Six Feet From The Edge: Guitar Cover Tutorial
Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into creating a killer guitar cover of "Six Feet From The Edge." Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting, this guide will provide you with all the essential tips and tricks to nail this emotionally charged song. This article breaks down everything from the gear you might need, the chords, the strumming pattern, and some advanced techniques to truly make the cover your own. Let's get started!
Gear Up for Success
Before we even touch the strings, let's talk gear. Your guitar is your primary weapon of choice, and selecting the right one can significantly impact the tone and feel of your cover. An acoustic guitar is ideal for replicating the original sound of "Six Feet From The Edge." Consider guitars with a solid top, as they tend to produce richer and more resonant tones. Brands like Martin, Taylor, and Yamaha offer excellent options for various budgets. If you prefer an electric guitar, that's totally cool too! Just remember to dial in a clean, slightly warm tone – think less distortion and more clarity. An amplifier with a good clean channel is crucial here. Fender amps like the Deluxe Reverb or Princeton Reverb are classics for a reason, delivering that sparkling clean tone that complements the song beautifully. Next up: strings! For acoustic guitars, phosphor bronze strings in light gauge (12-53) are a solid choice. They provide a balanced tone with a good amount of brightness and warmth. If you're playing electric, consider nickel-wound strings in a similar light gauge (9-42 or 10-46). These strings offer a smooth feel and a balanced tone that works well for a wide range of musical styles. Don't forget your trusty picks! The thickness of your pick can drastically alter your sound. Thinner picks (0.46mm to 0.73mm) tend to produce a brighter, more articulate tone, while thicker picks (0.88mm and up) offer a warmer, more powerful sound. Experiment with different thicknesses to find what works best for you and your guitar. And finally, ensure you have a reliable tuner. Whether it's a clip-on tuner, a pedal tuner, or a smartphone app, keeping your guitar in tune is absolutely essential for a great-sounding cover. Nobody wants to hear a cover that's even slightly off-key!
Decoding the Chords
The heart of any great guitar cover lies in mastering the chords. Luckily, "Six Feet From The Edge" primarily revolves around a sequence of fairly common chords, making it accessible to guitarists of varying skill levels. But don't let that fool you – nailing the transitions and dynamics is what will truly elevate your cover. Let's break down the main chords you'll need to know. First up is G major. This chord is a fundamental building block in countless songs, and it's relatively easy to play. Simply place your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret, your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all six strings. Next, we have C major. This chord can be a bit tricky for beginners, but with practice, you'll get it down. Place your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret, your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret, and your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret. Strum all strings except the 6th string. Em (E minor) is next. This chord is a staple in many songs. Place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings. Then there is D major. Place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret, your middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Strum strings 4-1. And finally, A minor. This is another essential minor chord. Place your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret, your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret, and your ring finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret. Strum all strings except the 6th string. Mastering these chords is just the beginning. Pay close attention to the chord progressions in "Six Feet From The Edge." Listen to the original song carefully and identify how the chords flow from one to another. Practice these transitions slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and smoothness. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo until you can play the chord progressions seamlessly. Don't be afraid to experiment with different voicings and inversions of these chords. This can add depth and interest to your cover, making it stand out from the crowd.
Mastering the Strumming Pattern
Once you've got the chords down, the next step is to nail the strumming pattern. The right strumming pattern will bring the song to life, adding rhythm and dynamics to your guitar cover. To really capture the essence of "Six Feet From The Edge," try a strumming pattern that emphasizes the downbeats while incorporating some subtle upstrokes for texture. Let's break down a pattern that works particularly well: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down, Down-Up. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and keeping your strumming hand relaxed. This will prevent your playing from sounding stiff or robotic. Try to feel the music and let your strumming pattern flow naturally. To add depth to your strumming pattern, try varying the intensity of your strums. Emphasize the downbeats with a stronger strum, and soften the upstrokes to create a dynamic contrast. This technique will make your guitar cover sound more expressive and engaging. Experiment with different variations of the basic strumming pattern. Try adding extra upstrokes or downstrokes, or changing the order of the strums. The key is to find a pattern that feels comfortable and sounds good to your ear. Don't be afraid to put your own spin on it! Practicing with a metronome is crucial for developing a solid sense of timing. Set the metronome to a comfortable tempo and practice the strumming pattern along with it. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Remember to listen to the original song carefully and pay attention to the nuances of the guitar part. Try to mimic the dynamics and feel of the original recording in your own cover. This will help you capture the essence of the song and create a truly authentic guitar cover. Don't just play the notes, feel the music!
Adding Your Personal Flair
Creating a cover isn't just about replicating the original; it's about adding your own unique voice and perspective. This is where the magic happens, and your cover transforms from a simple imitation into a work of art. With "Six Feet From The Edge", try incorporating subtle variations in the melody or harmony to make the song your own. This could involve adding a harmony vocal, changing a few notes in the melody, or even adding a brief instrumental interlude. Just be careful not to stray too far from the original song's structure and feel. Experiment with different guitar effects to enhance the sound of your cover. Reverb can add depth and atmosphere, while chorus can create a lush, shimmering sound. Overdrive or distortion can add some grit and aggression, but use them sparingly to avoid overpowering the song's delicate beauty. Try adding your own personal touches to the arrangement. This could involve changing the instrumentation, adding a new section, or reharmonizing a chord progression. The possibilities are endless! Just make sure that your changes complement the original song and enhance its overall impact. Find a way to connect with the song on a personal level. Think about what the lyrics mean to you and how they relate to your own experiences. Let your emotions guide your performance, and your cover will resonate with listeners on a deeper level. Play around with the song's dynamics. Use softer, more intimate dynamics during the verses, and build up to more powerful, emotional dynamics during the choruses. This will help to create a sense of drama and excitement in your guitar cover. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself! Don't be afraid to take risks and try new things. The more you experiment, the more you'll discover your own unique voice as a musician.
Recording and Sharing Your Cover
So, you've mastered the chords, strumming pattern, and added your unique flair. Now it's time to share your masterpiece with the world! Recording your guitar cover is easier than ever, thanks to the abundance of affordable and user-friendly recording equipment and software. To record, start with a decent microphone. A condenser microphone is ideal for capturing the nuances of your acoustic guitar, but a dynamic microphone can also work well, especially for electric guitars. Place the microphone a few inches away from your guitar, aiming towards the soundhole for acoustic guitars or the amplifier for electric guitars. Next, you'll need an audio interface to connect your microphone to your computer. Audio interfaces convert the analog signal from your microphone into a digital signal that your computer can understand. Focusrite, PreSonus, and Audient offer excellent audio interfaces for various budgets. Now, select your recording software. GarageBand (free on macOS) is a great option for beginners, while more advanced users may prefer Ableton Live, Logic Pro X, or Pro Tools. Set up a new project in your recording software and configure your audio input to use your audio interface. Record a few test tracks to ensure that your levels are properly set and that you're getting a clean, clear signal. Once you're satisfied with your recording setup, it's time to record your guitar cover! Focus on delivering a performance that is both technically accurate and emotionally engaging. After recording, take some time to edit and mix your cover. Use EQ to shape the tone of your guitar, compression to even out the dynamics, and reverb to add some atmosphere. Experiment with different effects to enhance the sound of your cover. Once you're happy with your mix, export it as a high-quality audio file (e.g., WAV or AIFF). Choose a platform to upload to such as YouTube. Create an engaging thumbnail for your video. A visually appealing thumbnail will help to attract viewers and encourage them to watch your cover. Write a detailed description for your video, including the song title, artist name, and any relevant information about your cover. Use relevant keywords in your description to help people find your video when they search on YouTube. Promote your cover on social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Share your video with your friends, family, and followers, and ask them to share it with their networks. Engage with your viewers by responding to comments and questions. This will help to build a community around your music and encourage people to keep coming back for more.
Creating a guitar cover of "Six Feet From The Edge" is a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with the song on a deeper level and share your musical talent with the world. So grab your guitar, follow these tips, and let your creativity shine!