How To Play Corduroy Dreams On Guitar

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to unlock the sonic secrets of Corduroy Dreams by Rex Orange County on the guitar! And trust me, if I can (barely) manage it, so can you.

Gearing Up for Grooviness

First things first, you'll need a guitar. Acoustic or electric, it doesn't matter! It's like choosing your favorite flavor of ice cream. Whatever makes you happy.

You will need a capo. Pop that bad boy onto the 2nd fret. Think of it as giving your guitar a little hug that raises the pitch.

Now, grab a pick (or don't! fingerstyle is cool too) and let's get those fingers warmed up!

Chordal Conquest: The Main Players

Corduroy Dreams revolves around a few key chords, like a planet orbiting a sun. We’ll start with Em7. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.

Next up, G. Middle finger 2nd fret A, index finger 2nd fret E and ring finger 3rd fret E.

Then we have Cmaj7. Ring finger 3rd fret A, middle finger 2nd fret D and index finger 1st fret B.

Last but not least, D. Index finger 2nd fret G, middle finger 2nd fret E and ring finger 3rd fret B.

Pro Tip: Practice makes perfect!

Don't fret (pun intended!) if your fingers feel like clumsy sausages at first. It's like learning to ride a bike; there will be wobbly moments, but you'll get there.

The Rhythm Recipe: Keeping the Beat

The rhythm of Corduroy Dreams is pretty laid-back and groovy. Think of it as a gentle sway, not a frantic mosh pit. Down, Down, Up, Down, Up.

Try a simple strumming pattern: Down, Down, Up, Down, Up for each chord. Keep that wrist loose.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns to find what feels best for you. Add some palm muting for a funkier feel.

Putting It All Together: The Corduroy Carousel

Now for the fun part! Let's string those chords together! The chord progression is: Em7, G, Cmaj7, D, then repeat.

Play through the progression slowly at first, focusing on smooth chord changes. Imagine you are playing for royalty.

Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase the tempo until you're grooving along to the original track. Sing along. It makes it more fun.

Adding Your Own Flavor: The Secret Sauce

Now that you've nailed the basics, it's time to add your own personal touch! Try experimenting with different strumming patterns, adding little fills, or even improvising your own melodies over the chords.

Don't be afraid to get creative and make the song your own! No one wants a robot playing the guitar, so inject some personality.

Most importantly, have fun! Music is all about expressing yourself and enjoying the process. Playing music can boost your mood.

Beyond the Basics: The Next Level

Want to take your Corduroy Dreams game to the next level? Learn the little guitar licks and fills that Rex Orange County throws in throughout the song.

There are tons of tutorials online that can help you learn these embellishments. Dive into them.

And remember, the journey of a thousand awesome guitar riffs begins with a single strum! Keep practicing, keep exploring, and keep dreaming those corduroy dreams!