Guitar Tutorial: Playing Great Fairy Fountain Music

Introduction

• Tutorial on how to play the Great Fairy Fountain music from the Zelda game on guitar.
• Highlighting the challenges and ways to approximate the synthesized harp sound using standard tuning.
• Presenter: Stuart
• Key Advice: Sign up for newsletters on MarineMusic.com for weekly tutorials.

Initial Setup

• Tuning: Standard tuning.
• Difficulty: High. Requires precise finger placement and coordination.

Finger Placement and Initial Picking Pattern

First Chord

• Pinky: 5th fret, bottom string
• Pointer Finger: 3rd fret, 2nd and 3rd strings from the bottom
• Ring Finger: 5th fret, 3rd string from the top
• Picking Fingers:
  • Ring finger: Bottom string
  • Middle finger: 2nd string from the bottom
  • Pointer finger: 3rd string from the bottom
  • Thumb: 3rd string from the top
• Pattern: ring (bottom), middle (2nd bottom), pointer (3rd bottom), thumb (3rd top)
• Sequence: Binga bing bong, repeat

Transition to Second Chord

• Pointer Finger: Smash down on 3rd fret of the bottom three strings
• Play Sequence: Binga, then move
• Alternative Picking: 7th fret (2nd and 3rd strings from bottom), 8th fret (3rd string from top)
• Pattern: Binga booy, move up and cheat a little

Main Melody and Variations

• Chord Changes: Start with 5th, 3rd, and 5th frets, consistent picking pattern.
• Pivoting: Adjust finger positions smoothly while playing.
• Tempo Variation: Okay to slow down and speed up slightly during difficult transitions.

Practice Exercises: First Half

• First Chunk: Pinky, Pointer, and Ring Fingers as specified
• Second Chunk: Repeat with slight changes to note positions
• Third Chunk: Address specific notes including 6th, 3rd, and 5th frets
• Fourth Chunk: Complex pattern to pivot on thumb and fingers

Playing Through First Half

1. Slowly practice each section
2. Pay attention to finger positions and maintain fluidity

Practice Exercises: Second Half

• Start Similar to the First Half: Repeating initial patterns then altering
• Complex Transitions: Use pinky, pointer, ring, middle, and bar techniques
• New Chord Position: 8th fret and stretches up to 11th fret
• End with Open Strings: Followed by repeated patterns

Playing Through Second Half

1. Maintain clarity on finger and fret positions
2. Slow down to ensure accuracy

Conclusion

• Advice: Keep practicing incrementally to enhance memory and skill.
• Emphasize Fluid Movements: Ensuring smooth transitions reduces errors.
• Final Practice: Play the entire song slowly to internalize muscle memory before attempting faster playthroughs.

Extra Tips

• Use thumb positioning to ease finger stretches.
• Approach chord transitions gradually rather than all at once.
• Allow room for minor tempo adjustments during practice.