Learn to play 'Babylon' by David Gray on the acoustic guitar

David Gray's 'Babylon' is a heartfelt acoustic track that blends gentle fingerstyle riffing with emotional dynamics, and in this lesson, we learn how to make it sound great on your guitar.

The main riff might sound delicate and intricate, but it's built from a few core techniques that you can master with some focused practice. You won't need a pick for this one — just your thumb, a capo at the first fret, and a relaxed, rhythmic approach.

We break down the entire song section by section so you can follow along, even if you're still working on getting comfortable with finger control and strumming feel.

Here's what you'll learn:

The Intro Riff: A smooth thumb-led pattern with a hammer-on and flick-off using your pinky, sliding into position with your third finger, and muting unwanted strings for a cleaner tone.
Chord Progressions: Familiar shapes like D, A, E minor, and G—plus a beautiful F#m11 that adds richness to the chorus. If you're not quite ready to wrap your thumb over for that one, don't worry—we'll go over an easier alternative that still sounds great.
Strumming Groove: This song has a unique strumming pattern that uses both down and upstrokes with the thumb. It may feel new at first, but you'll get there, and once it clicks, it really helps you find the song's flow. We also discuss how to adjust your dynamics to bring emotional movement to the performance.
Feel Over Perfection
Like many great acoustic songs, 'Babylon' shines when you relax and focus on the vibe. Even if you miss a few notes, getting the groove right and playing with intention make a big difference, and we work on building that mindset in this lesson.

If you're working through the Beginner or Intermediate courses, 'Babylon' fits beautifully as a Developer Song—one that strengthens key skills through practice, not just repetition.

Why this song is worth learning

'Babylon' is ideal for intermediate players who want to move beyond basic chord strumming and explore more expressive techniques. It helps you build confidence with hammer-ons, fluid strumming, and dynamic phrasing while learning a song that feels amazing to play.

🎸 Looking for more songs like this? Download the JustinGuitar Lessons & Songs App to find tracks many practice tools, like backing tracks that don't stop when you mess up, helping you build reliable rhythm skills, not just muscle memory. It’s a game-changer for beginners and intermediates alike.

👉 Keep learning for free! Browse hundreds of song tutorials and build an incredible repertoire even if you're a beginner!