From the moment you hear the opening chords of “How Soon Is Now,” your attention is piqued, and you feel the urge to play it. Such is the power of the iconic guitar riff that has intrigued guitar enthusiasts for decades. Aspiring guitarists always strive to master the song and be recognized as great guitar players.The challenge of mastering the complex guitar riff of “How Soon Is Now” might be discouraging to some, but with persistence and the right techniques, anyone can achieve it and stand out as an accomplished musician. In this blog, we will explore different tips and tricks to help you master the guitar version of “How Soon Is Now.”
Whether you are an experienced guitarist or just starting, this blog will provide you with insights to improve your skills and take your playing to the next level. We will discuss the song’s structure, unique chord progressions and variations used in the guitar version, and break down the technique used to play the iconic guitar riff. So, don’t worry if you don’t know where to start. Just grab your guitar, and let’s dive into the details of mastering the “How Soon Is Now” guitar.One way to improve your playing speed is by building up finger strength. One exercise to achieve this is doing finger push-ups. Start by placing your hand on a flat surface with your fingers spread wide apart. Then, lift your fingers one at a time and set them down. Keep lifting each finger until they are all off the surface, then slowly place them back down, starting with your pinky and ending with your index finger. Repeat this pattern for ten reps, and increase the number of reps gradually as your finger strength builds up.
Overview of the song
“How Soon Is Now” by The Smiths is a song that has graced the airwaves since 1984. The song is unique in its sense and remains relevant today due to its evergreen melody. It is often regarded as one of the best songs of all time, and the guitar version is a masterpiece on its own. The guitar version is well known for its iconic riff; its sound and tone produce a widely-appreciated sound niche in the guitar player’s community.The distortion guitar sound in the original recording of “How Soon Is Now” has been highly influential. This has popularized the tune and helped make the Smiths a well-known band. Thus, any guitarist who wants to sound more distinguished should know how to play it. The guitar version comes with unique chord progression and significant variations used to create a distinct melody from the original.
The song structure is simple and follows a familiar verse-chorus-verse structure. The unique characteristic of the guitar version is the iconic riff that repeats throughout the song. Punctuated with periodic stops before building back up to the high octave notes, this creates a hypnotic, captivating, and mesmerizing sound that every guitarist would love to master. The song is an excellent representation of the guitar’s potential, especially in the alt-rock genre, where an emphasis is often placed on using instruments to create the tone and mood of a song. In this section, we will explore the song’s chord progression, breakdown the structure, and discuss the significance of the variations used in the guitar version.
Techniques to play the guitar version of the song
There are many techniques that you can use to improve your guitar playing as you master the “How Soon Is Now” guitar piece. The most important of these is hand positioning and fingerpicking technique. Proper hand positioning is key to improving your speed and accuracy when playing the song. Your thumb should be behind the neck, and your fingers should be perpendicular to the fretboard. The positioning of your picking hand is also important, and it should be based on your picking style. Make sure that you explore different picking styles until you find one that works best for you.
Another important technique for mastering the “How Soon Is Now” guitar version is to work on improving your finger strength. This will help you move your fingers quickly and accurately between the different chords used in the song. One way to improve finger strength is by practicing finger exercises. You can also use a guitar finger strengthener, which is a device that fits over the strings of your guitar and is designed to strengthen your finger muscles. Along with finger strength, you should also work on your finger dexterity and flexibility, as these play a crucial role in playing the guitar version of “How Soon Is Now.”
Practicing Anatomy
Practicing guitar requires a specific anatomy of practice, which includes frequency and duration of the sessions. Practicing more frequently for a shorter amount of time is more effective than practicing for extended hours intermittently. Shorter sessions help you stay more focused and avoid burnout. A 20-30 minute session, with a break of 5-10 minutes, is ideal for practicing the “How Soon Is Now” guitar part. The break between sessions also helps your mind rest and helps avoid cranking up your tension, which leads to reduced productivity.When practicing, it’s essential to have set objectives and specific goals. It’s also crucial to stick to a consistent routine, which includes regular practice sessions. Try setting aside specific times during the week for practice, and don’t forget to take breaks. Take advantage of any extra time you have throughout the day to practice as well. This will help you stay on track and makes practice sessions feel more natural over time. In addition, it’s important to maintain focus and stay motivated. Concentrate on practicing consistently and don’t get discouraged if you have any difficulties along the way. Keep some space for experimenting and improvising to keep practice fun and enjoyable.
Some common challenges that guitarists face while practicing the “How Soon Is Now” guitar part, include hand fatigue and stress on the fingers. To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to have proper hand positioning and use your thumb to support the guitar’s neck. Moreover, use the appropriate fingerpicking techniques and try switching up between different picking variations to avoid stressing out the same set of fingers repeatedly. It is important to take frequent breaks between practice sessions to give your fingers and hands time to rest and recover. Additionally, don’t forget to stretch before any practice sessions to avoid injury and loosen up your muscles. These techniques will help you improve your posture, gain more accuracy, and strengthen your fingers, enabling you to play the “How Soon Is Now” guitar part with ease.
Conclusion
Another challenge faced by guitarists is learning how to play the correct rhythm and speed of the “How Soon Is Now” guitar part. To overcome this challenge, it’s essential to break down the guitar part elements into smaller sections and practice each section slowly before increasing the tempo. This will help you gain more control over your finger movement, allowing you to play faster and more accurately. You can also consider using a metronome to help you keep the rhythm. Use the metronome to set the tempo for the song and gradually increase it as you gain more confidence, keeping the rhythm accurate as you speed up. This technique will help you avoid developing bad habits and playing with incorrect timing. Also, don’t forget to practice with different variations and playing styles to spice up the sound of your “How Soon Is Now” guitar rendition. With constant practice, you will gain more confidence and control over your skills.
One other challenge that guitarists may face while playing the “How Soon Is Now” guitar part is maintaining consistency and sound quality throughout the piece. To overcome this challenge, it’s important to play the piece in its entirety several times to identify any weak or inconsistent areas. You can then focus on those specific areas to practice and improve on them. Another useful technique is to record yourself playing the piece, so you can listen back and identify areas that require improvement. You can also listen to recordings of the song by other guitarists to get inspiration and tips on how to improve your sound quality. By paying attention to details such as the tone quality and dynamics, you’ll be able to adjust your own playing and create a more polished and consistent sound. With enough practice, patience, and determination, you will be able to master the “How Soon Is Now” guitar part and enjoy playing it confidently.
Hi there! I’m Casey Marshall, a guitar enthusiast and repair specialist. With years of experience playing and repairing guitars, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the instrument. Through this blog, I share tips and advice on guitar repair and maintenance, as well as insights into the world of guitar playing.
