Learn to play "Wet Sand" by RHCP on the guitar

Welcome to part 2 of the lesson on how to play the song Wet Sand by the Red Hot Chili Peppers on the guitar. (Click here if you haven't seen Part 1.) This song, crafted by the legendary guitarist John Frusciante, is famed for its unique chord progressions, rhythmic patterns, and melodic solos. As we delve into the intricacies of this song, you'll be able to appreciate the genius of Frusciante's guitar work and his exceptional ability to create multi-layered guitar parts that complement each other beautifully.

The Bridge

Let's start off with the bridge. In its simplest form, the chord progression is E minor, G, D, and E minor. This sequence is repeated throughout, with each chord strummed twice. However, on the final run-through, you'll land and stay on the D chord for two bars before transitioning to either the verse or the chorus, depending on where you are in the song.

John Frusciante's approach to this sequence is beautifully unique. He steers clear of the traditional open chords and instead opts for a more refined technique, often called the Chili Peppers trick. This involves playing a simplified version of the E minor chord, which is less dense and has fewer notes. The same trick is applied when playing the G and D chords, where certain strings are muted while others are focused on. This technique adds a distinctive flavor to the sound, making it more resonant and harmonious.

Bridge Rhythm

D . . . D . . U . U D . D . . U . U D . D . . U . U D . D . . .
1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a 1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a

The Chorus

Next, we move on to the chorus, which introduces a new rhythm and a lifting technique that John uses when playing the E and C chords. The strumming here is more continuous, requiring a gentle grip on the pick to facilitate smooth, flowing movements.

The rhythmic pattern is fascinating, involving a combination of down and up strokes incorporating the chord lifts. This might seem a tad complex at first, but with practice, you'll get the hang of it and appreciate how these subtle enhancements make the chorus more vibrant and engaging.

Chorus Rhythm

D . . . D . . U D U D . D . . . D . D . . . D . . U D . D . D .
1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a 1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a

The Verse and Solo

Wet Sand's verse and solo sections follow a chord sequence similar to the previous sections, with a few minor adjustments. The solo, in particular, is intense and filled with large string bends on the thinnest string. Although it's not technically challenging, it requires a certain level of passion and intensity to capture the essence of the original song.

Basic Rhythm

D . . . D . . U . U D . . U D U
1 e + a 2 e + a 3 e + a 4 e + a

John Frusciante is renowned for his melodic solos. He's a master at balancing between playing too many notes and focusing on melody. This solo is a testament to his genius. If you're a big Red Hot Chili Peppers fan, try to transcribe the solo on your own. It's a great exercise that will help you discover many interesting details about John's playing style. But you can also find a lesson on the solo here.

Conclusion

By the end of this lesson, you'll have gained a solid understanding of how to play Wet Sand by RHCP on the guitar. Through the bridge, verse, chorus, and solo, you'll get a feel for each step of the song. Remember, learning to play a song isn't merely about mastering the chords and rhythm. It's also about capturing the emotion and passion that underlie the music.

Like many of John Frusciante's compositions, this song is rich in detail and nuance. Try to absorb these subtleties as you practice, and don't hesitate to put your own spin on the song. After all, playing music isn't just about reproducing notes; it's about expressing yourself and sharing your unique interpretation.

Watch the video to get a better understanding of the techniques and rhythms involved, and don't forget to listen to the original recording of Wet Sand. This will give you a better feel for the song and help you capture its essence more accurately. Remember, practice makes permanent, so keep strumming, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the process. Happy playing!

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