Drive rem guitar intro: Guitar Arpeggio of Drive by REM

The guitar intro to “Drive” by REM is an excellent piece for working on arpeggios and rhythms on the acoustic guitar. Played with a pick, this intro requires a good mastery of these two techniques. To play it well, it is essential to concentrate on the position of the fingers and the regularity of the game.

Drive rem guitar intro: Particular position of the D Major chord

To begin, take a different position from the D major chord. In the manner of Peter Buck, REM's guitarist, uses your ring finger, middle finger, and pinky finger to play the highest note. This position is crucial for successful sequence of notes. Make sure all the strings resonate, especially the bass, which should be played evenly.

Drive rem guitar intro: Les Arpèges

Start by playing the arpeggios with the pick. Take care to make each note sound distinctly. To do this, let all the strings resonate well, especially the bass. It is this resonance which gives all its richness to the intro.

To play this intro well, it is crucial to respect the movements of the pick. These movements are indicated both in the video and in the score. Taking care to follow these instructions will allow you to play the intro smoothly and precisely.

When watching the video, pay attention to the direction of the pick strokes. Note carefully whether the pick should strike the string down or up. These movements are often noted by symbols: a small bridge for downward stroke and a V for upward stroke.

In addition, the score will provide you with precise instructions on these movements. Each note or chord on the score can be accompanied by symbols indicating the movement of the pick. Be sure to read and follow these symbols. They are there to guide you and allow you to play the piece as it was intended.

Drive rem guitar intro: The “Country” Motif of Measure 6

Arriving at the end of measure 6, isolate this part before moving on to the rhythm. Here, you will encounter a slightly “country” pattern which uses the technique of Hammer-on. This technique involves striking a string with one finger to produce a note without having to strum it. Sound two strings at the same time to achieve the desired effect.

Drive rem guitar intro: The Transition Toward Rhythm

From measure 7, you will introduce a bass movement with your index finger on the fretboard to vary the bass of the D chord. This movement involves moving your index finger along the frets to change the note played on the D string, while keeping the other fingers in position to hold the high part of the D major chord. This technique allows you to create a dynamic bass line while keeping the melody and harmony of the initial chord. Make sure that each bass note sounds clear and that the transition between notes is smooth.

Next, pay attention to the end of the G chord. Unlike the rest of the intro, which is mainly played in the bass, this part requires playing the treble to make the high E string resonate. This difference creates an interesting contrast and adds variety to the chord progression. To do this, make sure to press down on the high E string and let it resonate clearly before returning to the arpeggio.

The transition between the rhythm and the repeat of the D major chord is crucial. When you play the D bass, it gives you time to set your chord. However, this transition must be worked on in isolation so that it is clean and smooth. Practice this part slowly, focusing on the synchronization between your fingers and the regularity of the rhythm. A well-controlled transition will make your playing more professional and pleasant to listen to.

Drive rem tab: Guitar Arpeggio of “Drive” by REM

The guitar in “Drive” by REM is a great piece for practicing arpeggios and rhythms on an acoustic guitar. Played with a pick, this introduction requires a good mastery of these two techniques. To perform this piece well, it is crucial to focus on finger position and regularity of playing.

Drive rem tab: Special position of the D Major chord

To begin, adopt a unique position for the D major chord. Like REM guitarist Peter Buck, use your ring finger, middle finger, and pinky finger to play the highest note. This position is essential for successful sequence of notes. Make sure that all the strings resonate, especially the bass, which should be played evenly.

Drive rem tab: Arpeggios and Rhythm

Start by playing the arpeggios with the pick, making sure that each note sounds distinct. Let all the strings resonate well, especially the bass, because this resonance gives all its richness to the intro.

To play this introduction well, it is crucial to respect the movements of the pick. These movements are indicated in the video and on the score. Following these instructions will allow you to play the intro smoothly and precisely.

As you watch the video, pay attention to the direction of the pick strokes. Note whether the pick should strike the string down or up. These movements are often noted by symbols: a small bridge for a downward stroke and a V for an upward stroke.

In addition, the score will provide you with precise instructions on these movements. Each note or chord on the score can be accompanied by symbols indicating the movement of the pick. Be sure to read and follow these symbols. They are there to guide you and allow you to play the piece as it was intended.