How to Play “Day Tripper” on Guitar
About Day Tripper:
It was recorded by The Beatles in 1965, and released as a double A-side single along with “We Can Work it Out”. Both songs were huge hits at the time and still get considerable radio play. To get an idea of the musical background those days notice the Rolling Stones came up with “Satisfaction” around the same time. Guitar riffs were emerging all over the music scene and this is definitely one of the most memorable pieces of guitar music from the 60’s.
How to play it:
It is basically a melody based on a remarkable rhythmic pattern which is played in the intro and the verses over a E7 chord, A7 on the second line of each verse, and back to E7. Take a listen to the song to get the right rhythm and feeling.
The main riff:
(on the 6th string) 0 3 4, (on the 5th) 2, (4th) 2 0, (5th) 2, (4th) 4, (5th) 2, (4th) 0 2
For the second line repeat the same pattern but start on the open 5th string:
(on the 5th string) 0 3 4, (4th) 2, (3th) 2 0, (4th) 2, (3th) 4, (4th) 2, (3th) 0 2
Then the amazing chorus enters that builds in a great amount of tension before returning to the main riff. Those chords are: F#7 A7 G#7 C#7 B7 I also included the guitar part that introduces the solo after the second verse, a key variation of the original riff, this time played over a B7 chord. The solo is backed by a vocal crescendo a la Twist and Shout.
(on the 5th) 2, (4th) 0 1 4, (3rd) 4 2, (4th) 4, (2nd) 2, (4th) 4, (3rd) 2 4
After the solo the verse punches in again to end up with the tight yet uplifting chorus and the main riff repeated and fading out.
A great song all over, and quite difficult to sing and play the riff at the same time. If you intend to do so, try to internalize the guitar part first before jumping in the challenge of trying the combination.
Some more Day Tripper interesting facts:
* The Equipment
John Lennon played an Epiphone Casino and George Harrison a Fender Stratocaster, connected to Vox amps, probably AC50 models. Paul played his Hoffner 500/1 bass switched into a 100W Vox bass amp.
* Cover Versions
Many artists recorded this one and many more include it regularly in their concert’s set list. We can mention Jimi Hendrix, Nancy Sinatra, Otis Redding, Whitesnake and James Taylor to name a few.
For more music related articles check Land of Strings, a website packed full of resources for musicians, such as online lessons to Start Playing Guitar today.
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