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Looking for a soulful song to add to your R&B repertoire? Bill Withers’ classic "Ain’t No Sunshine" is the perfect blend of blues and soul, making it an excellent choice for guitarists who want to transition from blues into R&B. The song is simple, with just a few chords, but the groove and feel you add can take it to the next level. In this lesson, we’ll walk through the chords and some techniques to help you bring the song to life on your guitar.
1. Starting with the A Minor Chord
The song kicks off in the key of C major, and we’re starting with the A minor chord, which is the vi in the Number System. I like to use a minor 11 shape for this chord to give it a more soulful vibe. The key here is to avoid letting the B string ring out. Here’s the basic movement:
- Start by striking the open E string.
- Play the 3rd fret on the G string and then return to the A string.
This creates the foundation of the song's rhythm, which you can enhance with a bit of attitude by striking the strings with intention.
2. Transitioning to the E Minor
As the song moves into the iconic "Ain’t No Sunshine" line, we switch to an E minor chord, which is the iii in the Number System. From here, you’ll move back down to the D minor and then return to the A minor shape.
To give it a more soulful sound, try arpeggiating the chord backward – this technique helps the chords flow smoothly into one another, adding to the song's emotional depth.
3. Adding Blues Licks and Soulful Attitude
If you want to add more personality to the song, incorporate some blues licks or even simple octave movements. These small details bring out the bluesy feel of the song while transitioning smoothly into an R&B style.
- Try alternating between the minor 11 and minor 7 shapes depending on the feel you’re going for.
- This gives you flexibility to play the song in a way that matches your mood or the moment. There’s no right or wrong way – trust your ear and the feel of the music.
4. Advanced Techniques: Hammer-Ons and Double Stops
For more advanced players, you can spice things up with hammer-ons and double stops, especially if you have a background in blues. These techniques help shift the song away from pure blues into a more soulful, R&B sound.
- Use hammer-ons when transitioning between chords to add fluidity.
- Incorporate double stops to make your playing stand out even more.
This song is a great platform for experimenting with these techniques, making it a perfect bridge between blues and R&B.
5. Sliding into Minor 9 Chords
Another advanced R&B move you can use is sliding into a minor 9 chord when playing the D minor (which is the 2nd in the number system). Sliding into this chord adds a unique flavor to the progression, making the song feel fresh and modern.
- Slide down into the D minor 9 for extra richness and depth.
- Experiment with this technique to see how it changes the feel of the song.
Conclusion:
Bill Withers’ "Ain’t No Sunshine" may be a simple song, but it’s packed with opportunities to add your own spin. Whether you’re a beginner learning the basic chord shapes or a more advanced player looking to incorporate blues and R&B techniques, this song has something for everyone. Remember to practice each section slowly, focusing on the feel and groove, and before you know it, you’ll have the song sounding soulful and smooth.
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