More than words tab Guitar: Guitar Intro to “More Than Words” by Nuno Bettencourt from the group Extreme

In this lesson, we will learn how to play the introduction to the song “More Than Words” in the style of Nuno Bettencourt in a standard tuning: E, A, D, G, B, E. This version will allow you to play this wonderful introduction without having to detune your guitar.

ATTENTION ! Standard Tuning and Original Tuning

Please note: to play the original version of “More Than Words”, it is necessary to detune your guitar strings down a semitone. If you want to play the full version with this tuning, you will find the second part of the course dedicated to that.

Playing Technique

Here you are going to play on the finger, using the thumb and the index, middle, ring group. The thumb takes care of the bass, while the other three fingers play the high part of the chords. It is crucial to use the fingertips rather than the nails themselves in order to achieve a soft, muffled sound.

Finger Movements

In some places, you will have to move your fingers relative to the chord positions, but always keep in mind the following configuration: Thumb, Index, Middle, Ring.

Rhythm

Rhythmically, we have exclusively eighth notes and slurs. The whole thing should sound connected, and it is important not to cut the bass played by the thumb, so that it resonates on the high notes of the chords.

Chords Used

The chords we will use in this intro are as follows:

• G
• G/B
• Csus2
• Am7
• VS
• D
• Dsus4

Practice and Transition to the Original Version

Once you've mastered this introduction in standard tuning, don't hesitate to detune your guitar and move on to the second part of the course to learn the full version in the original tuning.

More than words tab Guitar: How to play this cult song

With our guitar tutorial on More Than Words, you will learn these guitar skills:

• Play open agreements
• Use the slap technique

A 90s Classic

“More Than Words” was a huge hit in the early 90s, and learning to play it will really improve your fingerpicking technique and coordination. It's a fairly complex song, with many chords and modifications, so don't expect to play it perfectly on the first try.

More than words tab Guitar: Master Fingerpicking Patterns

THE fingerpicking, is a fundamental guitar playing technique, involves strumming the strings with your fingers rather than a pick. Historically, this is the first technique used on this instrument. Often associated with arpeggio playing, it is taught in music conservatories.

To be able to play More Than Words, you'll need to learn fingerpicking patterns that repeat throughout the song. Once you have them in hand, you can move on to learning chords and progressions.

More than words tab Guitar: Challenge For Beginners

This song would be quite difficult for novice guitarists who have not yet developed finger coordination and are just getting started with our beginner guitar lessons, but choosing to practice this song will really advance your guitar skills.

More than words tab Guitar: Benefits of Learning “More Than Words”

More than words tab Guitar: Important Tuning Tip

Important: The original version of this song is played with all strings tuned a semitone lower than standard tuning, so your tuning would be: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb (standard 1/2 tone lower). In the video lesson, we teach the song in standard tuning for simplicity, which sounds great if you just play along. BUT ! If you want to play along with the backing track or the original song, you'll need to tune all the strings a semitone lower, otherwise you'll sound out of tune.

More than words tab Guitar: SLAP!

More than words tab Guitar: Guitar Slap: An Essential Technique for “More Than Words”

If you've ever heard Extreme's “More Than Words” on guitar, you've probably noticed the importance of slap in this iconic '90s song. Slap on guitar is a percussive technique that adds a distinctive rhythmic texture and brings an extra dimension to your game.

More than words tab Guitar: What is Guitar Slap?

Slap guitar is a technique where you use your right hand to strike the strings percussively, producing a sharp, percussive sound. In “More Than Words,” slap is used to create a distinctive rhythm that accompanies the chords and melodies of the song.

More than words tab Guitar: Use in “More Than Words”

In “More Than Words,” slap is used to add rhythm and dynamics to the chord progression. To start, make sure you have good control of your right hand. Place your hand above the strings so that your hand is positioned just above the low string and your other fingers above the top strings.

Then, strike the strings with your hand in a quick, precise movement. The goal is to obtain a dry, punchy sound. Practice the slap movement slowly first, focusing on the precision and clarity of the sound.

Once you've mastered the basic slap movement, start applying it to the chord progression of “More Than Words”. Listen carefully to the original recording to spot when slap is used and try to reproduce this rhythm in your own playing.