Learn "Comes a Time" by Neil Young on Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Comes a Time on the guitar. This classic Neil Young tune is excellent for those looking to expand their repertoire with some timeless folk-rock. This song is great practice for advancing Grade 3+ beginner guitarists.

One of the most interesting aspects of Comes a Time is how the groove changes between the verses and the choruses. In the verses, the emphasis is on beats two and four, creating a rhythmic pattern quite distinct from the chorus, where the emphasis shifts to beat three. This change in feel is one of the features that make this song stand out in Neil Young's catalog.

Neil Young performs this song differently live than on the original recording, adding an extra layer of complexity and interest. His live performances often include more intricate elements, making the song a fascinating study of the evolution of a piece of music over time.

Chords and Progression

The chord progression of Comes a Time is relatively straightforward, with a B minor barre chord and a combination of regular open chords. The song starts with a G chord, holding it for four bars before moving on to the verse.

The verse follows the progression G-B minor-D, with an A minor and C thrown into the mix. The chorus has a similar pattern, using G-F-C and culminating in two bars of G. There are slight variations as the song progresses, but once you've mastered the verse and chorus, you'll find the rest quite approachable.

As you become more comfortable with the song's basic structure, you might want to start adding some embellishments. For example, you could start picking out the bass note on beats one and three, giving the song a more intricate feel. You can also add a hammer-on with the second finger on the G chord, a common feature in many of Neil Young's songs.

The Importance of Feel

One crucial aspect to remember when playing Comes a Time is the change in feel between the verse and the chorus. This shift in groove gives the song its unique character, and capturing it correctly can make a big difference in your performance.

Since Neil Young often plays this song differently in live performances, it provides a great opportunity for you to experiment and find your own interpretation of the song. Whether you follow the original recording or draw inspiration from Neil Young's live performances, the most important thing is to enjoy playing the song and make it your own.

Wrapping Up

Comes a Time is a beautiful song that's a joy to play. Its distinct groove and straightforward chord progression make it a great addition to any guitarist's repertoire. Whether you're a Neil Young fan or just love folk rock, this song is a must-learn. So grab your guitar, watch the video, and start strumming away to Comes a Time.

Remember, practice makes permanent, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right on the first try. Keep at it, and soon you'll be playing Comes a Time like a pro. Happy playing!

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