I thoroughly enjoy playing “Notion” by Tash Sultana on the guitar. As a guitarist, I am constantly seeking out new and captivating songs to incorporate into my repertoire, and “Notion” is one that truly stands out. In this article, I will guide you through the process of playing “Notion” on guitar, offering personal insights and commentary along the way.
Getting started
Before we dive into the specifics of playing Notion on guitar, make sure you have your instrument handy and in good condition. Tuning your guitar to the standard EADGBE tuning is crucial for reproducing the song accurately. If you’re not familiar with the standard tuning, you can use a guitar tuner or an online tuner to help you out.
The chords
Notion is a fairly simple song in terms of chord progressions. The main chords you’ll need to know are E, Bm, and C#m. Let’s break them down:
E - 022100
The E chord is a staple in many songs and is played by placing your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. Strum all the strings except for the low E string.
Bm - x24432
The Bm chord is a barre chord and is played by barring the 2nd fret with your index finger and placing your middle, ring, and pinky fingers on the 4th fret of the D, G, and B strings respectively. Again, strum all the strings except for the low E string.
C#m - x46654
The C#m chord is also a barre chord and is played by barring the 4th fret with your index finger and placing your middle, ring, and pinky fingers on the 6th fret of the A, D, and G strings respectively. Once again, strum all the strings except for the low E string.
Now that you know the chords, listen to the song and try to play along with it. This will help you get a better grasp of the rhythm and timing of the chords.
Strumming pattern
One of the things that makes Notion sound so unique is the intricate strumming pattern. Tash Sultana’s style of playing involves a combination of fingerpicking and strumming, which adds a lot of depth to the song.
To replicate the strumming pattern, begin by using a pick or your thumb to strum downward across the strings. Then, experiment with adding some fingerpicking patterns in between the strums to create a rhythmic and dynamic sound.
Adding personal touches
As a guitarist, it’s essential to make a song your own by adding your personal touches and commentary. Notion offers plenty of room for experimentation and improvisation. Feel free to incorporate different rhythm patterns, embellishments, and even solos to make the song truly unique to your playing style.
Conclusion
Playing Notion on the guitar is an incredibly rewarding experience. The combination of beautiful chords, intricate strumming patterns, and the freedom to add personal touches creates a captivating musical journey. So grab your guitar, learn the chords, find your own strumming pattern, and let the magic of Notion unfold through your fingers.