How to Play “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright”
Playing Bob Dylan’s classic song “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” on the guitar can be a fulfilling experience for both beginners and experienced musicians alike. This iconic track is known for its simple yet poignant lyrics and soothing melody. In this article, we will guide you through the process of learning how to play “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” on the guitar.
1. Understand the song structure
Before diving into the chords and strumming patterns, it’s essential to understand the song’s structure. “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” is a simple song with a repeating chorus and verse structure. The song follows a basic pattern of two verses, a bridge, and a chorus.
2. Learn the chords
The song is primarily played in the key of A minor. Here are the chords you will need to learn:
– A minor (Am)
– E minor (Em)
– D major (D)
– G major (G)
To play these chords, position your fingers on the appropriate frets and strings as follows:
– A minor: Dm shape, play the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings on the 5th fret.
– E minor: Cm shape, play the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings on the 5th fret.
– D major: D shape, play the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings on the 5th fret.
– G major: G shape, play the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd strings on the 5th fret.
3. Practice the strumming pattern
The strumming pattern for “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” is relatively simple. The song uses a basic downstroke strumming pattern, with a few upstrokes thrown in for emphasis. Here’s a suggested strumming pattern:
– Verse 1: Down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down
– Chorus: Down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down, down
To make the song more dynamic, you can add a few upstrokes on the 1st and 3rd beats of each measure.
4. Practice the song
Now that you know the chords and strumming pattern, it’s time to practice the song. Start by playing the verse, then the chorus, and finally the bridge. Repeat this process until you feel comfortable playing the song from start to finish.
5. Add your own touch
Once you’ve mastered the basic version of “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright,” feel free to add your own personal touch. Experiment with different strumming patterns, add fingerpicking, or even incorporate a capo to change the key.
Conclusion
Learning how to play “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” on the guitar can be a rewarding experience. By understanding the song’s structure, learning the chords, and practicing the strumming pattern, you’ll be well on your way to playing this classic tune. Remember to have fun and let your creativity shine as you learn and improve.
