the A chord, the D chord and the E chord.
Perfect if you’re a novice learning to play an instrument. Just focus on getting clear sounding chords and switching smoothly between them. Are you an advanced player? Try the reggae rhythm, where each upbeat staccato eighth note is complemented by an upward stroke on the adjacent sixteenth note. Check out the chords for Bob Marley’s “Stir It Up” here.
Sunshine – Matisyahu
Are the three above-mentioned chords too easy for you, but is the strumming still a challenge? No problem. Here is a track with a more challenging chord progression and a typical reggae rhythm that is completely stripped to its core.
This song consists of eight chords, three of which boost you barre chord skills: the Cm chord, the F chord and the Bm chord. The rest are purely basic skills like an Em chord and a G chord. Try jamming along with Matisyahu’s “Sunshine”.
Here Comes the King – Snoop Lion
Speaking of contemporary popular reggae, how about Snoop Lion? The rapper who turned into a lion and then into a rapper again. This track has everything you want when it comes to rhythm, chords and a golden layer of modern sound.
Fro advanced players ”Here Comes the King” by Snoop Lion is challenging in its fast changing chord progression and a tight beat you can train your strumming on. Moreover, nobody expects this track in your jam. Don’t wait, just try it. And for more reggae tracks see our Reggae Channel. Happy jamming!
* Photo of Bob Marley by Ueli Frey – CC BY-SA 3.0
