Playing the guitar is a hobby that I am very passionate about. One of my most beloved songs to play is “Notion” by The Rare Occasions. This delightful indie rock tune is not only enjoyable to hear, but also a pleasure to perform on the guitar. In this article, I will walk you through the process of playing “Notion” in a detailed manner, sharing my own insights and thoughts as we go along.
Getting Started
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to note that “Notion” is played in standard tuning (EADGBE). So make sure your guitar is properly tuned before we begin. Once you’re all tuned up, let’s get started!
Chords
The song primarily consists of three chords – G, C, and D. These are the basic open chords that every guitarist should know. If you’re new to playing guitar, don’t worry! These chords are relatively easy to learn.
To play a G chord, place your second finger on the third fret of the sixth string (E), your third finger on the third fret of the fifth string (A), and your fourth finger on the third fret of the first string (high E). Strum all six strings.
The C chord is formed by placing your first finger on the first fret of the second string (B), your second finger on the second fret of the fourth string (D), and your third finger on the third fret of the fifth string (A). Again, strum all six strings.
The D chord is formed by placing your first finger on the second fret of the third string (G), your second finger on the second fret of the first string (high E), and your third finger on the third fret of the second string (B). Strum from the fourth string (D) down to the first string (high E).
Riffs and Strumming Pattern
Once you have the chords down, it’s time to add some flair to the song. The intro riff of “Notion” goes like this:
e|--------------------------------------------------|
B|--------------------------------------------------|
G|------0------0------0------0------0------0------|
D|--3-5---3--3---3--3---3--3---3--3---3--3---3--3--|
A|--------------------------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------|
This riff is played throughout the intro and verses of the song. It adds a catchy melody to the chords and gives the song its signature sound.
The strumming pattern for the verses is relatively simple: down, down, up, up, down. It’s important to keep a steady rhythm and feel the groove of the song while playing.
Personal Touches and Commentary
Now that you have the basics down, it’s time to add your own personal touches to the song. As a guitarist, I love to experiment with different strumming patterns and embellishments.
During the chorus of “Notion,” I like to add some palm-muted strums to create a dynamic contrast. This involves lightly resting the side of your hand against the strings near the bridge while strumming. It gives the chords a muted and percussive sound.
Don’t be afraid to experiment and make the song your own. Add your own style to the riffs and strumming patterns, and let your passion and creativity shine through.
Conclusion
Playing “Notion” by The Rare Occasions is a delightful experience for any guitarist. By mastering the chords, riffs, and strumming patterns, you can recreate the catchy indie rock sound of the song and make it your own. Remember to add personal touches and let your creativity flow. So grab your guitar, tune up, and let’s start jamming to “Notion”!