[Intro]
Cmaj Fmaj7 Am
e|-----------------------0--------------0-----------------|
B|--8--8--h10--8---1--1-------1---1--1-------1---0---0----|
G|----9-------9-----2-------2-------2------2--------0-----|
D|--10-------------3--------------2-----------------------|
A|--------------------------------------------------------|
E|-----------------------------------------------3------7-|
Cmaj = Fmaj7 slid up to the 8th fret
G * = F slid up to the third
*** = picking pattern above/instrumental part of the song
[Verse 1]
Cmaj
No one on this side of town
Fmaj7
Knows a good place for a boy to drown
Am G
They look at me so strange when I talk
Cmaj Fmaj7
I wish I was a tradesman learnin' from some beat down old layman
Am
On some hillside they ain't named yet
G
Sleepin' next to mountain fire smoke
[Verse 2]
Cmaj
And everyone lately's scarin' me
Fmaj7
It's all backdoor deals and therapy
Am G
And the only callous I've grown's in my mind
Cmaj Fmaj7
I wish I was a tradesman playin' with some tuned-up tight string band
Am G
Somewhere out by the badlands way past closin' time
[Chorus]
Am G C F
So if you want to trade I'd say it's a hard earned mile
Am G C F
I want to sweat like hеll, throw a hammer down
Am G C F
And know the old feelin' of a five o'clock smilе
Am G C F G*
And know I didn't take no easy way out
***
[Verse 3]
Cmaj
There's something more that I need
Fmaj7
than accolades and sympathy
Am G
Fatiguing in the summer heat while they smoke big cigars
Cmaj
So give me something I can't fake
Fmaj7
That rich boys can't manipulate
Something real that they can't take
Am G
Cause lord I'm not your star
[Chorus]
Am G C F
So if you want to trade I'd say it's a hard earned mile
Am G C F
I want to sweat like hеll, throw a hammer down
Am G C F
And know the old feelin' of a five o'clock smilе
Am G C F
And know I didn't take no easy way out
[Outro]
Cmaj
Everyone lately's scarin' me
Fmaj7
It's all backdoor deals and therapy
Am G
The only callous I've grown is in my mind
How to play "Tradesman" by Bryan Zach on the guitar involves capturing
the essence of yearning for authenticity and the simplicity of a labor-driven life,
contrasted with the complexities of modern existence. This song, with its
reflective lyrics and unique chord progression, offers a musical narrative
that resonates with the search for genuine experience and connection.
Let's delve into the structure and how to embody the song's emotive
depth through your guitar playing.
Intro and Verses Chord Progression:
The intro sets a contemplative tone with a distinctive picking pattern over
Cmaj (played as Fmaj7 slid up to the 8th fret), Fmaj7, Am, and a G variation
(F slid up to the third fret), creating a rich, melodic foundation for the song.
This chord sequence continues through the verses, supporting the storytelling
lyrics that weave a tale of disillusionment with superficiality and a longing for
the tangibility of tradesman work. The transitions between these chords should
be smooth, allowing the narrative and emotional content to shine through
the intricate picking pattern.
Chorus Dynamics:
The chorus introduces a shift with Am, G, C, F, underscoring the song's central
message of seeking fulfillment through tangible, earnest labor. This section
serves as a heartfelt declaration of the desire to experience the realness of
hard work and the satisfaction it brings, contrasting with the hollow victories
of a less authentic path. The chorus should be played with a bit more intensity
to emphasize the emotional and narrative climax of the song.
Playing Techniques and Tips:
- Fingerpicking Pattern: The intro and instrumental parts of the song utilize
a specific fingerpicking pattern that highlights the melody and harmonic structure.
Practice this pattern slowly at first to ensure accuracy and clarity of notes.
- Dynamics: Pay attention to the song's emotional highs and lows,
adjusting your playing dynamics to match the narrative intensity
and the lyrical content's emotional weight.
- Emotional Delivery: The essence of "Tradesman" lies in its emotional delivery.
Allow the chord transitions and your fingerpicking to reflect the nuances of the
song's exploration of authenticity, the value of hard work, and the pursuit
of a life filled with genuine experiences and connections.
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