Learn to Play "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Unchained Melody on the guitar. This beautiful song, made famous by The Righteous Brothers, has also been recorded by various other artists. Although we're focusing on a finger-style acoustic arrangement in this lesson, I'll also explain what's happening in The Righteous Brothers' version.

Understanding the Song Structure

Unchained Melody is a remarkable song in many ways. One of its key features is its 12/8 time signature. This means that each bar has four beats, and each beat is divided into three pulses. This creates a strong rhythm that we can count as one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve. However, for simplicity, it's easier to count it as one, two, three, four, with each beat divided into three.

The Chord Sequence and the Bridge

The best place to start any song is with the chord sequence. In Unchained Melody, we'll use four down strums to the bar, playing a down strum on each beat. The chords are mostly open chords, except for a part in the bridge, which we'll see later.

We start with a C chord, followed by A minor, and then G. You may add a G7 if you prefer, but it's not necessary. The sequence continues with another round of C and A minor, followed by an F chord, and then back to C. The sequence ends with a C7 chord, signaling the arrival of the bridge.

The bridge introduces a few new chords: F, G, and E flat. You could play the F and G chords in their usual positions, but to transition to the E flat, you'll find it better to use A-shape barre chords. This allows for smoother transitions and a richer sound.

Strumming and Fingerstyle Techniques

Once you're comfortable with the chord sequences, you can explore different ways to play the song. You can either strum it or use fingerstyle. Both techniques have their unique charm, and it largely depends on your personal preference. If you opt for the fingerstyle technique, you'll want to use your thumb to play the bass note for each chord and your first, second, and third fingers to play the top three strings.

Wrapping Up

Unchained Melody is a beautiful song that helps you practice your fingerstyle technique and master a classic tune. Remember, the key is to start slowly and gradually build up your speed and confidence. So, grab your guitar, watch the video, and get started. Happy playing!

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