Music Lesson: Everybody Hurts by R.E.M.

Introduction

So we're actually going to have a look now at our first segment of an actual song. This is a track called Everybody Hurts by R.E.M., and this will deal with:

• Individual string picking
• Some arpeggios with the right hand

The whole track will be based on chord shapes we've already covered. However, we will focus on moving some fingers individually on our left hand.

Let's start by listening to the two parts of this song.

Time Signature

It's important to realize we're in six-eight here. That means we are counting in sixes:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

This structure applies to both the verse and the chorus sections of the song.

Overview

Before we dive into details, check out the song. You may already know it!

Understanding the Tab

As you look at the tab, it may appear that we're playing all individual notes, and we are! However, each bar is based on a chord that we've already covered.

• First bar: D major chord
  Hopefully, you can see that from the tab.

We'll fret D major from the very start of the bar and not move until we need to adjust for another chord.

Picking Pattern

The picking pattern we'll use here is:

• Three downstrokes
• Three upstrokes

You might think this is a slightly weird pattern, but it's actually common in guitar playing. Sometimes, the picking pattern is determined by the direction of the next string.

Example:

• Start with a downstroke on the G string.
• Next, pick the B string with a downstroke.
• Then, pick the E string with an upstroke.

Thus, the pattern becomes: down, down, down, up, up, up.

This approach ensures accurate placement of the pick. For picking individual notes, ensure that no more than the tip of the pick is sticking out. If too much of the pick is showing, it might flap around between the strings, a major hindrance to accuracy.

Chords Breakdown

Bar Transition

We have two bars on D major:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.

Then we transition to Bar 3, which is outlined by a G chord.

• First Note in Bar 3:
  • On the E string
  • We prioritize reaching the third fret on the E string by beat one of the next bar, using our second finger.

Practice that movement between the last bar of D and the first note of G.

Building the G Chord

• We can stagger the build of the G chord over the bar. For instance:
  • Second finger: Fret third fret on the E string.
  • Open D string: Already open, no finger movement needed.
  • Open G string: Remove our first finger to get an open G.
  • Third fret on the E string: Fret that with our little finger.

Once we've formed that shape, we can hold it for the rest of the bar and into the second bar of G.

Transitioning to Chorus

Transition Bar to Smoothly Enter the Chorus

Between the verse and the chorus, we replace the last bar of D with a transition bar leading into E minor.

• Transition Steps:
  • While holding the G chord, play the G string, D string, and G string.
  • Replace the second finger with the first finger on the F sharp (second fret).

E Minor and A Major

From the last bar of G, we move into E minor for the first bar of the chorus.

• For E minor:
  • Use your first finger on the D string only.

Next is the A major chord. By using the first finger for E minor, we can simply add fingers two and three for A major, rather than repositioning all our fingers.

Final Structure in the Chorus

• Repeat the movement back to E minor.
• Take off the second and third fingers, then add them back for A major.
• Finish with a strum on the A major chord.

This entire process covers all the verses and choruses in the song. It's a great exercise for your picking hand too!

Enjoy practicing! Remember to listen to the song as you play through these techniques.