Play Hit The Road Jack: SINGING GUITAR

Hit the road Jack Chords and Singing: Singing and techniques

Ready to hit the road with our course  Hit the Road Jack Chords and Vocals by Ray Charles ? This guitar and vocal chords version will allow you to play the chords using a capo in fret 4 to simplify the positions.

Work slowly at first and gradually increase the speed. Adds vocal distortion for powerful verses and explores different vocal ranges in choruses. Are you ready to let your passion speak through singing? With “Hit the Road Jack”, you will have the opportunity to put all your energy into the interpretation. Let's hit the road Jack!

Hit the road Jack Chords and Singing: Sing the verses

For verses, it's important to give a powerful and intense performance from the first phrase, using vocal distortion to add strength and impact. From the second sentence, you must completely change your intention and adopt a desperate and relaxed tone in your voice.

While performing, try to find the cracks in your voice, that is, the grainy sounds that give the impression that you are at the end of your life. This can be achieved by adding a little roughness or rasp to your voice.

When it comes to sounds, try to round the vowels, especially on the word “so”. Also be sure to place the lyrics correctly rhythmically, because the song is based on a ternary rhythm with eighth notes, and it is important to give it a swing feel.

In the second verse of “Hit the Road Jack”, there is an interesting change, because it is interpreted by both Ray Charles and his backing vocalist Margie Hendricks. This creates a special dynamic and adds richness to the song. Here are some tips for interpreting this verse:

The first thing to note is that the first phrase of the verse is in eighth notes, unlike the ternary feeling of the other parts of the song. This creates an effect of speed and urgency. Make sure you grasp this rhythmic subtlety and sing with precision to convey the energy of this section.

When you get to the line “Don't care”, it's important to emphasize with a rounded vocal distortion typical of soul music. Listen carefully to the original recording to understand how to reproduce this sound. It can be helpful to add a slight roughness or specific grain to your voice to reproduce this characteristic sound.

Hit the road Jack Chords and Vocals: Sing the choruses

In the refrains of “Hit the Road Jack”, you'll notice a similar structure repeating throughout the song. However, there are a few important things to take into account to interpret them accurately:

First, it's important to note that the song begins with a chorus, which may be surprising. Be ready to attack the chorus from the start of the song with energy and conviction.

Pay attention to the words “no more” in the chorus, as they rise melodically. Make sure you highlight them by singing them powerfully and emphasizing the “H” sound in “hit.” This will add impact and clarity to your performance.

In the chorus, there are different vocal parts that go from low to high. No harmonization here but voices in unison, which make the same notes, at different pitches. Choose the voice that suits you best and will allow you to give the best of yourself. Experiment with different vocal ranges to find the one that best suits your voice and style.

With regard to the interventions of Ray Charles in each chorus, note the differences between the three. His first speech is generally more relaxed and “cool”, while the next two are more shouted and intense. It is important to capture these nuances to make the interpretation authentic and faithful to the original.

In the last chorus, the choruses repeat in a loop and Ray sings almost like a speaking voice. It is crucial to respect the rhythmic placement so as not to shift the entire song. Listen carefully to Ray Charles' vocal intention in this part and try to reproduce a similar feeling.

Hit the road Jack Chords and Vocals: Combining Vocals and Guitar Chords

In this version guitar chords and vocals of “Hit the Road Jack”, a capo is placed in fret 4 to simplify the chords and facilitate playing. The chords which repeat in a loop are as follows: E minor (Em), D major (D), C (C) and B seventh (B7) .

It's important to note that the song is played in half notes, meaning each chord lasts two beats. Make sure you count the beats carefully to maintain the right rhythm throughout the song. The tempo of this version is quite fast, at 174 beats per minute. To make it easier to follow the tempo, you can divide the speed by two, that is, play the song in “half-time”. This means that each chord would last four beats instead of two. This can be useful to avoid cramps and allow you to maintain good fluidity in your game.

At the beginning, it is advisable to work slowly and to assimilate the chord loop well. Play the chords in a loop, making sure you change smoothly and precisely between different positions. Once you're comfortable with the guitar accompaniment, you can start to slowly incorporate the vocals.

When you have learned the chords and the vocals separately, try to gradually combine them. Start with a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you gain confidence and fluency.

It is also important to work on timing your voice with the guitar accompaniment. Listen and watch our version carefully to understand how the two combine and harmonize. Work on the articulation of the words, intonation and vocal expression to interpret the song well.

Hit the road Jack Chords and Vocals: Easy Chords CAPO 4 Guitar

|  Em /  D  |  VS  /  B7  |    X2 

Hit the road Jack Chords and Vocals: Chorus 1

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.                      What you say-ay-ay-yy
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.

Hit the road Jack Chords and Vocals: Verse 1

 Woah woman, oh woman, don't treat me so mean,
You're the meanest old woman that I've ever seen.
I guess if you say so
I'll have to pack my things and go.  That's right

Hit the road Jack Chords and Vocals: Chorus 2

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.                      What you say……
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.

Hit the road Jack Chords and Vocals: Verse 2

Now baby, listen baby, don't-a treat me this-a way
For I'll be back on my feet some day.
Don't care if you do 'cause it's understoo-ood
You ain't got no money you just ain't no good.
Well, I guess if you say so
I'd have to pack my things and go.   That's right

Hit the road Jack Chords and Vocals: Chorus 3

Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more.                      What you say……
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more.
Hit the road Jack and don't you come back no…

Hit the road Jack Chords and Vocals: Outro

 More…..…n’   don't you come back no…
                 Well
More…..…n’t you come back no…
               Ugh! what do you say?

More…..…n’t you come back no…
              I didn't understand you
More…..…n’t you come back no…
              You can't mean that           Oh…
More…..…n’t you come back no…
              Now baby, please
More…

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