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In this lesson, we'll learn how to play All I Have to Do Is Dream on the guitar. This beautiful Everly Brothers classic features some wonderful guitar work, including contributions from the legendary Chet Atkins. We'll learn how to play it, starting with a simple approach and then adding some nice acoustic flourishes to sweeten up your performance.
The song follows a straightforward chord progression that repeats throughout the verses. We'll work with E, C# minor, A, and B chords in a flowing sequence. The beauty of this progression lies in its simplicity, making it perfect for both beginners and more advanced players who want to add their own style.
The main sequence repeats four times through each verse, creating that dreamy, floating feeling that makes this song so special. The progression moves smoothly from E to C# minor, then to A and B, creating a perfect backdrop for those memorable Everly Brothers harmonies.
There's a slight variation at the end of the second verse, where we introduce a subtle change with E, A, and E to E7, which serves as a beautiful transition into the bridge section.
The bridge brings a refreshing change to the harmony, incorporating G#m and F#m chords that add emotional depth to lyrics like "I can make you mine" and "taste of wine." This section provides a wonderful contrast to the verses before returning to the main progression.
The song features a gentle, flowing strumming pattern that creates its dreamlike quality. We'll work with a down-down-up pattern that keeps the rhythm moving while maintaining the song's relaxed feel. Don't worry too much about perfection–sometimes, those little imperfections in chord changes actually add to the song's authentic sound.
Once you're comfortable with the basic progression, we can explore some variations that add color to your playing. There are several ways to voice these chords, and we'll learn how to use different chord shapes that can make your acoustic guitar really shine. These variations aren't exactly like the record, but they're perfect for solo acoustic performances.
For those looking to dive deeper, we'll explore some of Chet Atkins' techniques from the original recording. This includes working with higher chord voicings and creating beautiful layers of sound. These advanced elements are optional but can really enhance your playing if you're ready for the challenge.
Understanding how to create different layers in your playing is crucial, especially if you're performing with others. We'll explore how to vary your chord voicings and create interesting harmonies that complement rather than compete with other instruments.
I hope you enjoy learning this song. With this lesson, you'll have all the tools you need to start playing All I Have to Do Is Dream on your guitar. Don't be afraid to experiment with those fancy chords and higher voicings to really make the song your own! Have fun exploring all the possibilities!
Watch the video to see and hear all these elements in action. We'll take a detailed look at each section step by step, making sure you understand not just what to play but also how to make it sound musical and engaging. Now, go ahead and get your guitar, click on play, and get started on learning this classic!
Check out the original
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