Guitar Lesson "Here Comes the Sun": Play This Classic with Ease

Key Takeaways

• "Here Comes the Sun" uses a capo on the 7th fret with a simple yet distinctive fingerpicking pattern
• The song features basic open chord shapes but requires clean transitions and precise timing
• Breaking the song into sections (intro, verse, chorus) makes it more manageable to learn
• Consistent practice with attention to finger placement and timing is essential for mastering this Beatles classic
• Book a guitar lesson
• with Lee Creative Arts to receive personalized guidance on mastering this and other songs

Why "Crazy Train" Is Perfect For Skill Development

Many guitar students are drawn to "Here Comes the Sun" for its cheerful melody and distinctive guitar work. While it may seem challenging at first glance, this George Harrison composition provides an excellent framework for developing fundamental fingerpicking skills that transfer to many other songs.

At Lee Creative Arts, we've crafted a methodical approach to teaching this Beatles classic that transforms it from a seemingly complex piece into an accessible learning experience. Our instructors break the song into distinct components, helping students build skills progressively while experiencing the joy of playing this beloved tune.

Benefits of Learning "Here Comes the Sun"

Learning to play "Here Comes the Sun" offers numerous advantages for guitarists:

• Develops finger independence through its distinct picking patterns
• Improves coordination between fretting and picking hands
• Introduces capo usage and position playing
• Builds familiarity with common chord shapes in new positions
• Enhances timing and rhythmic precision

Getting Started: Understanding the Basic Structure

For guitarists new to fingerpicking, we begin by establishing a solid foundation. "Here Comes the Sun" uses a capo on the 7th fret, which creates the bright, signature sound while allowing for comfortable open chord shapes.

The Capo and Chord Shapes

Before diving into the picking patterns, it's important to understand how the capo affects your playing:

1. Place the capo securely on the 7th fret
2. The primary chords used are D, G, A7, and variations thereof
3. With the capo, these chords actually sound like A, D, and E7, respectively
4. Proper hand positioning is crucial for clean chord transitions

Our instructors ensure students understand both the technical aspects of capo placement and how it affects the song's tonality.

The Intro Section—Breaking Down the Pattern

The iconic intro is instantly recognizable yet often challenging for beginners. Here's how we approach it:

1. Start by learning the basic chord shapes without the picking pattern
2. Add the picking pattern slowly, one measure at a time
3. Focus on finger placement and clean note articulation
4. Gradually increase speed only after achieving consistency

Many students find that isolating the picking pattern and practicing it on its own, without the chord changes, helps build the necessary muscle memory. Once comfortable, combining the elements becomes much more manageable.

Mastering the Verse and Chorus

After establishing comfort with the intro, we move on to the verse and chorus sections, which feature their own unique patterns and challenges.

Verse Technique

The verse section maintains a similar picking pattern to the intro but introduces chord changes that require precise timing. Our approach includes:

• Breaking down the "Darling, it's been a long, cold, lonely winter" section phrase by phrase
• Focusing on smooth transitions between D and G chords
• Maintaining a consistent rhythm throughout chord changes
• Adding the subtle nuances that give the song its character

Chorus Development

The chorus ("Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright") introduces new elements that build upon the skills developed in the verse:

• Slightly altered picking pattern for emphasis
• Chord progression that reinforces the song’s bright, optimistic mood
• Dynamic control to highlight the emotional peak of the song

Lee Creative Arts emphasizes the importance of these subtle variations, as they contribute significantly to capturing the essence of the original recording.

The Middle Eight and Solo Section

As students progress, we introduce the middle eight section ("Sun, sun, sun, here it comes") and the instrumental break, which features some of the song's most interesting guitar work.

The "Sun, Sun, Sun" Section

This section provides a refreshing change with:

• A distinctive rhythmic feel that differs from the verse and chorus
• Chord voicings that create tension and release
• Opportunity to work on string muting and control

The "Sun, Sun, Sun" Section

The instrumental break showcases George Harrison's melodic sensibilities:

1. We break this section into small, manageable phrases
2. Focus on note clarity and articulation
3. Develop the timing precision needed for the syncopated rhythm
4. Build speed gradually through targeted practice

Practice Strategies for Success

Effective practice is key to mastering "Here Comes the Sun." Our experienced instructors recommend:

Structured Practice Sessions

• Begin with 15-20 minute focused sessions on specific sections
• Use a metronome at a comfortable tempo (around 60-70% of the original speed)
• Isolate difficult transitions for targeted practice
• Record yourself playing to identify areas needing improvement

Common Challenges and Solutions

Many students encounter similar obstacles when learning this song:

Challenge: Maintaining consistent fingerpicking patterns

Solution: Practice the picking pattern alone without chord changes, then slowly integrate the chords

Challenge: Clean transitions between chord shapes

Solution: Practice moving between chord shapes without the picking pattern, focusing on efficiency of movement

Challenge: Timing issues with the syncopated sections

Solution: Count out loud while playing and use a metronome to internalize the rhythm

Challenge: Building speed without sacrificing clarity

Solution: Increase tempo in small increments (2-3 BPM) only after achieving clean playing at the current speed

How Lessons Accelerate Your Learning

While learning "Here Comes the Sun" through self-study is possible, structured lessons with professional instructors at Lee Creative Arts can significantly shorten your learning curve.

Our instructors provide:

• Immediate feedback on your technique and hand positioning
• Personalized adjustments to accommodate your unique hand size and playing style
• Modified versions of challenging sections that match your current skill level
• Progressive exercises that build the specific skills needed for this song

Whether you prefer face-to-face instruction at our location or the convenience of virtual lessons, our teaching approach ensures you develop proper technique while enjoying the learning process.

Book Your Beatles Guitar Lesson Today

Ready to master "Here Comes the Sun" and brighten your guitar playing skills? Our experienced instructors at Lee Creative Arts are ready to guide you through every picking pattern, chord progression, and technique with personalized instruction tailored to your current abilities and goals.

• Phone: 770-299-9391
• After Hours: 770-362-3146
• Email: info.leecreativearts.com@gmail.com
• Book Now: Click here to book your session

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