Novo Amor Decimal Guitar Tutorial: Learn To Play!

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Novo Amor - Decimal Guitar Tutorial: Learn to Play!

Hey guys! Ever been captivated by the ethereal sounds of Novo Amor's "Decimal"? That song just hits different, right? Well, you're in the right place! I'm going to break down how to play this beautiful track on guitar, step-by-step. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this tutorial will guide you through the chords, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking techniques needed to master "Decimal". So grab your guitar, tune up, and let's dive into the enchanting world of Novo Amor!

Tuning and Capo

First things first, let's talk about tuning. "Decimal" is played in a specific tuning that gives it that dreamy, atmospheric quality. You'll need to tune your guitar to DADF#AE. Yes, it’s a bit unusual, but trust me, it’s crucial for getting the right sound. If you're not familiar with alternate tunings, don't worry! Just follow these steps:

  1. Tune your low E string (6th string) down to D.
  2. Tune your B string (2nd string) down to A.
  3. Tune your G string (3rd string) up to F#.

Once you’ve got your guitar tuned, place a capo on the 2nd fret. This will bring the key of the song to where it needs to be and make the chords easier to play. With the capo on the 2nd fret and the unique DADF#AE tuning, you're now ready to start learning the chords and the song structure, so make sure you get these settings right.

Why this tuning and capo? The DADF#AE tuning creates a drone-like effect, with the open D strings resonating throughout the song. This adds to the song's ethereal and spacious feel. The F# on the third string also contributes to the unique harmonic color of the song. The capo on the 2nd fret brings the song into a comfortable key for the vocal melody and makes the chord shapes manageable.

Chord Shapes

"Decimal" primarily uses a few core chords that are relatively simple to play once you get used to the tuning. Here are the main chord shapes you'll need:

  • Dsus2: 000200
  • Asus4: X02200
  • E: 222222
  • F#m: 444222

Let's break down each chord:

  • Dsus2: This chord is the foundation of the song. It's a simple and beautiful chord that creates a sense of openness and space. To play it, strum all six strings. The open D strings will ring out, providing a characteristic drone sound.
  • Asus4: This chord adds a touch of tension and resolution. It’s a variation of the A chord, with the 4th (D) added to create a suspended sound. To play it, strum all strings except the low E string (6th string).
  • E: This chord provides a grounding and resolution. It has a warm and full sound. To play it, barre your index finger across all six strings at the 2nd fret.
  • F#m: This chord adds a touch of melancholy and depth. It is a minor chord, which contrasts with the major chords in the rest of the song. To play it, barre your index finger across the 2nd fret of the B, G and D strings, then play the 4th fret on the low E and A strings.

Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly. A good exercise is to loop between Dsus2 and Asus4, focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm and clear sound. Once you're comfortable with these two, add in the E and F#m chords. These chords, while simple in shape, create the harmonic foundation for the song's emotional impact. Ensure that your finger placements are precise to avoid any buzzing or muted notes.

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern in "Decimal" is relatively simple but crucial for capturing the song's rhythmic feel. The pattern is mainly based on downstrokes, with occasional upstrokes for added texture. A basic pattern to start with is:

Down, Down, Up, Down, Up

However, it's important to listen to the song and try to emulate the strumming dynamics and variations. Novo Amor often uses a subtle, nuanced approach to strumming, emphasizing certain beats and adding ghost notes. Ghost notes are when you lightly brush the strings with your strumming hand, creating a percussive sound without a distinct pitch. Experiment with adding these to your strumming to add more depth and interest.

To get the strumming pattern down, start by practicing slowly with a metronome. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and clear sound. Once you're comfortable with the basic pattern, start to incorporate variations and dynamics. Try emphasizing certain beats or adding ghost notes to add more interest. Listen closely to the original recording and try to emulate the strumming style of Novo Amor. Pay attention to the subtle nuances and variations in his playing.

Don't be afraid to experiment and develop your own strumming style. The most important thing is to capture the song's overall feel and emotion. Over time, as you become more comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern, you'll be able to play the song more fluidly and expressively.

Song Structure

"Decimal" follows a fairly straightforward structure, which makes it easier to learn. The song primarily consists of a verse and chorus, with a bridge section adding some variation. Here's a simplified breakdown:

  • Verse: Dsus2, Asus4
  • Chorus: E, Dsus2, Asus4, F#m
  • Bridge: Dsus2, Asus4

During the verses, the song mainly uses the Dsus2 and Asus4 chords, creating a gentle and atmospheric feel. The chorus introduces the E and F#m chords, which add more intensity and emotion. The bridge section returns to the Dsus2 and Asus4 chords, providing a brief respite before the final chorus.

To learn the song structure, start by practicing each section separately. Once you're comfortable with each section, start to combine them. Pay attention to the transitions between sections, as these are often crucial for maintaining the song's flow. Listen closely to the original recording and follow along with the lyrics to help you understand the song structure. As you become more familiar with the song, you'll be able to anticipate the changes and play the song more smoothly.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing and you'll eventually master the song.

Fingerpicking

While the strumming pattern is essential, fingerpicking adds a beautiful layer of intricacy to "Decimal". Novo Amor often uses fingerpicking patterns to create a delicate and intimate feel. Here's a basic fingerpicking pattern you can try:

  • Thumb: D string
  • Index: G string
  • Middle: B string

This pattern involves using your thumb to pluck the D string, your index finger to pluck the G string, and your middle finger to pluck the B string. Experiment with different combinations and variations to find what sounds best to you. Start by practicing the pattern slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and clear sound.

To incorporate fingerpicking into the song, try using it during the verses or the bridge section. This will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your playing. Listen closely to the original recording and try to emulate the fingerpicking style of Novo Amor. Pay attention to the subtle nuances and variations in his playing. Don't be afraid to experiment and develop your own fingerpicking style. The most important thing is to capture the song's overall feel and emotion.

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few extra tips and tricks to help you nail "Decimal" on guitar:

  • Listen carefully: The most important thing you can do is to listen to the original recording multiple times. Pay attention to the nuances in the playing, the dynamics, and the overall feel of the song.
  • Practice slowly: Don't try to rush the learning process. Start by practicing slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. This will help you develop good technique and avoid mistakes.
  • Use a metronome: A metronome is a great tool for developing your timing and rhythm. Use it to practice the chords, strumming pattern, and fingerpicking pattern.
  • Record yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a great way to identify areas where you need to improve. Listen back to your recordings and make note of any mistakes or areas where you can improve.
  • Have fun: Learning to play guitar should be enjoyable. Don't get too bogged down in the details. Just relax and have fun!

Conclusion

So there you have it! A comprehensive guide to playing Novo Amor's "Decimal" on guitar. Remember, mastering this song takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. With the correct tuning, chord shapes, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking techniques, you'll be well on your way to creating your own beautiful rendition of this captivating song. Now go grab your guitar and start playing! You've got this!