How to play guns and roses patience on guitar?

How to Play Guns N’ Roses’ "Patience" on Guitar

Guns N’ Roses’ iconic ballad "Patience" is a fan favorite and a staple of many guitarists’ repertoire. If you’re looking to tackle this beautiful song on guitar, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll break down the song into manageable sections and provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to play it.

Getting Started

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, make sure you have a good understanding of the guitar fretboard and basic playing techniques. If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to start with some basic chord shapes and scales before attempting to play "Patience".

Chord Sequence

"Patience" is primarily based on a simple chord progression, which is made up of the following chords:

Key Points:

• Start with a slow tempo, around 60-80 BPM, and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable with the chords.
• Focus on using a smooth, legato playing style to connect the chords.
• Pay attention to your chord changes, ensuring that you’re transitioning seamlessly between each chord.

Chord Breakdown

Let’s break down each chord in the progression, highlighting any specific playing tips or techniques:

• Am (X02210):

  • Focus on placing your fingers close to the fretboard to get a clear, crisp sound.
  • Use your 2nd and 3rd fingers to play the 2nd and 3rd strings, respectively.

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• Fmaj7 (133111):

  • This chord requires some finger stretching, so make sure to warm up your hands before playing.
  • Use your 2nd finger to play the 2nd string and your 3rd finger to play the 4th string.

• G (355433):

  • This chord is quite straightforward, but make sure to use your 2nd finger to play the 3rd string to get a clear sound.

• Em (022030):

  • This chord is similar to the Am chord, so focus on placing your fingers close to the fretboard and using a smooth playing style.

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• Dsus4 (x00203):

  • This chord requires a bit of finger stretching, so make sure to loosen up your fingers before playing.
  • Use your 2nd finger to play the 2nd string and your 3rd finger to play the 3rd string.

• Csus4 (x32010):

  • This chord is a variation of the Dsus4 chord, so the playing technique is similar. Focus on using a smooth, legato playing style to connect the chords.

Strumming and Rhythm

"Patience" features a simple strumming pattern, consisting of downstrokes followed by upstrokes:

• Downstrokes: Emphasize the beats 1 and 3 in each measure.
• Upstrokes: Play the beats 2 and 4 in each measure.

Tips and Variations

• To add some dynamics to your playing, try varying your strumming pattern by using more downstrokes during the verses and more upstrokes during the choruses.
• Experiment with different picking patterns, such as using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes or incorporating fingerpicking.
• Don’t be afraid to slow down or speed up your playing to match the intensity of the song.

Conclusion

Playing "Patience" on guitar requires a combination of chord mastery, smooth playing, and a strong sense of rhythm. By following this guide, you should be able to recreate the iconic sound of Axl Rose and Slash’s original recording. Remember to practice regularly, focus on your playing technique, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and embellishments to make the song your own.

Additional Tips for Advanced Players

• Experiment with double stops and harmonics to add some extra texture to the song.
• Try adding some suspended chords or other altered chords to create tension and release.
• Practice playing with a metronome to improve your timing and accuracy.

Conclusion

"Patience" is a beautiful and iconic song that requires patience, practice, and dedication to play well. By following this guide, you should be able to master the song and add it to your repertoire. Remember to stay focused, practice regularly, and always keep your guitar fingers nimble and ready for the next riff. Rock on!