Learn "How Long" by Ariel Posen on Guitar!

Let's check out how to play How Long by Ariel Posen on guitar. We'll learn this awesome song in the original tuning, in standard tuning, and on electric and acoustic. You can decide what version you like most. :)

I only found out about Ariel in mid 2018, so I'm real late to the party, but this cat sure can play. He's an incredible slide player that worked with Bros Landreth. And now he's got his own album, where he exhibits his great playing, singing and songwriting!

Guitar & Tuning

In the video lesson, I’m using a baritone guitar that has a longer neck and thicker strings than a regular electric. This means we get deeper, fuller sounds. It’s awesome. :)

The open strings are tuned to Open C, which is Open D down one tone. The notes are CGCEGC from thickest to thinnest. But Ariel then puts a capo on 2, meaning harmonically it’s in Open D tuning! Another option is to leave off the capo and tune to Open D (DADF#AD).

To clarify Ariel’s tuning, leave the capo off and you’re in open C (C, G, C, E, G, C). Strumming all six strings gives you a C Major chord. Pop the capo on two and you’re in open D (D, A, D, F#, A, D).

If you want to see my setup, head to 04:00 in the video. :)

👉 Open Tunings: To learn more about open tunings before you tackle this song, check out this lesson on the essential Open Tunings.

How Long by Ariel Posen: Chord Grips

It’s crucial you keep in mind that though this song contains common chords like Bm7, G/B, and A, they look nothing like standard chord grips. If you know your music theory, you should be able to figure out the notes played and understand the chord names.

There are a couple of non-diatonic chords in the verse: F#7 #5 and Dm6. These are weird-looking grips. If you’re not convinced, check the notes in the F#7 #5 chord (F#, A#, D, E) and the Dm6 (D F A B) and see that you’re playing them!

💡 Learn How Long in Standard Tuning: We also look at all these grips on an acoustic in standard tuning. Check this out if you don’t fancy retuning or want to learn those rare chords in open tuning. :)

Keep Up With Ariel Posen

Subscribe to his YouTube channel here! He's got more great content on the way. :)

See his tour dates here - he's killer live too!

And as a special bonus you can get a PDF of the chord chart. Make sure you subscribe to his YouTube first. Then click here! I'll update it with more parts when I've played it through with him.

Here are his socials & links:

Website: http://www.arielposen.com
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/arielposen
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/arielposen
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/arielposen

🎵 Later I teamed up with Ariel Posen for an in-depth guitar lesson on this tune - check out How Long Fine Tuning. :)