problem with guitar intro on ELPs "From the Beginning"
This be a really dumb question, but sometimes there's a problem passage that keeps being a thorn in my side forever. And I do mean forever, because I've probably messed with this song for decades. If you haven't head this song, suffice to say there is a point in the intro where the player must pick strings 4-3-2-1-2-3-4-3-2-1-2-3 ... on and on. Its not super fast, so many techniques could be used to play it. But it seems I can't play it reliably. So I'll often goof it up too, and you don't get 2nd tries at an intro ;-). So I've approached it all the following ways trying to get it right, and all have slightly different issues. I'm curious what all of you would think is the easiest, the most difficult, and most important, the most likely to succeed in the end. All these assume the above 4-3-2-1-2-3 repeating string pattern.
Flat picking, UP-DN-DN-DN-UP-UP
Flat picking, always alternate - DN-UP-DN-UP-DN-UP
No Pick - Fingers T-1-2-3-2-1
Hybrid (Pick held with thumb and 1st finger) - Pick - 2-3-2-3-2
The actual "right" way, which maybe I don't even know about yet.
If it makes any difference, #3 seems most promising, though I pick up the pick again for the rest of the song. The "Hybrid" approach is one I WISH worked well for me, as Steve Howe does it so well. But my fingers get tied in a know trying that approach with this passage.
(1)1 Comments
Sorted by latest first Latest Oldest Best
There are certainly no dumb questions when it comes to overcoming technical obstacles. While you should try different approaches and use whatever works best and sounds best to your ear, going to the source to find out what technique a player actually used to accomplish a particular passage provides tremendous insight, and also will get you closest to reproducing subtle aspects of the performance, which ultimately enhances your own abilities.
If you haven't already, check out this YouTube video of Greg:
m.youtube.com/watch?v=Fe0rKO9Of6s (sorry, I did not initially see the post by romans-8-31-39)
While the video does not provide a good close up of the intro, my opinion is that it appears he is using strict alternate picking for the rapid arpeggio picking starting around :13 (DN-UP-DN-UP-DN-UP). Later on in the video there are some close ups (around :25) and full view shots (:37) where he is clearly using strict alternate picking for similar types of passages which are played in time, which would be consistent with what he appears to be doing during that passage in the intro.
Hope that helps!
Terms of Use Privacy policy Contact About Cancellation policy © freshhoot.com2025 All Rights reserved.