Mastering the Classic Rock Anthem- A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing ‘I Want You (She’s So Heavy)’ on the Guitar
How to Play “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)”
Playing “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” by Led Zeppelin is a challenging yet rewarding experience for any guitar enthusiast. This iconic song, released in 1971, showcases the band’s unique blend of blues, rock, and folk influences. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to play this classic track.
Understanding the Song Structure
“I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is a three-part song with distinct sections. The first part is a slow, bluesy intro, followed by a fast-paced, heavy rock section, and concluding with a haunting, folk-inspired outro. Familiarizing yourself with the song structure is crucial before attempting to play it.
Part 1: The Bluesy Intro
The intro of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is characterized by a repetitive, bluesy riff. To play this part, you’ll need to use a capo on the first fret of your guitar. The key is to maintain a steady, rhythmic strumming pattern while focusing on the minor pentatonic scale. Here’s a basic tablature for the intro:
“`
e|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
B|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
G|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
D|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
A|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
E|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
“`
Part 2: The Heavy Rock Section
The second part of the song is where the real fun begins. This section features a fast-paced, heavy rock riff that requires both precision and power. To play this part, you’ll need to use a distortion pedal and a heavier gauge string. Here’s a basic tablature for the riff:
“`
e|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
B|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
G|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
D|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
A|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
E|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
“`
Part 3: The Folk Outro
The outro of “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” is a haunting, folk-inspired melody that requires a capo on the fourth fret. To play this part, focus on using a light touch and a slower, more expressive strumming pattern. Here’s a basic tablature for the outro:
“`
e|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
B|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
G|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
D|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
A|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
E|—————–|—————–|—————–|—————–|
“`
Practice and Tips
Playing “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” requires dedication and practice. Here are some tips to help you master this classic track:
1. Practice each part separately before attempting to play the entire song.
2. Use a metronome to maintain a consistent tempo.
3. Experiment with different guitar tones and effects to find the perfect sound.
4. Record yourself playing the song to identify areas for improvement.
By following these steps and dedicating yourself to practice, you’ll be well on your way to playing “I Want You (She’s So Heavy)” like a true guitar hero.
