How to Play Patience by Guns N’ Roses on Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide
Patience is one of the most iconic rock ballads of all time, and learning to play it on guitar is a dream come true for many fans of Guns N’ Roses. In this article, we’ll take you through a step-by-step guide on how to play Patience by Guns N’ Roses on guitar, covering the basics, techniques, and tips to make you sound like Axl Rose himself.
Get Familiar with the Tablature
Before you start playing, it’s essential to get familiar with the tablature. Patience has a guitar solo that’s not super complex, but it requires some finger dexterity and picking technique. If you’re new to playing guitar, start by reviewing the basics of reading tablature. For those who are experienced, make sure to brush up on your fingerpicking skills.
String Selection and Tuning
The song is played in open D tuning (D-A-D-G-B-D, low to high). Make sure to tune your guitar to the correct tuning, and use the thicker strings (E, A, D, G) for the rhythm and verses, and the thinner strings (B, G) for the chorus and solos.
Riff and Chord Progression
The song’s opening riff is played with downstrokes, with your fingers curled around the pick to get a more balanced tone. Pay attention to your picking dynamics: start with a moderate volume and gradually increase as the riff builds up. Break down the riff into small sections and practice each part individually before combining them.
Verse 1 Chords:
- D major (xx0232)
- C major (032010)
- G major (320003)
- Em7 (022030)
- Chorus Chords:
- B7 (x21200)
- A major (x02220)
- F major (133211)
The chord progression is:
C – G – Am – F – G – Em – C
Soloing and Lead Playing
The solo is divided into three sections, each requiring different techniques and phrasings. Mastering the solo will take some time and practice:
- Section 1: Start with your middle finger on the B string (2nd string) at the 11th fret, then jump to the G string at the 10th fret. Use bent notes to add warmth and vibrato. Fingerstyle and focus on dynamic control.
- Section 2: Pick up the pace with faster alternate picking. Use your index finger to play on the B string and ring finger on the G string. Experiment with pinched harmonics (x440) and other effects to add character to your playing.
- Section 3: Finish with a soaring upper-register melody, using the B string and the tip of your index finger to create a smooth, lyrical sound. Sustain notes with finger pads and use subtle dynamic shifts to create emotional texture.
Tips and Techniques
- Focus on tone: Patience relies heavily on the right guitar tone. Experiment with EQ and gain settings to capture the song’s iconic crunch.
- Finger independence: Practice finger stretching and independence exercises to tackle the solo’s technical aspects.
- Dynamics control: Pay attention to your dynamics throughout the song. Swell and decay, play with conviction, and know when to hold back or build up.
- Phrasing: Don’t be afraid to bend or alter the phrasing slightly to fit your personal interpretation.
Conclusion
Mastering Patience by Guns N’ Roses on guitar takes time, dedication, and practice. With persistence and patience (pun intended!), you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, emotionally charged performance that’s guaranteed to impress. Remember to stay focused on tone, technique, and phrasing, and don’t hesitate to experiment and add your own flair to make it your own. Rock on!
