Learn to Play "Beds Are Burning" by Midnight Oil on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil on the guitar. This iconic rock song offers some cool and interesting guitar parts layered across both electric and acoustic guitars. We'll explore how to integrate these parts and negotiate the keyboard parts into our guitar playing.

Beds Are Burning is a masterclass in layering, with a strong acoustic guitar part, particularly in the chorus. We'll explore the strumming pattern for the acoustic and the simple open chords that create a beautiful texture over the acoustic guitar part.

The Intro

The song kicks off with an intro consisting of an E chord, a G chord, and an A chord.

What's important to note about the intro is the timing. The chords come in on beats three, four, and one. This might feel a bit strange because we tend to think of the first chord we hear as being on beat one.

Understanding where you are in the bar will help you play the chords, especially if you're playing with a band. This timing happens at a couple of points in the song, and on different beats, which can add to the complexity, but with practice, it becomes more natural.

The Main Riff

The main riff in Beds Are Burning by Midnight Oil is a simple pattern based on the thickest E string that creates a catchy melody. It also involves a bit of palm muting. It's not a particularly difficult riff, and it continues through the first verse and in the pre-chorus.

The Pre-Chorus

The chord progression transitions from E to D to A in the pre-chorus. The E note keeps going through the D and A chords, even though it might be considered a "wrong" note. However, it still works within the context of the song.

Towards the end of the pre-chorus, there's an F# barre chord. This chord is based on the second fret, and the pattern is second, fourth, fourth, third, second, second. You play this chord and let it hold on for two bars.

Then, the chords from the intro come into play again—the E, G, and A. But they happen on beats one, two, and three this time. Beat four is sustained, and a little two-four bar is thrown in before the chorus transitions.

One important thing to note in the pre-chorus is the use of stops in the second chorus. The length of these stops can vary and may not be what you expect. However, by carefully listening to the original recording, you can follow along and learn the exact timing.

The Chorus

The chorus of Beds Are Burning features long, sustained chords. The chord progression is relatively simple. It transitions from E minor to C to G to G in the first line, then from E minor to C to D to D in the second line. However, a little rogue B7 happens for beats three and four of the eighth bar.

You can start off by keeping it simple, with a single strum on the chords. As you become more comfortable, you can add in a few extra strums to develop the energy a bit. You might want to add a riff on the G chord. This is not on the original record, but it adds a nice touch to the chorus's melody. The riff involves playing the root note of the G, open A, and then the second fret on the fifth string.

Towards the end of the chorus, a pre-chorus section transitions from E minor to C to G to D. This part should have a build-up, increasing in intensity with all down strums.

Wrapping it Up

Beds Are Burning is a classic song that's as fun to play as it is to listen to. Its layered guitar parts and catchy main riff make it a great song to add to your repertoire. Whether you're playing on an electric or acoustic guitar, this song offers plenty of opportunities to hone your skills and enjoy the music.

Remember, music is about listening. Listening to the original recording is the best way to learn a new song. So give Beds Are Burning a listen, and get ready to rock out on your guitar!

Ready to dive in? Watch the video, and let's start strumming!

💡 Learn faster with JustinGuitarTabs! :) Get chords + lyrics, and verified tabs to follow along with my song lessons. Start your free trial now!