I really want to play that phrase from that song!!
I tried, but it was too hard, so I gave up… and I stopped playing guitar altogether…
I want to cheer you on!!
Practicing to get better at guitar, being able to play exactly how you want—only you can experience the joy and excitement that comes with that.
That’s the inspiration behind this project, “Timeless Classic Phrases”!!
We’ve carefully selected iconic phrases from classic songs and included videos and explanations.
We hope this helps you master these phrases, even just a little.
If this makes you think, “I feel like playing guitar,” or “I gave up before, but now I want to practice again,”
even just a little, we’d be absolutely thrilled.
If you practice guitar for just 5 minutes a day, you’re sure to get better!!
Let’s take on these classic phrases from legendary songs!!
Rock Edition: Eric Clapton – “Tears in Heaven”
This song is in the key of A. Start with the Bass line: E → F♯ → A.
To make the melody sound more captivating, hold the A bass note with plenty of space and sustain it fully. If the low end cuts off too quickly, it’ll sound flat.
There are various A chord shapes, but the
sehar fingering—where you play the 5th, root, and 3rd (strings 2, 3, and 4 at the 2nd fret)—might be the easiest. It makes the hammer-ons and pull-offs in the melody section of the first measure much simpler.
Also, make sure to balance the Bass note and the melody!! Be mindful of when you release the notes and make your chord changes accordingly.
In the video, I’m pressing the chord by curling my thumb inward. This fingering… once you get used to it, it’s actually pretty easy to handle. If you struggle with the “se-ha” technique, give this a try. I’m not great at “se-ha” myself, so this is the style I use.
Martin 000-28EC
Eric Clapton’s signature model, released in 1996.
Countless musicians love the Martin 000 (Triple-O), but
this model is in a league of its own. It has a 44.5mm nut width and the same wide neck as the OM (Orchestra Model).
It features a herringbone rosette, and the fingerboard has an inlay of Clapton’s signature!!
With its compact body and short scale, it’s incredibly easy to play. It’s a perfect match for fingerstyle playing!!
Rock Edition: Led Zeppelin – “Stairway to Heaven”
An iconic phrase you’ve definitely heard at least once. It’s a somber song in a minor key.
The chord progression is Am→AmM7→Am7→D→Fmaj7→G→Am.
The key to this phrase is descending half-step by half-step starting from the note on the 4th string, 7th fret (A).
Just by changing a single note, the chords shift accordingly, such as from Am to AmM7 to Am7.
Be mindful of the chord progression and play each note slowly, one at a time.
To avoid getting your right-hand thumb, index finger, middle finger, and ring finger all mixed up, make sure to keep track of which strings you’re playing.
D→Fmaj7 is a simple chord progression. For Fmaj7, choose the stylish M7th (major seventh) sound with the open 1st string!!
For the G→Am section, strum the chord using all four fingers. Repeat this throughout the intro. In fact, you could repeat it forever!!
Martin D-28
The photo shows a 1976 D-28. Jimmy Page has performed songs using open tunings as well
and has been a devoted user of the D-28 on stage, especially since the ’70s.
He looks so cool strumming his acoustic guitar while sitting on a chair!!
The D-28 (Dreadnought) produces a solid bass tone and a rich, lustrous treble.
It’s a legendary instrument that represents Martin, the brand behind countless classic songs!!
POP Edition: The Beatles – “Blackbird”
The unique three-finger technique played with the thumb and index finger. Since it’s actually quite difficult to play this way, it’s totally fine to play it with just three fingers!!
This is a crucial skill for fingerpicking, especially when focusing on arpeggios.
This phrase gives the impression that the open G string (3rd string) is constantly resonating.
Play the bass notes with the pad of your thumb, and pluck the melody softly with your fingernails.
At first, you’ll probably get confused about which fingers to use, so get a feel for the bass line first
and then gradually add in the melody notes. After that, rhythm is key.
It’s a pretty challenging phrase, so take your time and master it without rushing.
Martin D-28
The photo shows a 1967 Martin D-28. In the late ’60s, the sides and back were made of rosewood.
John and Paul bought New D-28s in ’67.
The following year, Paul wrote many acoustic-style songs, and it’s said that he included
some of his greatest hits on the legendary album “The White Album.”It was also used on such classics as “Blackbird” and “Mother Nature’s Son,”
and it’s truly impossible to talk about The Beatles without mentioning the D-28.
In January 1991, on the live TV program “MTV Unplugged,” featuring top-tier artists, Paul
played the D-28 throughout the entire performance.
POP Edition: Masayoshi Yamazaki – “Celery”
This phrase uses a “Parker-esque” playing style. The key is to tap the strings with your finger to produce a “schwa”
sound. While the chord progression may vary depending on the performer,
it generally follows the sequence Amaj7 → Amaj7 (on F♯) → Bm7 → D7 (9th).
The Amaj7 (on F♯) in the second measure creates a delicate atmosphere.
This phrase creates a stylish feel by adding a 7th note to a major chord.
As with Bm7, simply adding one note to a basic triad completely changes the atmosphere.
D7(9th) is easier to play if you lay your ring finger flat and use a bar chord.
There are videos on YouTube and other sites featuring arrangements of this song, so check them out for reference.
The difficulty level is somewhat high.
Gibson J-45
When you think of Masayoshi Yamazaki, you think of the J-45 in that classic, subdued sunburst finish.
I’ve heard that the first guitar he bought after moving to Tokyo was a 1957 Gibson J-45.
It has a clear, resonant tone with a wild, tenacious sound. The chord tones are also beautiful and vibrant.
It’s perfect not only for the blues but also for delicate, stylish songs.
A legendary instrument that epitomizes Gibson!! The slight quirkiness of its sound is part of its charm.
POP Edition: Michelle Branch – Everywhere
I want that “gritty” sound, so I’m playing with a pick!! Of course, fingerstyle works too!!
First, put a capo on the 1st fret.
The key to this phrase is to emphasize the root note!!
The chord progression is Am7→C→G→G. First, regarding arpeggios:
Generally, arpeggios tend to follow a regular pattern.
For example, hold down the C chord and repeat the sequence: 5th string (C) → 3rd string (E) → 2nd string (C) → 3rd string (E)… Start by practicing with simple patterns.
As you get used to it, you’ll start to recognize the patterns!!
The bass line in this song, created by hammer-ons, sounds really cool, and emphasizing it really tightens up the whole song.
The final G chord section. In the video, the bassline is built using a C→B progression.
Try adding your own arrangements—it changes the vibe of the phrase and makes it more interesting.
Gibson 1968 Hummingbird
When you think of Michelle Branch, you think of the Hummingbird!!
The photo shows a 1968 Hummingbird. The overall weathered finish gives it such a commanding presence.
It features a 40mm-wide narrow neck, a rosewood saddle, and an adjustable, screw-mounted pickguard.
These top-notch specs are irresistible to Gibson fans!! The Hummingbird has that unique, expansive sound, doesn’t it?
That solid, “whoosh” feeling as the sound spreads out. The lingering resonance of each pick stroke is utterly addictive.
A sound resonant with harmonics known as the “honey tone.” The stylish pickguard featuring a hummingbird design is iconic.
~Afterword~
What did you think!? Did you enjoy it!?
The performance videos and explanations I shared here are just for reference. It’s totally fine to do it your own way!!
You can search high and low for cool performance videos by musicians you admire and try to imitate their playing style,
or you can study sheet music on your own and practice—either way is the right way.
Everyone enjoys music in their own way. The most important thing is that you’re happy playing the guitar!!
Choosing the right instrument is also important!!
An instrument is a musician’s partner. No two are exactly alike.
Whether you’re thinking, “I want to play this kind of music” or “I want a sound like this,”
please feel free to ask us if you have any questions or run into any trouble.
Our entire staff sincerely looks forward to welcoming you to our store!!