Witchita Lineman tutorials

[Cecil6243]

Originally Posted by Stringmaster

There seems to be a lot of variation regarding the second chord of the verse after the Bbmaj7--before the "and I drive the main road" line across tutorials. Not sure which I like best--it looks like Glen might play an Am7--many use Fmaj7, and then Bruce Linquist version uses another variation--at about 6:50



What chord are you all liking?

That said, I may just pick one and give the tune a go at an open mic tonight to see where I stand! The vocal in the original key is close to the top of my vocal range but I might be able to pull it off. If not I'll have to transpose to a lower key and capo with different chord shapes

Or have a guitar available that is tuned half a step lower?

[Cecil6243]

What's the deal with the lead/bridge piece?

On guitar or bass? If guitar is it tuned down?

Edit: Found it. Played on a sixth string Dan Electric Bass.

[Cecil6243]

Originally Posted by Robin, Wales

The aspect that would take me the most time is learning the words by heart and learning to sing the song in a way that would work for me as a campfire level amateur player/singer. And that's where I would put my time.

Robin,

Have you noticed how few words there are to this song compared to most out there? It's explained in another tutorial that Webb had been assigned to do this song in a hurry and he presented it unfinished.

Galveston also does not have many words -- verses.

My kind of songs!

[Cecil6243]

Here's another alternative chord another tutorial plays. Instead of the Csus2 chord which is a barr on the 3rd fret (X35533), a Cadd9 (X32033) chord sounds virtually the same.

I find the Csus2 a little awkward going back and forth to the Bbmaj7 and the Cadd9 easier to manipulate. Anybody else?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j7KWFrvWwo

[Cecil6243]

Btw part two of the above tutorial by Larry does a solo incorporating the chords which ads a nice touch. Thoughts?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-tCtNPlnBtE

[Stringmaster]

Originally Posted by Cecil6243

Here's another alternative chord another tutorial plays. Instead of the Csus2 chord which is a barr on the 3rd fret (X35533), a Cadd9 (X32033) chord sounds virtually the same.

I find the Csus2 a little awkward going back and forth to the Bbmaj7 and the Cadd9 easier to manipulate. Anybody else?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2j7KWFrvWwo

Yes, I’ve been using the Cadd9, sometimes with the high E string open. I do the opening single note riff leading with my 3rd finger vs leading with the 2nd as it’s less movement to the Fmaj7 chord. I’m also working on a similar solo, but doing the second half melody on higher strings. Still experimenting overall though. I also prefer the Dm7 to Am7 move vs Dm to Am like some tutorials teach.

[Cecil6243]

Originally Posted by Stringmaster

Yes, I’ve been using the Cadd9, sometimes with the high E string open. I do the opening single note riff leading with my 3rd finger vs leading with the 2nd as it’s less movement to the Fmaj7 chord. I’m also working on a similar solo, but doing the second half melody on higher strings. Still experimenting overall though. I also prefer the Dm7 to Am7 move vs Dm to Am like some tutorials teach.

Agreed!

[Glennwillow]

I know I am pretty late to this thread. I have been unsure if I should dive into this discussion with my take on "Wichita Lineman" -- a song I absolutely love, by the way. But in the end, I might be able to add something to this discussion based on my own take on this great Jimmie Webb song.



I think in investigating how Glen Campbell played this song, I used these chords, at least as a starting point. These are pretty close. I always go back and play with the original recording to find out what adjustments need to be made since ultimate guitar, like others, often has inaccurate chords listed.

It did take me a little effort to work out the solo so that it didn't sound like a complete jumble. It's amazing how you can make suggestions with your guitar playing that the listener's ear and brain will complete for you so that solos don't have to be terribly difficult to be effective.

I hope this is helpful. Man, I just love this song...

- Glenn