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.