Learn to Play "Mustang Sally" by The Commitments on Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Mustang Sally by The Commitments on the guitar. This classic hit is a fantastic song to add to your repertoire, whether you're a beginner just starting out or a more experienced guitarist looking to expand your song list.

Mustang Sally is originally a rhythm and blues (R&B) song written and first recorded by Mack Rice in 1965. However, it became a worldwide hit when it was covered by Wilson Pickett in the following year. The version we will focus on in this lesson is from The Commitments, a musical comedy-drama film from 1991. This version of the song has gained immense popularity and is a crowd favorite.

Chord Progression

One of the most appealing aspects of Mustang Sally is its chord progression. It's a variation of the 12-bar blues chord sequence, played twice as long on each chord, sometimes described as a "double 12-bar blues". The song primarily uses three open chord grips—A7, D7, and E7. While it's more commonly played using barre chords, beginners can comfortably play it with open chords.

The song's original recording is played in the key of C. You would put a capo on at the third fret to achieve this. However, we will play it without a capo in this lesson for simplicity's sake. This is a perfect song for beginners to practice their strumming and get comfortable with changing chords at the right time.

Strumming and Rhythm

We'll simplify the strumming to just four down strums to the bar. The song begins with the A7 chord for four bars, setting the groove. The song then follows a pattern where each chord is played for several bars, creating a smooth and easy flow for beginners to follow.

As you progress, you can experiment with different strumming patterns to get a feeling similar to the original recording. Remember, practice makes permanent! With enough time and repetition, you'll become comfortable with the rhythm and be able to play it without thinking.

Final Thoughts

Mustang Sally is a fantastic song to get a crowd singing along, making it a great addition to your set list for parties, gatherings, or just a fun jam session at home. It's a popular song for its catchy rhythm, easy-to-follow chords, and memorable lyrics. With practice, you'll be able to master this song and have a blast playing it.

I hope you enjoy this lesson and look forward to seeing you in future lessons. Remember, practice is key—the more you play, the better you'll get. So pick up your guitar, watch the video, and let's get strumming!

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