Printable Version of Topic

Posted by: speezy Jan 8 2008, 06:15 AM

Hey, i have been looking at all the lessons at gmc, and im pretty impressed. I have definitely learned alot. So being my usual thrill-seeker self, i decided to try to learn to play Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson. Now, i am an intermediate player, and play alot of alternative stuff, but usually give up on the really hard things that i come across. as a new years resolution, i have decided not to give up (figures, right before i choose the hardest song ever!!). So, if any of you have any ideas of what would help me build up the speed, skill, and endurance to be able to play this song, i would greatly appreciate it.

My Gear
Fender Mexican H/S/S Strat
Yamaha sg500b
Crate FXT65 amp w/ dsp effects

another thing, i also happened to choose crazy on you by heart, so same thing so i can get the intro down

Thanks,
speezy

Posted by: xucphra Jan 8 2008, 06:19 AM

Jeez. this song has become amazingly popular ever since Guitar Hero 3 came out.

Nevertheless, I think just playing it slowly, and building up on the speed is the best tactic with songs like these. And just in case you haven't heard it a million times before, I'm gonna say it:

PRACTICE!

Thats about it. Sorry if it's a bit disappointing, but that's about the best way to go.
And learn some scales; practice them a bunch of times, just to build up your speed and comfort with the fretboard. That worked for me.

Posted by: speezy Jan 8 2008, 06:22 AM

yeah i figured, the song is awesome, but i knew the somg before gh3, just never had the skill/patience to play it

Posted by: xucphra Jan 8 2008, 06:24 AM

Yeah. This song is quite hard. But I'm sure an intermediate guitarist should be able to play it, with the right amount of practice. Just play it at a slower tempo, and as you feel yourself getting more comfortable; start playing it faster and faster. Eventually, you'll see yourself playing the song just like Eric Johnson, if not better

Posted by: Zephyr Jan 8 2008, 06:43 AM

The intro is pretty speedy, but it's kind of in a "free time" kind of feel, so you can really do whatever you want with it. I usually mix it with some improvisation and do it at my own speed. The rest of the song is pretty groovy, it's pretty simple once you get the rhythm down, it just kind of flows. But, just start slow, and master it at that speed. Then slowly build up until you've got it nailed! And, of course, a metronome will help immensely!

P.S. Wow, a good song actually made it onto one of those games! Just kidding, I do think their choices, for the most part, were pretty lame, though.

Posted by: xucphra Jan 8 2008, 06:47 AM

I really love this song, I mean it has been one of my favorites. It's actually one of the few good songs that was actually put into that game.
What bothers me though is that now it has gotten very popular with all the kids and they think they were the first ones to listen to Eric Johnson.

Posted by: fkalich Jan 8 2008, 07:04 AM

QUOTE (xucphra @ Jan 7 2008, 11:24 PM)

Yeah. This song is quite hard. But I'm sure an intermediate guitarist should be able to play it, with the right amount of practice. Just play it at a slower tempo, and as you feel yourself getting more comfortable; start playing it faster and faster. Eventually, you'll see yourself playing the song just like Eric Johnson, if not better

Posted by: xucphra Jan 8 2008, 07:11 AM

There's no reason that I can't give encouragement. I'm not saying he's going to play it right away, but obviously with dedication etc, there's no doubt he could end up as good as EJ

Posted by: PlayAllDay Jan 8 2008, 08:55 AM

QUOTE (xucphra @ Jan 8 2008, 03:11 PM)

Posted by: Wallimann Jan 8 2008, 03:10 PM

QUOTE (speezy @ Jan 8 2008, 12:15 AM)

Posted by: Muris Jan 8 2008, 05:43 PM

Cliffs of Dover is pretty tough indeed,just like the most of Eric's master work.

Here we have to split 2 things,to learn it and play it.
Learning is easier part,you can slow down the track,find some nice tabs etc.
Just to know all stuff needed for this tune.
And to play it...
Well this is when issues might come out.
Timing,patterns,pentatonic runs typical for Eric,
phrasing uncommon for most of players,"feel" etc.
Anyhow,try it,why not