Coal is a haunting and evocative song by The Rolling Stones, and it’s one that many guitarists aspire to play. The song’s main riff is relatively simple to learn, but it’s the subtleties and nuances that make it so iconic. In this article, we’ll break down the song’s main riff and solo, and provide some tips on how to capture the song’s unique atmosphere.
The main riff of Coal is built around a simple pentatonic scale. The riff begins on the root note, and then moves up the scale to the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th notes. The riff is then repeated, but this time it begins on the 5th note and moves down the scale to the 4th, 3rd, 2nd, and 1st notes. The riff is played with a moderate amount of distortion, and the notes should be played with a slightly muted attack. This will give the riff a dark and brooding sound.
The solo in Coal is one of the song’s most iconic moments. The solo begins with a series of bends and slides, and then moves into a series of fast-paced licks. The solo is played with a moderate amount of distortion, and the notes should be played with a clean attack. This will give the solo a bright and soaring sound.
Tuning for Slide Guitar
Tuning a guitar for slide playing is slightly different from standard tuning. The most common tuning is Open D tuning, which involves tuning the strings to the following notes from lowest to highest: D, A, D, F#, A, D. This tuning creates a rich, resonant sound that is well-suited for slide guitar.
Here are the steps to tune your guitar to Open D tuning:
- Tune the 6th (low E) string to D.
- Tune the 5th (A) string to A.
- Tune the 4th (D) string to D.
- Tune the 3rd (G) string to F#.
- Tune the 2nd (B) string to A.
- Tune the 1st (high E) string to D.
Once your guitar is tuned to Open D, you can begin playing slide guitar. Remember to use a slide to move up and down the strings, creating those signature slide guitar sounds.
Additional Open Tunings
In addition to Open D, there are several other open tunings that are popular for slide guitar. Here are some of the most common:
| Tuning | Notes |
|---|---|
| Open G | D, G, D, G, B, D |
| Open A | E, A, E, A, C#, E |
| Open E | E, B, E, G#, B, E |
| Open C | C, G, C, G, C, E |
| Open F | F, C, F, A, C, F |
Experiment with different open tunings to find the one that best suits your playing style and the songs you want to play.
Choosing the Right Pick
The pick is one of the most important factors when it comes to playing coal on guitar. The right pick will help you to create the sound you want and will make it easier to control your playing. There are many different types of picks available, each with its own unique sound and feel. Here are a few things to consider when choosing a pick:
Material
The material of the pick affects the sound it will produce. Nylon picks are known for their warm, mellow sound, while plastic picks are brighter and more articulate. Metal picks are the loudest and most durable, but they can also be more difficult to control.
Thickness
The thickness of the pick affects how much attack it will have. Thinner picks are more flexible and have less attack, while thicker picks are stiffer and have more attack. The thickness of the pick is also a matter of personal preference.
Shape
The shape of the pick also affects its sound and feel. Pointed picks are good for picking out individual notes, while rounded picks are better for strumming chords. There are also many different grip shapes available, so you can find a pick that is comfortable to hold.
Here is a table that summarizes the different pick materials, thicknesses, and shapes:
| Material | Thickness | Shape |
|---|---|---|
| Nylon | Thin | Pointed |
| Plastic | Medium | Rounded |
| Metal | Thick | Triangle |
Developing Slide Technique
Slide guitar playing involves gliding a metal or glass slide along the strings, creating a unique, resonant sound. To develop this technique, follow these steps:
- Select a slide. Commonly used materials include metal (brass or steel) and glass. Metal slides produce a brighter tone, while glass slides offer a softer, warmer sound.
- Position your slide. Wear the slide on your finger that is furthest from your pick. Rest it diagonally across the strings, with the tip just behind the desired fret position.
- Sliding technique. Press down on the strings with your slide and move it smoothly in a horizontal direction. The pressure you apply will affect the volume and sustain of the note. Remember to mute unwanted strings with your fretting hand.
- String bending. While sliding, you can bend the strings by adding pressure with your slide hand. This technique adds vibrato and expressiveness to your playing.
- Finger positioning. Use your fretting hand to fret notes ahead of the slide. This allows you to transition seamlessly between open strings and fretted notes while maintaining the slide position.
- Practice and experimentation. As with all guitar techniques, practice is key. Experiment with different slide positions, string bending, and fingerings to develop your own unique sound.
| Slide Material | Tone |
|---|---|
| Metal (brass or steel) | Brighter |
| Glass | Softer, warmer |
Open Tuning
To play Coal on the guitar in open tuning, you will need to tune your guitar to the following notes: D, A, D, F#, A, D. This tuning is commonly referred to as “DADF#AD” tuning. Once your guitar is in open tuning, you can play the following chords to accompany the song:
Dmaj7: 000220
Em7: 022030
F#m7: 244222
Gmaj7: 320003
Amaj7: x02220
Dmaj7: xx0232
Barre Chords
In addition to open chords, you can also use barre chords to play Coal on the guitar. Barre chords involve fretting multiple strings with your index finger, creating a movable chord shape that can be played at different positions on the neck. Here are the barre chord shapes you will need to know:
Dm: x57765
Em: 022000
F#m: 244222
G: 320003
Am: x02210
Fingerpicking Pattern
The fingerpicking pattern for Coal is relatively simple and involves alternating between the bass strings (E, A, and D) and the higher strings (B and e). Here is the basic pattern:
Bass – Bass – Treble – Bass – Bass – Treble – Bass – Treble
You can practice this pattern slowly at first and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Once you have mastered the fingerpicking pattern, you can start adding in the chords mentioned above.
Basic Slide Patterns
The slide guitar technique involves using a slide, typically made of glass or metal, to press and slide the strings against the fretboard. This creates a smooth, ethereal sound that distinguishes the slide guitar from other guitar styles.
5. Extended Slide Techniques
Once you master the basic slide techniques, you can explore more advanced extended slide techniques to enhance your playing.
Some extended slide techniques include:
**String bending:** Applying pressure to the slide while fretting a string to create a bending effect. This allows for expressive slides with vibrato and other embellishments.
**Hammer-ons and pull-offs:** Playing a note by striking the string with a hammer or pulling it with the slide, creating a smooth and percussive transition between notes.
**Artificial harmonics:** Using the slide to create harmonics at specific positions on the string, adding a unique and ethereal quality to your slides.
**Tapping:** Lightly striking the strings with the slide to produce percussive and melodic sounds, adding rhythmic elements to your slides.
These extended techniques require skill and practice, but they can dramatically expand your slide guitar vocabulary and open up new possibilities for creative expression.
| Extended Slide Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| String bending | Pressure on slide while fretting to create bending effect |
| Hammer-ons and pull-offs | Slide strikes or pulls string to transition notes |
| Artificial harmonics | Slide position on string creates unique harmonics |
| Tapping | Slide strikes string for percussive and melodic sounds |
Advanced Slide Techniques
Inverted Slides
This is a technique where you slowly move the slide from the higher frets towards the lower frets. This can help you create a smooth and sustained note.
Diatonic Slides
This is a technique where you move the slide along the frets of a scale, such as the major or minor scales. This can help you create melodies and solos that are based on the scale.
Chromatic Slides
This is a technique where you move the slide along the frets of a chromatic scale, which consists of all the notes in a particular octave. This can help you create melodies and solos that are full of tension and suspense.
Octave Slides
This is a technique where you slide the slide from one octave to another. This can help you create a sense of movement and space in your playing.
Vibrato
This is a technique where you rapidly and slightly shake the slide back and forth on the string. This can help you add expression and emotion to your playing.
Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs
Hammer-ons and pull-offs are techniques where you use your picking hand to strike the string and then use your fretting hand to hammer on or pull off another note. This can help you create a legato effect and add speed and dexterity to your playing.
Double Stops
Double stops are a technique where you play two notes at the same time by fretting with two fingers. This can add richness and resonance to your playing.
| Hammer-On | Pull-Off |
|---|---|
| Use your picking hand to strike the string. | Use your fretting hand to hammer on another note. |
| Quickly lift your pick and hammer the next fret with your fretting-hand finger | Use your fretting hand to pull off the first note. |
| The result is a smooth, connected sound. | The result is a legato sound. |
Improvisation and Expression
Developing a Personal Style
Coal playing allows for immense creativity and self-expression. Strive to develop your own unique style and sound. Experiment with different coal strokes, rhythms, and techniques to shape a style that resonates with you.
Embracing Mistakes
Mistakes are an integral part of improvisation. Don’t be afraid to make them, as they often lead to unexpected and inspiring ideas. Embrace the spontaneity and freedom that comes with coal playing, allowing the music to flow naturally.
Listening Actively
Pay close attention to the music of others and your own playing. Listen attentively to identify patterns, phrases, and melodies that could inspire your improvisation. Active listening helps you absorb the nuances of the genre and develop your improvisational skills.
Learning from Others
Observe and learn from experienced coal players. Attend concerts, listen to recordings, and study their techniques. By absorbing their approaches and styles, you can expand your improvisational vocabulary and develop your own unique sound.
Using Scales and Modes
Familiarity with scales and modes provides a framework for improvisation. Experiment with different scales to create melodies, harmonies, and improvisational lines. Understand the relationships between notes within a scale to enhance your improvisation.
Exploring Techniques and Effects
Experiment with various coal-playing techniques and effects. Use slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and bends to add depth and expression to your improvisation. Incorporate pedals or other effects to modify your sound, creating unique and dynamic solos.
Developing a Repertoire
Create a repertoire of improvised coal pieces that you can draw upon during performances. Record your improvisations to identify patterns, melodies, and rhythms that work well. This repertoire provides a foundation for your future improvisational endeavors.
Creating a Slide Rig
To craft a slide rig, you’ll need a metal slide and a guitar with a relatively flat fretboard. The slide is a tube-shaped metal object that fits over your fingertip. It allows you to glide smoothly along the guitar strings, producing a unique, wailing sound.
Before using the slide, you’ll need to adjust your guitar’s action. The action refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard. Slide guitar typically requires a higher action than normal playing. This is because the slide needs to clear the fretboard when you play, preventing it from buzzing against the frets.
To raise the action, you’ll need to adjust the truss rod, which is a metal rod located inside the guitar’s neck. Turn the truss rod clockwise using a hex key or screwdriver to raise the action. You’ll want to gradually adjust the truss rod until there’s about 1/16th of an inch of clearance between the strings and the frets.
Once you’ve adjusted the action, you’re ready to start using the slide. Place the slide over your fingertip and practice moving it smoothly along the strings. Start with simple notes and scales to get a feel for the technique. As you gain proficiency, you can experiment with more complex slides and licks.
Here are some additional tips for creating a slide rig:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a heavy slide | A heavier slide will produce a more stable and resonant tone. |
| Experiment with different slide materials | Different metals, such as brass, steel, and glass, will produce different sound qualities. |
| Lubricate the slide | Applying a small amount of lubricant to the slide will help it move smoothly along the strings. |
| Use your pinky finger | Many slide guitarists use their pinky finger to operate the slide. This gives you more control and flexibility. |
| Practice regularly | As with any guitar technique, practice is key to developing your slide guitar skills. |
Practice Tips
Here are some tips to help you practice coal on guitar:
- Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the technique.
- Use a metronome to help you maintain a steady tempo.
- Focus on picking each string cleanly and evenly.
- Use a variety of picking patterns to keep your playing interesting.
- Practice coal on different parts of the guitar to develop your dexterity.
Exercises
Here are some exercises to help you practice coal on guitar:
- Pick each string individually: Start by picking each string individually in a down-up motion. Once you are comfortable with this, try picking each string in a down-up-down motion.
- Pick two strings at a time: Once you can pick each string individually, start picking two strings at a time. Use a variety of picking patterns, such as down-up, down-up-down, and down-up-down-up.
- Pick three or more strings at a time: Once you can pick two strings at a time, start picking three or more strings at a time. Again, use a variety of picking patterns to keep your playing interesting.
- Practice coal on different parts of the guitar: Once you are comfortable picking strings on the lower frets, start practicing coal on different parts of the guitar. This will help you develop your dexterity and technique.
Additional Tips for Developing Coal On Guitar
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a coal pick rather than a traditional guitar pick | Coal picks are thicker and heavier than regular guitar picks, which provides them with the necessary weight and stiffness to play coal melodies. |
| Hold the coal pick between your thumb and index finger | Place the pick near the tip of your thumb and index finger, and grip it securely. |
| Strike the strings with a downward motion | When picking the strings, use a downward motion to produce a more pronounced rhythmic groove. |
| Use a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes | Alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes creates a more dynamic and varied coal sound. |
| Practice playing coal over different chords and progressions | Coal techniques can be used to accompany chords and enhance harmonic rhythms, so practice playing over various chord progressions. |
| Listen to and analyze recordings of coal players | Studying the techniques and styles of experienced coal players can provide invaluable insights. |
| Experiment with different picking patterns | Create your unique coal rhythmic patterns by experimenting with combinations of downstrokes and upstrokes. |
| Develop a sense of syncopation | Syncopated coal patterns add rhythmic complexity and interest, so practice playing on and off the beat. |
| Incorporate slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs | Integrating other guitar techniques into your coal playing adds variety and expressive potential. |
| Practice regularly | Consistency and dedication are key to improving your coal techniques and developing your unique style. |
Playing with a Band
Playing “Coal” with a band requires coordination and communication among the members. Here are some tips for a successful performance:
Band Rehearsals
Schedule regular rehearsals to practice the song together. Work on syncing the tempo, dynamics, and transitions.
Communication
Establish clear communication channels within the band. Designate a musical leader who can guide the performance and ensure that everyone is on the same page.
Tempo and Dynamics
Agree on the overall tempo of the song and how it will change throughout the performance. Adjust the dynamics to create variation and build musical interest.
Solos and Improvisation
Determine if there will be any solos or improvisational sections in the arrangement. Designate specific members to take these solos and establish guidelines for their length and style.
Transitions
Smoothly transition between different sections of the song. Use cues or signals to indicate changes in tempo, key, or dynamics.
Stage Presence
Consider the band’s stage presence and how it will enhance the performance. Plan movements, lighting effects, and audience interaction.
Technical Considerations
Ensure that all instruments and equipment are in good working order. Check sound levels and monitor settings to optimize the performance.
Stage Dynamics
Arrange the band members on stage in a way that allows for clear communication and visual impact. Consider the positioning of microphones, amps, and other equipment.
Energy and Enthusiasm
Perform the song with energy and enthusiasm. The audience will feed off of the band’s passion and excitement.
Audience Interaction
Engage with the audience through eye contact, smiles, and gestures. This will create a connection and enhance the overall performance experience.
How to Play “Coal” on the Guitar
Coal is a song by Aiden, a post-hardcore band from Seattle, Washington. It is one of their most popular songs and is a staple of their live performances. The song is relatively easy to play on the guitar, and is a great choice for beginner guitarists who want to learn a new song. The following steps will guide you on how to play “Coal” on the guitar:
1. **Tuning:** The song is played in standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, e).
2. **Chords:** The main chords used in the song are C, D, and G. The chord progression is C, D, G, C.
3. **Strumming Pattern:** The strumming pattern is down, down, down, up, down, down.
4. **Picking Pattern:** The picking pattern is played on the high E string and is played as follows: down, up, down, up.
People Also Ask About How To Play Coal On Thre Guitar
How hard is it to play Coal on the Guitar?
Coal is a relatively easy song to play on the guitar, and is a great choice for beginner guitarists who want to learn a new song.
What tuning is Coal played in?
The song is played in standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, e).
