VERSE:
Em
Well I heard you died out in Cheyenne
C
With my mother's ring on your hand
G D
A note in your pocket said "I'll love you till I die"
Em C
I can hear the bulls are coming to claim that they've been hunting
G D
The son of the cowboy came to claim his daddy's right
Em C
And my baby she's been crying at the thought of me dying
G D D
She knows there's no stopping a man and his foolish pride
CHORUS:
C
So open the gates
G
I'm here to prove
D
I'm better than my father was
Em
And where he came from too
C
Open the gates
G
I'm here to ride
D
To Hell I Go
Em
With daddy by my side
INSTRUMENTAL:
Em C G D
==================
Em C G D
E ---------------------|---------------------|---------|
B ---------------------|---------------------|---------|
G -4p2-0-2-----------0-|-4p2-0-2-----------0-|-----0---|
D ---------2-0-2-0-2---|---------2-0-2-0-2---|-0h2-----|
A ---------------------|---------------------|---------|
E ---------------------|---------------------|-------3-|
VERSE:
Em
And I ain't never feared nothing
C
That was four-legged and bucking
G
Throw me on a hurricane
D
And I'll ride it to the coast
Em
You'll never know that your son
C
Came to do what you should've done
G
On a summer day a long time ago
D
Top a bull named To Hell I Go
CHORUS:
C
So open the gates
G
I'm here to prove
D
I'm better than my father was
Em
And where he came from too
C
Open the gates
G
I'm here to ride
D
To Hell I Go
Em
With daddy by my side
INSTRUMENTAL:
Em C G D
==================
Em C G D
E ---------------------|---------------------|---------|
B ---------------------|---------------------|---------|
G -4p2-0-2-----------0-|-4p2-0-2-----------0-|-----0---|
D ---------2-0-2-0-2---|---------2-0-2-0-2---|-0h2-----|
A ---------------------|---------------------|---------|
E ---------------------|---------------------|-------3-|
VERSE:
Em
WI'll I die out in Cheyenne
C
With my baby there crying
G D
And a belly that's been growing by the day
Em
And I know that my son
C
Will do what his father should've done
G
A long, long time ago
D
On a bull named To Hell I Go
CHORUS:
C
So open the gates
G
He's here to prove
D
He's better than his father was
Em
And where he came from too
C
Open the gates
G
He's here to ride
D
To Hell I Go's calf
Em
With daddy by his side
How to play "Open The Gate" by Bryan Zach on the guitar is a deep dive into
storytelling through music, exploring themes of legacy, courage, and the pursuit
of surpassing one's forebears. This tutorial will break down the song's chord
progressions, structure, and how to imbue your playing with the emotional
depth the song conveys.
Chord Progression and Verse Structure:
The song is structured around a progression of Em, C, G, D in the verses, creating
a reflective and slightly melancholic tone. This progression supports the narrative
of facing one's fate with determination, rooted in the legacy left by a father.
The melody carried by these chords should be played with a sense of introspection,
highlighting the song's thematic exploration of personal and familial identity.
Chorus Dynamics:
The chorus uses a progression of C, G, D, Em, offering a powerful resolution to
the reflective verses. This part of the song serves as a declaration of intent and
self-assertion, emphasizing the protagonist's determination to prove themselves
and honor their lineage. The shift in chord progression here should be played
with more intensity, underscoring the emotional and narrative climax of the song.
Instrumental Section:
The song features an instrumental section that follows the verse and chorus chord
progression, punctuated by a distinctive tablature that adds depth and a sense of
journey to the narrative. This section allows for a moment of musical reflection,
mirroring the narrative's exploration of legacy and the cyclical nature of life and death.
Playing Techniques and Tips:
- Strumming Pattern: Choose a strumming pattern that complements the song's
storytelling nature. A combination of downstrokes for emphasis and upstrokes
for a lighter touch can effectively convey the song's narrative and emotional shifts.
- Dynamics: Pay attention to the song's dynamic shifts, especially when
transitioning from the verses to the chorus. Use these changes to highlight
the narrative development and emotional crescendos within the song.
- Emotional Delivery: The essence of "Open The Gate" lies in its emotional delivery.
Let the chord transitions and your strumming reflect the nuances of the story being
told, creating a cohesive and emotionally resonant performance.
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