As you already know, music is a wonderful journey, and for us guitar enthusiasts, there's no better feeling than seeing our hands effortlessly glide over the strings, creating magnificent music. One such song that often gets a lot of attention from beginners is 'Hair of the Dog' by Nazareth. Known for its unique and catchy guitar parts, it's a great song to dig deeper into and practice playing. But how exactly do we play it? Don't stress – that's what I am here for!
'Hair of the Dog' is quite a fabulous song that starts out with a series of notes played on the sixth string. Specifically, you commence this riff by playing the open sixth string twice, denoted as zero in guitar lingo. Remember, the sixth string is the thickest one, located at the top when you hold the guitar in a standard playing position.
Next, you'll need to start traversing up the same sixth string by playing the third and fourth frets. For those who are new to the term 'fret', think of it as the little, often metal, bars running across your guitar neck. They are essentially what create different notes when you press a string against them.
Now, here comes a little tricky part for those still getting comfortable with their hands on a guitar. I use my third and fourth fingers--or in some cases, the second and third fingers--to press down on the sixth string's third and fourth frets.
But the journey across the strings doesn't stop there. We then move on to playing the second fret on both the fifth and fourth strings. To give you some perspective, the fifth string is the one right under your sixth string, while the fourth string is under the fifth one.
After this, you'll need to play five-two on the fourth string, which means you play the fifth fret followed by the second fret. Then, you jump back to the fifth string and play the fifth fret. Finally, you return to the second fret of the fourth string. Pausing to capture a breath might be required after this little exercise! If you follow these steps carefully and accurately, the whole thing should look something like this:
0 (sixth string) - 0 (sixth string) - 3 (sixth string) - 4 (sixth string) - 2 (fifth string) - 2 (fourth string) - 5 (fourth string) - 2 (fourth string) - 5 (fifth string) - 2 (fourth string).
It might seem a bit overwhelming at first glance, but remember, practice and patience are your best friends when learning to play any instrument, especially the guitar. And that's how we play 'Hair of the Dog' by Nazareth.
A good method to use when tackling this song is to break it down into chunks. Start by getting comfortable with playing the notes on the sixth string, then move on to the fifth and fourth strings. Don't worry about doing it super fast; aim to get it smooth and consistent. Once you're comfortable with each part, start combining them, still at a slow pace. Gradually, you'll find yourself playing the whole song without pausing or messing up notes.
And remember, keep a positive mindset at all times. This journey is about progress, not perfection. As your knowledge and skills develop, so too will your love for the guitar increase. So hang tight, stay positive, and keep practicing! Part of the fun of playing the guitar is that there are six strings to explore, each offering a unique pitch, tone, and potential to create melodies. Today, let's dive more into how best to utilize these strings and finger placements to play 'Hair of the Dog' by Nazareth.
As you know, 'Hair of the Dog' begins on the sixth string, which is the thickest string when you hold the guitar in the regular position. We start by playing zero or the open string, twice. This means you don't press down on any frets, but simply strum that particular string.
Then we switch gears and start moving up the fretboard, pressing the third and fourth frets on that same sixth string. To achieve this, you can use your third and fourth fingers, or sometimes your second and third fingers, depending on your comfort and which technique makes the swiftest and smoothest playthrough for you.
After playing around with the sixth string, it's time to venture down the guitar and explore the fifth and fourth strings. This part involves playing the second fret on both of these strings. To put it into perspective, the fifth string is just below the sixth one, and under that is the fourth string.
But we don’t stop there; next, we return to the fourth string to play five-two, meaning the fifth fret, then the second. The sequence closes out with a leap back to the fifth string at the fifth fret and rounds off by returning to the second fret of the fourth string.
Now, the finger logistics in 'Hair of the Dog' may seem tricky at first. It can be a little unnerving to twist and stretch your fingers across different strings and frets in what might seem like a complicated dance. I assure you though, with plenty of practice, you will develop the dexterity needed and this once daunting sequence will become second nature.
Capturing the essence of this song is all about being precise with your finger placement, and striking each string accurately. This precision comes from first understanding where your fingers need to go and then deliberately practicing those movements until they become fluid and natural.
Another important aspect is the pace. Don’t rush. You can start slow and gradually increase your speed as you get more and more comfortable. It's not about how fast you can play, but how accurately and smoothly you manage the transitions.
One thing I always stress is practice, practice, practice! I couldn't overemphasize its importance in learning any music piece on the guitar. Even something as simple as placing our fingers can take time to become comfortable, let alone doing it in quick succession.
In my experience, the beauty of learning a guitar is that every time you pick it up and practice, you're honing your skills, improving, and most importantly, learning. Some days you'll see huge leaps in your abilities, other times the progress might seem slow, but remember, every time you practice, you're improving.
Remember to stay committed, even if it doesn’t seem like you’re making progress. It's not a race, and every guitarist has a different learning and growth pace. So, keep those fingers moving, learn to love every strum, every fret, and every string. And most importantly, stay positive and keep practicing because consistency and enjoyment are really what guitar playing is all about. If there's one thing I've learned as a guitar teacher, it's that practice and positivity can make all the difference in your guitar journey. These key components are crucial, especially when learning fun and challenging pieces like 'Hair of the Dog' by Nazareth.
Practice may sound cliché, I know. But truth is, it is one of, if not the most, crucial factor in improvement. Think about this, the more you do something, the better you become, right? It's the same concept with playing the guitar. The more you practice, the more familiar you become with the strings, the frets, and the overall feel of the instrument.
Practicing the riff from 'Hair of the Dog' can be a bit tricky at first. It requires a lot from your fingers - moving back and forth down the fretboard, repeating certain sequences, landing on the right fret, and plucking the right string. All these actions can take a toll on your fingers, challenging both their strength and dexterity. But don't let that intimidate you! Every guitarist goes through it. The first step is always the hardest, and practice will make it easier.
When practicing this song, take it one note at a time. Break it down into small sections and tackle each one before moving on to the next. Spend time each day repeating these sequences until you're comfortable with them. Then, start working on connecting these small sections, slowly but surely piecing the entire song together.
And remember, practice is not just about repetition, but also about intentional learning and improvement. Pay close attention to your performance as you practice. Identify areas where you struggle, then focus on those areas until they become easier.
While practice focuses on the physical aspect of guitar playing, having a positive mindset tackles the mental side of it. Learning to play 'Hair of the Dog', or any song for that matter, can get frustrating at times. There might be days when you feel like you are not improving, and it can become tempting to just give up. That's where maintaining a positive mindset comes in.
Stay positive, even on days when you feel frustrated or discouraged. Instead of getting upset over what you can't do, think about how much you've learned so far, and how every day of practice takes you one step closer to playing this awesome song. Don't forget that every guitarist starts at the beginning. It's okay to make mistakes and to find things challenging, it's all part of the learning process.
It’s important to remember that rummaging through the challenges is part of the journey. Treat each practice session as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be patient with yourself and remain positive. Embrace the progress, no matter how small or big it might be.
Playing the guitar is an adventure filled with highs and lows, just like any other worthwhile pursuit in life. But trust me, with consistent practice, you'll notice your fingers moving more fluidly, the strings sounding more harmonious, and 'Hair of the Dog' will become less of a challenge and more of a piece you enjoy playing.
Always remember, stay positive and practice, not until you get it right, but until you can't get it wrong. Embrace your journey and enjoy playing 'Hair of the Dog'. Keep those strings buzzing and your spirits high!
Looking to amp up your guitar skills? See what fellow aspiring guitarists are sharing about their guitar learning journeys and how they've significantly upgraded their skills at GuitarZoom.com.
Specifically aimed at playing songs like 'Hair of the Dog', you might find our lessons on chords and scales practically useful. Check out our collection on chords and our handy guides on scales. Dive in, and let's keep those strings buzzing!
'Hair of the Dog' is quite a fabulous song that starts out with a series of notes played on the sixth string. Specifically, you commence this riff by playing the open sixth string twice, denoted as zero in guitar lingo. Remember, the sixth string is the thickest one, located at the top when you hold the guitar in a standard playing position.
Next, you'll need to start traversing up the same sixth string by playing the third and fourth frets. For those who are new to the term 'fret', think of it as the little, often metal, bars running across your guitar neck. They are essentially what create different notes when you press a string against them.
Now, here comes a little tricky part for those still getting comfortable with their hands on a guitar. I use my third and fourth fingers--or in some cases, the second and third fingers--to press down on the sixth string's third and fourth frets.
But the journey across the strings doesn't stop there. We then move on to playing the second fret on both the fifth and fourth strings. To give you some perspective, the fifth string is the one right under your sixth string, while the fourth string is under the fifth one.
After this, you'll need to play five-two on the fourth string, which means you play the fifth fret followed by the second fret. Then, you jump back to the fifth string and play the fifth fret. Finally, you return to the second fret of the fourth string. Pausing to capture a breath might be required after this little exercise! If you follow these steps carefully and accurately, the whole thing should look something like this:
0 (sixth string) - 0 (sixth string) - 3 (sixth string) - 4 (sixth string) - 2 (fifth string) - 2 (fourth string) - 5 (fourth string) - 2 (fourth string) - 5 (fifth string) - 2 (fourth string).
It might seem a bit overwhelming at first glance, but remember, practice and patience are your best friends when learning to play any instrument, especially the guitar. And that's how we play 'Hair of the Dog' by Nazareth.
A good method to use when tackling this song is to break it down into chunks. Start by getting comfortable with playing the notes on the sixth string, then move on to the fifth and fourth strings. Don't worry about doing it super fast; aim to get it smooth and consistent. Once you're comfortable with each part, start combining them, still at a slow pace. Gradually, you'll find yourself playing the whole song without pausing or messing up notes.
And remember, keep a positive mindset at all times. This journey is about progress, not perfection. As your knowledge and skills develop, so too will your love for the guitar increase. So hang tight, stay positive, and keep practicing! Part of the fun of playing the guitar is that there are six strings to explore, each offering a unique pitch, tone, and potential to create melodies. Today, let's dive more into how best to utilize these strings and finger placements to play 'Hair of the Dog' by Nazareth.
As you know, 'Hair of the Dog' begins on the sixth string, which is the thickest string when you hold the guitar in the regular position. We start by playing zero or the open string, twice. This means you don't press down on any frets, but simply strum that particular string.
Then we switch gears and start moving up the fretboard, pressing the third and fourth frets on that same sixth string. To achieve this, you can use your third and fourth fingers, or sometimes your second and third fingers, depending on your comfort and which technique makes the swiftest and smoothest playthrough for you.
After playing around with the sixth string, it's time to venture down the guitar and explore the fifth and fourth strings. This part involves playing the second fret on both of these strings. To put it into perspective, the fifth string is just below the sixth one, and under that is the fourth string.
But we don’t stop there; next, we return to the fourth string to play five-two, meaning the fifth fret, then the second. The sequence closes out with a leap back to the fifth string at the fifth fret and rounds off by returning to the second fret of the fourth string.
Now, the finger logistics in 'Hair of the Dog' may seem tricky at first. It can be a little unnerving to twist and stretch your fingers across different strings and frets in what might seem like a complicated dance. I assure you though, with plenty of practice, you will develop the dexterity needed and this once daunting sequence will become second nature.
Capturing the essence of this song is all about being precise with your finger placement, and striking each string accurately. This precision comes from first understanding where your fingers need to go and then deliberately practicing those movements until they become fluid and natural.
Another important aspect is the pace. Don’t rush. You can start slow and gradually increase your speed as you get more and more comfortable. It's not about how fast you can play, but how accurately and smoothly you manage the transitions.
One thing I always stress is practice, practice, practice! I couldn't overemphasize its importance in learning any music piece on the guitar. Even something as simple as placing our fingers can take time to become comfortable, let alone doing it in quick succession.
In my experience, the beauty of learning a guitar is that every time you pick it up and practice, you're honing your skills, improving, and most importantly, learning. Some days you'll see huge leaps in your abilities, other times the progress might seem slow, but remember, every time you practice, you're improving.
Remember to stay committed, even if it doesn’t seem like you’re making progress. It's not a race, and every guitarist has a different learning and growth pace. So, keep those fingers moving, learn to love every strum, every fret, and every string. And most importantly, stay positive and keep practicing because consistency and enjoyment are really what guitar playing is all about. If there's one thing I've learned as a guitar teacher, it's that practice and positivity can make all the difference in your guitar journey. These key components are crucial, especially when learning fun and challenging pieces like 'Hair of the Dog' by Nazareth.
Practice may sound cliché, I know. But truth is, it is one of, if not the most, crucial factor in improvement. Think about this, the more you do something, the better you become, right? It's the same concept with playing the guitar. The more you practice, the more familiar you become with the strings, the frets, and the overall feel of the instrument.
Practicing the riff from 'Hair of the Dog' can be a bit tricky at first. It requires a lot from your fingers - moving back and forth down the fretboard, repeating certain sequences, landing on the right fret, and plucking the right string. All these actions can take a toll on your fingers, challenging both their strength and dexterity. But don't let that intimidate you! Every guitarist goes through it. The first step is always the hardest, and practice will make it easier.
When practicing this song, take it one note at a time. Break it down into small sections and tackle each one before moving on to the next. Spend time each day repeating these sequences until you're comfortable with them. Then, start working on connecting these small sections, slowly but surely piecing the entire song together.
And remember, practice is not just about repetition, but also about intentional learning and improvement. Pay close attention to your performance as you practice. Identify areas where you struggle, then focus on those areas until they become easier.
While practice focuses on the physical aspect of guitar playing, having a positive mindset tackles the mental side of it. Learning to play 'Hair of the Dog', or any song for that matter, can get frustrating at times. There might be days when you feel like you are not improving, and it can become tempting to just give up. That's where maintaining a positive mindset comes in.
Stay positive, even on days when you feel frustrated or discouraged. Instead of getting upset over what you can't do, think about how much you've learned so far, and how every day of practice takes you one step closer to playing this awesome song. Don't forget that every guitarist starts at the beginning. It's okay to make mistakes and to find things challenging, it's all part of the learning process.
It’s important to remember that rummaging through the challenges is part of the journey. Treat each practice session as an opportunity to learn and grow. Be patient with yourself and remain positive. Embrace the progress, no matter how small or big it might be.
Playing the guitar is an adventure filled with highs and lows, just like any other worthwhile pursuit in life. But trust me, with consistent practice, you'll notice your fingers moving more fluidly, the strings sounding more harmonious, and 'Hair of the Dog' will become less of a challenge and more of a piece you enjoy playing.
Always remember, stay positive and practice, not until you get it right, but until you can't get it wrong. Embrace your journey and enjoy playing 'Hair of the Dog'. Keep those strings buzzing and your spirits high!
Looking to amp up your guitar skills? See what fellow aspiring guitarists are sharing about their guitar learning journeys and how they've significantly upgraded their skills at GuitarZoom.com.
Specifically aimed at playing songs like 'Hair of the Dog', you might find our lessons on chords and scales practically useful. Check out our collection on chords and our handy guides on scales. Dive in, and let's keep those strings buzzing!
