Learn to play "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" by John Mayer on the guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Slow Dancing in a Burning Room by the remarkable John Mayer on the guitar. This song is a wonderful blend of artistry and technique, showcasing John Mayer's songwriting and guitar-playing abilities. It's not too challenging to get a handle on, yet it's also not that simple. Subtle elements, such as the vibrato on certain notes and the improvisation parts, add an extra layer of complexity. But don't worry, We're going to take a look at all of these elements!

John Mayer has a knack for varying his performances, so the way he plays this song changes between different versions. We'll focus on a mix of elements from the recorded version and a bit from the Live in LA version.

The Chord Progression

The song is primarily based around the C sharp minor chord but also includes the A and E chords. Notice the lovely little run of thirds, a series of notes that create a melodic pull that happens in the song. This progression is not too tricky once you understand it.

The song then moves from an A to an E chord. Here, we're focusing on the notes played on the second and third strings, along with the bass note. This common technique is used by guitar greats like Jimi Hendrix and John Frusciante, and you can incorporate it into your own playing.

The song then takes a turn to a B to C minor progression, followed by an A. This is followed by a return to the C sharp minor chord, and then we transition back into the main riff.

The Bridge

The song's bridge moves from a B chord to a C minor to an A. This is then followed by a progression from C sharp minor to F sharp minor and then back to C sharp minor. This progression is then followed by a return to the song's main riff.

Wrapping Up

Slow Dancing in a Burning Room is a song rich with depth and emotion. It's fairly easy to get the basics right, but truly getting the nuances requires a bit of practice and dedication. Remember, the key is to keep practicing and gradually develop your feel and improvisation skills.

I hope this lesson helps you get this tune together. It's a really, really nice one to play. And remember, practice makes permanent. So, keep strumming, and let the music flow through you.

Watch the video for an in-depth look at the techniques and styles we've discussed. And, as always, happy playing!

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