Learn to Play "Long Train Running" by The Doobie Brothers on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Long Train Running on the guitar. This classic tune by The Doobie Brothers is one of the greatest guitar funk songs of all time, and it's incredibly fun to play!

Long Train Running encompasses a variety of guitar layers, blending electric and acoustic elements. As we dive into this lesson, remember to use your ears and listen to the original recording. It's the best companion to this lesson, providing an authentic feel for the song.

The key to mastering Long Train Running is understanding its foundations. The song's main riff is based around a Gm7 chord. From here, we explore a series of chord progressions and variations, each contributing to the unique flair of this guitar funk gem.

Building the Riff

Let's start with the main riff, the heart of Long Train Running. This riff is all about the rhythm. It involves a hammer-on technique, followed by a series of strums and muted strums.

But wait, there's more! As we progress through the song, we'll encounter variations to the main riff. These changes add depth and diversity to the song, keeping the listener engaged. Some of these variations include stops, shifts in chord placement, and even a touch of Hendrix-style flair.

Exploring the Chord Progressions

The song starts by playing the main riff on the Gm7, which then transitions to a Cm7. The rhythm pattern here is a bit unusual, but don't worry! With practice, it will become second nature.

As we navigate through the verses, we'll move to an E♭ barre chord, followed by a Dsus. The interplay between these chords creates a captivating sound that defines Long Train Running.

The Verses

The verse structure of Long Train Running is as exciting as its riffs. It involves a combination of chord progressions, stops, and rhythm variations. The verses are repeated twice, with each repetition introducing a new variation. These variations are crucial in maintaining the song's dynamism and keeping the audience engaged.

The Acoustic Vs. Electric Difference

While playing Long Train Running, one critical aspect is the difference between the acoustic and electric guitar parts. The acoustic part uses more scratches, creating a distinctive texture that fills up the mix. When playing, be aware of the effect of putting too many scratches. Sometimes, less is more! Leaving gaps allows for other instruments to shine.

Additional Info

Rhythm Pattern of Main Groove

D ^ . U D . D U D U D . D U . . 
1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a

Rhythm Pattern of Bmin bit of Groove

D . D . . U . . D . . U . . D . 
1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a

Wrapping Up

In this lesson, we've just scratched the surface of all the exciting elements that make up Long Train Running. There's so much more to discover, and I can't wait for you to dive in and explore! Remember, music is all about enjoyment, so don't be too hard on yourself. Practice makes permanent–with time, you'll be playing this tune like a pro!

So, are you ready to jump on the Long Train Running? Don't forget to watch the video for a detailed breakdown of how to play this iconic song. Let's dive in and have some fun!

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