Tequila

1. Tequila Example of a simple fun instrumental song.

2. We will do this in the key of A to start. • First the Chords – • Then The timing • Melody • Solo

3. Chords • The main part of this is just G to F. • Can also do G to F/G but G to F is closer to the original. • Do them in 1st position. • The only other chord is C diminished 7. C diminished is also, F# diminished, A diminished, and Eb diminished.

4. Get this down with the counting etc. Be sure to do the rests. They are as important as the notes. Notice that the A (last one in first measure) is an anticipation of the 2nd measure by a ½ beat. This is very common. You can also play G as G/A by just leaving out the 6th string.

5. Only other chord in this is C dim7. C dim7 1 2 3 4 • C diminished is also, F# diminished, A diminished, and Eb diminished.

6. Now the Melody • Look closely at the next page and you will see the melody. But before doing that try to figure it out yourself. • Starting note is the 4th string 2nd fret. All of the notes are in the A or G chord until the end of the phrase (right before the C dim7)

7. See how the lines are just using notes in the chords!!!

8. Solo • Following page has the solo in A in 1st position. • Note how it is built again off of chord tones. • The scale used is a combination of the note from the A and G chords.

9. This is the sax solo for Tequila. Some of the notes must be hammered and pulled off in order to play this at tempo. Particularly in the 2nd line measures 2 and 3 in that line. The timing is a bit difficult so listen to the original. Notice how many chord tones are used in this solo. Again “The Chord Rules”.

10. Start with the chords for original key. This is using the C form of the CAGED system!! While there are a number of ways to play the F and Eb chords this is the voicing that is used on the record. One note is that the 4th finger can alternate between the 5th string and the 6th string at the same fret. Start with the following: 4/4 ||: F | Eb : || until it is perfect, Then do 2 beats each: 4/4 ||: F Eb | F Eb : || until it is perfect before moving on to the exact rhythm!!

11. Critical that you get this down. The rests are just as important as the chords. That is what gives it the feel. Try by singing the rhythm first. Do this before even playing it!. You must be able to sing it to play it correctly. I can’t stress how important that is. Also buy the CD – there are lots of good compilations with this on it.

12. A little larger for you to see it.

13. The other chords in Tequila. G7 Ab dim7 1 1 1 1 1 1 3rd Fret 1 2 2 3 4 3 C7 is at the 8th fret. Use same form. This is the CAGED ‘E7’ form!

14. Melody • This is easier than you might think. • For the first 8 bars it is totally in the 8th position. Only frets 8 and 10. I use a ½ barre on the 8th fret across the first 4 strings. This makes it easier. • You are actually just outlining the F to Eb chords in this. There aren’t any notes that are not in the chord!! Again chords rule!!

15. Count 1 2 3 4 & 1 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 3 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & See how this is just moving up what you did in 1st position. 1 2 3 4 & 1 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 & 2 3 4 & 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &

16. Next part of melody Count 1 2 3 & 4 & (1 2 3 4) (& 1) 2 3 & 4 & (1 2 3 4 ) (& Do this in 9th position. First finger at the 9th fret.

17. 1) 2 3 & 4 & ( 1 2 3 4 ) & (& 1) 2 3 4 1 & 2 & 3 & 4 & 1 2 3 4 & You should now have all of the melody. At the G7 move to the 8th position again.

18. Last part is the solo • Lots of ways to approach this but start with the notes in the main melody and you will find that it is the same notes as a Bb major scale. But if you play that it won’t sound that great. • Instead use the notes in each of the chords and add in the notes in Bb as passing notes etc. • You can also use the F blues scale. In fact, going back and forth between these approaches will produce some excellent results. But sing what you play. Since this is old time rock and roll, be sure to repeat notes and use double stops (2 notes at a time). That will give it the correct flavor.

20. For different people • Everyone must learn this in the 1st position. Chords and melody. • I would like the more advanced to learn the solo in A and the whole piece in F. • If you are playing this as just an intermediate, put your capo at the 8th fret and you will be playing it the same as the advanced students.

21. On Broadway Notes of melody in the chord!

22. Begin with just the chords • First learn them in 1st position then we will move them up. • Not difficult but make sure that you have them memorized.

25. Chord Rhythm Basic Chord Pattern: 4/4/ ||: A G : || Count (1&2) (&34) This is like a Charlston rhythm. Basic pattern like Drifters did.

26. Use Capo in other positions • OK, now the CAGED or Capo for other positions: 1st 5th 7th A E D G D C D A G C G F E7 B7 A7

27. Learn the chords in each position • Work in groups to do parts in different positions. • Even try to do the melody in different positions once you have learned it in 1st position.

29. Now that you have the chords • Next add in the melody. • It isn’t that hard. Take it one note at a time. • Holding an A chord down play the 4th string for the first note, the 2nd string for the 2nd note and the 3rd string for the 3rd note. Now change to a G/A and find the next melody note. Continue one note at a time. • Write it out in traditional notes or in tablature.

30. Chords like Benson

31. Melody – all in or close to chord.

32. Then we will transpose it to E • This is the original key of this song. Take your time and just image your index finger as the head nut. • In fact you may find that the 2nd part moved up works even better! You can keep one fingering for all of them.

33. Here it is in the original key. Use chords on the following page

35. Melody in E. See how it just moves up!

36. Same as Tequila!! • Everyone must learn this in the 1st position. Chords and melody. • I would like the more advanced the whole piece in E. • If you are playing this as just an intermediate, put your capo at the 7th fret and you will be playing it the same as the advanced students.