Difficulty: Easy – Intermediate
The song is meant to be played on a 12-string, but you can still play it on your standard acoustic. Also note that there are a few times that you would technically need an electric for the lead guitar, but again you can play this song using only your acoustic. You just may have to alter a few tiny techniques to make it work. (Such as the tremolo dive, a FEW harmonics, etc.)
“Come Together” was released as a single in 1969 alongside “Something” it was also released on the album Abbey Road as the first track. This is the opening riff of the song, and for most is instantly recognizable. This riff is pretty easy and should be a good start for beginners.
This is a really easy lead. If you have little or no prior experience playing lead guitar, this would be a great start!
Complete Transcription To “Wonderful Tonight ” (PDF)
Complete Transcription To “Wonderful Tonight ” (Power Tab)
The song’s tempo is at about 98 beats per minute. It’s in standard 4/4 time and the rhythm uses a shuffle pattern. Stevie Ray Vaughan recorded the song using a 12 string acoustic guitar. If you don’t have a 12 string, that’s okay. It sounds great on a six-string acoustic, too. It’s one of those rare SRV songs in standard tuning.
In this lesson, we’ll be looking at the intro lick to the song which takes place in the measures 1 and 2.
Wouldn’t you know it! The hardest part to play of Life By The Drop is the very first part. Stevie sets things up nicely with a tasteful two measure lick.
This lick seems straightforward but it is deceptively difficult. It’s not real fast, but that’s not the problem. It’s got a certain swing to it and accents that give it character.
The main thing to keep in mind when learning it is to maintain the steady triplet pattern. That’s what gives it that swing.
