Learn to Play "Lucky Man" by The Verve on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Lucky Man by The Verve on the guitar. This song, written by the talented Richard Ashcroft, offers a different feel compared to other songs we've covered in the beginner's course, making it an exciting challenge.

Strumming and Picking Techniques

One of the key features of this song is its use of 16th note strumming. While we'll start with the regular four strums per bar that we usually do for beginner songs, I strongly encourage you to experiment with this faster strumming pattern.

Using a thinner pick really helps when you're doing this continuous strumming. It makes the guitar a bit quieter, making it easier to hear your voice over it if you're singing along. So, if you've got a thin pick lying around, now would be a good time to bring it out.

Chord Progression

Moving on to the chords, we've got a simple yet beautifully flowing progression. We start with two beats on G, followed by two beats on D, and then we linger on A sus4 for a whole bar. This sequence is maintained throughout the verses, creating a melodic rhythm that's characteristic of The Verve's sound.

When we enter the chorus, the chord progression changes slightly. We begin with E minor, transition to D, and then round it off with A sus4. This variation adds depth to the song and provides a nice contrast to the verses.

Exploring 16th Note Strumming

Now, let's delve deeper into 16th note strumming. Although it's not something I usually teach in the beginner's course because it involves accenting certain strums, it's a worthwhile technique to explore. It adds a dynamic feel to the song and could be a fun challenge. However, remember that if 16th note strumming is done without any accents, it can sound a bit off.

If you're keen to experiment with this, start with just down strums. Once you're comfortable, add the up strums as well, and then try varying the volume of your strums to create a rhythmic feel.

👉 Want to know a bit more? Check out my Introduction to 16th Note Strumming!

Wrapping Up

As with any new song or technique, practice is key. Take your time, go at your own pace, and most importantly, enjoy the process. This song offers a great opportunity to work on your strumming and chord progression skills, and it's a lot of fun to play, too!

I hope you've found this lesson helpful and are excited to get started on Lucky Man. With some practice, you'll be playing this song beautifully in no time. So grab your guitar, watch the video, and let's get started!

💡 Try JustinGuitarTabs for free! :) Get chords, lyrics, and verified tabs for Lucky Man and lots more.