Modern Day Cowboy

Description

What’s up, it's Mike from Guitar Tricks, teaching you "Modern Day Cowboy" as made famous by Tesla. This is a mid-tempo arena rocker that features lots of fast legato licks, powerful meaty riffs, and some acoustic guitar layering that adds plenty of texture and dynamic.

There are 4 guitar layers in this tutorial. Guitar 1 is the main rhythm guitar responsible for all the great riffage this tune has to offer. Guitars 2 and 3 are lead guitars that weave in and out of the arrangement adding some killer leads and motifs. Guitar 4 is an acoustic guitar that adds yet another great texture to the song. The combination of electric and acoustic layers provide plenty of distinct sections and changes in dynamics.

The tune starts off with a bold legato riff that recurs throughout the tune. Next is an intro that uses a strong pedal tone rock riff approach that is also employed throughout the song. The verse breaks down to a tense acoustic riff then builds back up to the chorus. The solo uses lots of great lead guitar techniques, including arpeggios, classic bending licks, and fast harmony picking.

For the single guitar performance of this song, you'll switch between lead and crunch tones to play the riffs and solos throughout the tune. You can also play the acoustic parts on electric by switching to a clean sound, or simply rolling down your volume knob.
In the following lessons, we'll talk about dynamics, power chords, palm muting, legato, arpeggios, and fast harmonized runs. We are in the key of A minor, with a 4/4 time signature, at a tempo of 112 BPM.