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Learning 'Iris' on Guitar

Nov 20, 2024

Guitar Lesson Notes: "Iris" by Goo Goo Dolls

Introduction

  • Presenter: Stuart Alexander Lehman Brown
  • Issue: Tripod broke during setup.
  • Main Topic: Teaching how to play "Iris" by the Goo Goo Dolls on guitar.
  • Tuning: Standard tuning, no capo, no bar chords.

Chord Progressions and Techniques

Introduction Chords

  • B Minor 7:

    • Ring finger: 3rd fret, 2nd string from bottom.
    • Middle finger: 2nd fret, 3rd string from bottom.
    • Pointer finger: 2nd fret, 2nd string from top.
    • Thumb: Mute top string.
    • Play twice, then slide ring finger to 2nd fret.
  • B Minor 9:

    • Ring finger slides to 2nd fret, 2nd string from bottom.
    • Play sequence: bow, bow, pow, pow.
  • G Major 7:

    • Lift up pointer and middle fingers.
    • Ring finger: 3rd fret, 2nd string from bottom.
    • Middle finger: 3rd fret, top string.
    • Pointer finger: 2nd fret, bottom string.

Verse and Chorus

  • D5 Chord:

    • Ring finger: 3rd fret, 2nd string from bottom.
    • Pointer finger: 2nd fret, 3rd string from bottom.
    • Thumb: Mute top string.
    • Strumming pattern: down, down, up, down, up.
  • E Minor 7:

    • Keep ring finger in place.
    • Pointer finger: 2nd fret, 2nd string from top.
    • Middle finger: 2nd fret, 3rd string from top.
    • Open top string.
  • G Chord:

    • Middle finger: 3rd fret, top string.
    • Pointer finger: 2nd fret, 2nd string from top.
    • Optional: Pinky on 3rd fret, bottom string.
  • B Minor 7 to A Sus:

    • B Minor 7 as before.
    • A Sus: Move pointer finger down one string.

Bridge

  • B Minor to B Minor 9:

    • Strum pattern: down, up, down, up.
    • Slide ring finger, repeat pattern.
  • G Chord Sequence:

    • Middle, pointer, ring, and pinky placement as before.
    • Strum changes:
      • Remove pinky, pointer down to 2nd fret bottom string.
      • Sequence: pinky on/off, pointer on/off.

Additional Notes

  • Practice Tips:
    • Practicing the transition between chords slowly helps.
    • Use open strings when transitioning between D and E minor.
  • Extras:
    • Free bar chord course available at marinemusic.com.

Final Section

  • Chorus Tag Ending:
    • Repeat B Minor 7, A, G sequence twice more.
  • Performance Advice:
    • Suggested practicing the song thoroughly.
    • Encouragement for playing the song for special occasions.