Learn to Play "Society" by Eddie Vedder on Guitar

In this easy lesson, we'll learn how to play the song Society by Eddie Vedder - soundtrack of the movie Into the Wild. This beautiful tune is an absolute gem and a real pleasure to play on the acoustic guitar. It features a cool strumming pattern and uses relatively easy open chords with a few optional embellishments. Advancing beginners following my free guitar courses should be able to play Society if they put some effort on it. ;)

So grab your 6-string companion, strap on your capo at the second fret, and let's get into it. Don't forget to check out JustinGuitarTabs to get complete chord progression and lyrics to follow along with this Society guitar tutorial! Now let's get stuck in.

Introduction and Strumming Pattern

Society's introduction is simple yet captivating, setting the perfect tone for the rest of the song. The intro consists of an A minor chord played for four bars. The strumming pattern has a distinct rhythm we'll discuss after going through the chords. So, remember, the intro is all about those four bars on the A minor chord. Feel the groove and let the music flow!

Verse Chords

Once you've mastered the intro, it's time to dive into the verse. The verse starts with a C chord with a G bass. Don't worry if you're unfamiliar with it, my friend. It's just a slight variation of the regular C chord but with a twist. Trust me, it sounds fantastic! After the C with a G bass, we smoothly transition to a G chord.

💡 I strongly recommend using the particular G chord variation we learn in this tutorial. Place your third finger on the third fret of the thickest string, muting the fifth string. Then, leave the other strings open. This fingering allows for seamless transitions between chords and gives the song that extra touch of brilliance.

Next, we return to the C with a G bass for one bar before moving to the F chord. Ah, the F chord! It can be a bit challenging for some but fear not. We'll explore different ways to play it, and I promise you'll find one that suits you perfectly.

Chorus Chords

The chorus of Society is where the song truly shines. It's a sequence of chords that takes you on a melodic journey. We start with an F chord, move to a C chord, groove with a G chord, and finally, land on an A minor chord. Repeat this progression, my friend, and let the music wrap its warm embrace around you.

💡Here's a little secret. In between the G and A minor chords, there's a delightful little move that adds a touch of magic to the song. It involves playing the bass note on the fourth string of the A minor chord, followed by a hammer-on with your second finger. It's a common move in this style of music and adds a sweet flavor to your playing.

Solo and Outro

Ah, the solo section! This is where you can let your creativity soar. The solo follows the same chord progression as the verse, so you're in familiar territory. Although I haven't transcribed the solo for you, fear not. It's an excellent opportunity to either transcribe it yourself or take a shot at improvising. Feel the music in your soul, let your fingers dance on the fretboard, and create your own magical solo.

For the outro, we return to the chorus progression. Play it four times, and let the music guide you. However, on the last repetition, we add a little twist. Instead of moving directly from the G chord to the A minor chord, we stay on the G chord for an extra bar. It's like a musical surprise that leaves a lasting impression.

What's next?

Now that we've explored the chord progressions and learned the intricacies of the song, it's time to strum and sing along! Let the music flow through your fingertips as you strum those chords and sing your heart out. Remember, this is your interpretation of the song. Add your own strumming variations, experiment with dynamics, and make it uniquely yours. Let your passion and personality shine through every note.

Keep strumming, keep learning, and keep rocking! Enjoy your guitar journey, and see you in the next lesson!

🎸 Feeling inspired? Learn more from my free song tutorials!