Learn "Falling from Above" by Neil Young on Electric Guitar

In this easy lesson, we'll learn how to play Falling from Above by Neil Young on the electric guitar. We'll explore its unique sound and how to sound like the original.

While Falling from Above may not be one of Neil Young's greatest hits, I have a special fondness for this song. It's the opening track on Greendale, a personal favorite Neil Young album of mine. This fantastic record is a must-listen, complete with a film accompanying it.

💭 I had the opportunity to see Neil Young perform this live on an acoustic guitar at the Hammer Smith Apollo for the album's launch tour. It was an experience that left me in awe. Greendale is a concept album that touches on significant themes like climate change, corporations, and greed. These themes resonate deeply with me and feel more relevant now than ever, making it a worthwhile experience.

Now let's get stuck in!

The Intriguing Journey of the Song

Falling from Above presents an intriguing adventure for solo electric guitar enthusiasts. Originally played with the Crazy Horse band, recreating its magic using an acoustic guitar style on an electric guitar makes the experience even more interesting. The technique primarily involves the thumb and first finger, picking out notes and strumming to create a distinctive sound.

One key thing to remember here is the balance in gain. You want a little bit of gain, but not too much. The goal is to achieve a sound that can be distorted yet clean, depending on how hard or soft you play. It's a delicate balance, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it.

Unpacking the Chord Progression

The song kicks off with a chord that might be familiar to most guitarists. It's a C-shape shifted up two frets, creating a pleasing dissonance between F sharp and G. The song then transitions back to a C and then to a D. This progression is a common motif in this song!

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The G chord in this song involves your third and fourth fingers, incorporating a C with a G bass. You could also interpret it as a G six sus4, but for simplicity, we usually think of it as a G variation.

The Verse Chords and Their Intricacies

When we transition into the verses, the song's structure becomes intricately woven with the rhythm. The verses start with a conversation between Grandpa and cousin J, with the chords shifting seamlessly from C to G. This transition is a recurring theme throughout the song.

What's fascinating about this song is how closely the chords and strumming are intertwined. The thumb plays the bass note of the chord, followed by an up-down-up rhythm with the first finger. It's a technique that will require some practice to master. But your effort in learning this skill will pay off, enhancing your overall guitar-playing experience.

The Magic of the Song and Your Journey with It

The chords in Falling from Above are relatively simple. The challenge lies in maneuvering your fingers in a way that can pick out different notes from the chord. This may seem complex initially, but with consistent practice, it transforms into a fun challenge to overcome.

I can't stress enough how much I love this song. The joy lies not just in playing it but also in exploring it, in diving deep into its rhythm, in playing around with its chords. There's a certain beauty in making a song your own, and we're confident you'll find that beauty in your journey with Falling from Above.

Let's Begin the Adventure

We've only scratched the surface of what this song has to offer. Please dive deeper into the song, explore it further, and find your own melodies within it. Immerse yourself in the rhythm, play with the chords, and enjoy the process.

There's a comprehensive video ready to help you embark on this exciting journey with Falling from Above. Don't wait any longer! Dive right in and soak in the amazing experience this song has to offer. I'm certain you'll enjoy it as much as I do. Remember, every journey begins with a single step. So, let's take that step and start your musical adventure with Falling from Above. Here's to making music and creating memories. Let's begin!

💡Learn more! Check out other Neil Young song tutorials here. :)