Capo 3rd fret [Intro] Em D Em D [Verse 1] Em D There's a devil in these hollers, my Papaw told me so Em D He's hidin' out, somewhere down off Barton Ferry Road Em D Got that high speed chicken feed, crystal meth amphetamines Em D A Take's you high, then to your knees just like a hilltop church Em D A Shakin' up a bottle 'til you're shakin' when it's gone Em D A Then you're down at River City pawnin' everything you own Em D A Hopin' there's a copper hidin' around these hills Em D A Too proud to beg or borrow, but you ain't too proud to steal [Chorus] Em D A Alkaline and Sudafed Em D A Paranoia in your head Em D A Used to get it from the seed G A Em D Now it's Appalachian alchemy, yеah Em D Alchemy, yeah [Verse 2] Em D A He grеw up broke, he knows his way around a kitchen Em D A Smell on a road of ammonia and mischief Em D A His hounds are howlin', the neighbors are bitchin' Em D A Everyone knows that ain't dinner Micky's fixin' [Chorus] Em D A Alkaline and Sudafed Em D A Paranoia in your head Em D A Used to get it from the seed G A Em D Now it's Appalachian alchemy, yеah [Post-Chorus] Em D Em D Em D Alchemy, alchemy, alchemy [Bridge] Em D I'll tell you boys, he'll cheat you right Em D A 'Cause one night, I just went and took me a bite, yeah Em D A And that apple fed my, my appetite Em A But it left me with a thirst, huh [Chorus] Em D A Alkaline and Sudafed Em D A Paranoia in your head Em D A Used to get it from the seed G A Em D Now it's Appalachian alchemy, yеah [Outro] Em D Alchemy Em D Alchemy Em D Alchemy Em Alchemy How to play "Appalachian Alchemy" by Shane Elvie on guitar Playing Style: This song uses a capo on the 3rd fret, creating a higher pitch that matches the haunting theme of the lyrics. The chord progression is relatively simple but powerful, focusing on the story told through the lyrics. Capo Placement: - Place your capo on the 3rd fret. This will shift the pitch of your open chords up by three semitones, aligning with the key used in the original recording. Intro & Outro: - The intro and outro consist of a repeated Em to D progression. This sets a somber and reflective tone right from the beginning. Verse Chords: - The verses maintain a similar pattern to the intro, alternating between Em and D, with the addition of A in certain lines to emphasize key lyrical moments. - Focus on the lyrical delivery here, as the chords support the storytelling. Chorus Chords: - Chorus adds a pattern of Em, D, and A, leading into G and A before returning to the Em and D pattern. - This progression underlines the chorus's thematic elements — the transformation described in the lyrics as "Appalachian alchemy." Strumming Pattern: - A suitable strumming pattern for this song is Down-Down-Up-Down-Up. This pattern allows for both rhythmic drive and a connection with the vocal melody. - Pay attention to dynamics; the strumming should be more intense during the chorus to reflect the escalation in the song's narrative. Transitions: - Smooth transitions between Em, D, and A are crucial, especially as the tempo and emotional weight of the song build. Practice switching between these chords fluidly. Common Mistakes: - Ignoring the emotional context of the chords relative to the lyrics can make the performance feel flat. Each chord change should feel intentional and expressive. - Overstrumming can overpower the vocals. Maintain a balance where the guitar complements rather than competes with the singing. Lyrics Meaning: "Appalachian Alchemy" narrates the troubling tale of drug addiction in rural Appalachia, using the metaphor of alchemy to describe the transformation of mundane materials into methamphetamine. The song paints a vivid picture of the desperation and decay brought on by addiction. Through regular practice and focusing on the emotional delivery, you'll be able to convey the powerful message of this song effectively. Keep practicing, and enjoy the process of mastering this poignant piece. Capo 3rd fret [Intro] Em D Em D [Verse 1] Em D
There's a devil in these hollers, my Papaw told me so Em D He's hidin' out, somewhere down off Barton Ferry Road Em D Got that high speed chicken feed, crystal meth amphetamines Em D A Take's you high, then to your knees just like a hilltop church Em D A Shakin' up a bottle 'til you're shakin' when it's gone Em D A Then you're down at River City pawnin' everything you own Em D A Hopin' there's a copper hidin' around these hills Em D A Too proud to beg or borrow, but you ain't too proud to steal [Chorus] Em D A Alkaline and Sudafed Em D A Paranoia in your head Em D A Used to get it from the seed G A Em D Now it's Appalachian alchemy, yеah Em D Alchemy, yeah [Verse 2] Em D A He grеw up broke, he knows his way around a kitchen Em D A Smell on a road of ammonia and mischief Em D A His hounds are howlin', the neighbors are bitchin' Em D A Everyone knows that ain't dinner Micky's fixin' [Chorus] Em D A Alkaline and Sudafed Em D A Paranoia in your head Em D A Used to get it from the seed G A Em D Now it's Appalachian alchemy, yеah [Post-Chorus] Em D Em D Em D Alchemy, alchemy, alchemy [Bridge] Em D I'll tell you boys, he'll cheat you right Em D A 'Cause one night, I just went and took me a bite, yeah Em D A And that apple fed my, my appetite Em A But it left me with a thirst, huh [Chorus] Em D A Alkaline and Sudafed Em D A Paranoia in your head Em D A Used to get it from the seed G A Em D Now it's Appalachian alchemy, yеah [Outro] Em D Alchemy Em D Alchemy Em D Alchemy Em Alchemy How to play "Appalachian Alchemy" by Shane Elvie on guitar Playing Style: This song uses a capo on the 3rd fret, creating a higher pitch that matches the haunting theme of the lyrics. The chord progression is relatively simple but powerful, focusing on the story told through the lyrics. Capo Placement: - Place your capo on the 3rd fret. This will shift the pitch of your open chords up by three semitones, aligning with the key used in the original recording. Intro & Outro: - The intro and outro consist of a repeated Em to D progression. This sets a somber and reflective tone right from the beginning. Verse Chords: - The verses maintain a similar pattern to the intro, alternating between Em and D, with the addition of A in certain lines to emphasize key lyrical moments. - Focus on the lyrical delivery here, as the chords support the storytelling. Chorus Chords: - Chorus adds a pattern of Em, D, and A, leading into G and A before returning to the Em and D pattern. - This progression underlines the chorus's thematic elements — the transformation described in the lyrics as "Appalachian alchemy." Strumming Pattern: - A suitable strumming pattern for this song is Down-Down-Up-Down-Up. This pattern allows for both rhythmic drive and a connection with the vocal melody. - Pay attention to dynamics; the strumming should be more intense during the chorus to reflect the escalation in the song's narrative. Transitions: - Smooth transitions between Em, D, and A are crucial, especially as the tempo and emotional weight of the song build. Practice switching between these chords fluidly. Common Mistakes: - Ignoring the emotional context of the chords relative to the lyrics can make the performance feel flat. Each chord change should feel intentional and expressive. - Overstrumming can overpower the vocals. Maintain a balance where the guitar complements rather than competes with the singing. Lyrics Meaning: "Appalachian Alchemy" narrates the troubling tale of drug addiction in rural Appalachia, using the metaphor of alchemy to describe the transformation of mundane materials into methamphetamine. The song paints a vivid picture of the desperation and decay brought on by addiction. Through regular practice and focusing on the emotional delivery, you'll be able to convey the powerful message of this song effectively. Keep practicing, and enjoy the process of mastering this poignant piece.