How to Play “Living Next Door to Alice” on Guitar
If you’re a fan of the classic rock song “Living Next Door to Alice,” you might be wondering how to play it on the guitar. This iconic tune by the band The Knack has been a staple in many guitarists’ playlists for decades. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential chords and techniques to help you master this classic rock anthem on the guitar.
Understanding the Song Structure
“Living Next Door to Alice” is a straightforward song with a simple structure. It follows a typical verse-chorus pattern, making it relatively easy to learn. The song is in the key of E minor, and the tempo is moderate. Before diving into the chords, familiarize yourself with the song’s structure to better understand how the chords fit into the melody.
Essential Chords
To play “Living Next Door to Alice,” you’ll need to know the following chords:
– E minor (Em)
– A major (A)
– D major (D)
– G major (G)
– B7 (B7)
These chords are the foundation of the song, and you’ll be using them to create the melody and harmony. Practice these chords individually until you can play them smoothly and confidently.
Playing the Verses
The verses of “Living Next Door to Alice” consist of a repeating pattern of Em, A, D, and G chords. Here’s how to play it:
1. Start with Em for the first measure.
2. Move to A for the second measure.
3. Play D for the third measure.
4. End with G for the fourth measure.
Repeat this pattern for the duration of the verse. To add some variation, you can try playing the G chord with a slight bend on the second string to create a more expressive sound.
Playing the Chorus
The chorus introduces the B7 chord, which adds a nice bluesy feel to the song. Here’s how to play the chorus:
1. Start with Em for the first measure.
2. Move to A for the second measure.
3. Play D for the third measure.
4. End with G for the fourth measure.
5. Switch to B7 for the fifth measure.
Repeat this pattern for the duration of the chorus. To emphasize the B7 chord, you can try using a more pronounced bend on the third string.
Adding a Strum Pattern
To give your guitar playing more character, add a strum pattern to the chords. A common pattern for “Living Next Door to Alice” is to strum down on the 1st and 3rd beats, and up on the 2nd and 4th beats. This creates a driving rhythm that complements the song’s moderate tempo.
Practicing and Improving
Now that you have the chords and strum pattern down, it’s time to practice. Start by playing the song slowly, focusing on getting the chords and rhythm right. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. Remember to take breaks and practice regularly to improve your guitar skills.
Conclusion
Playing “Living Next Door to Alice” on the guitar is a rewarding experience that will help you improve your chord knowledge and strumming technique. By following this guide, you’ll be able to master this classic rock song and add it to your guitar repertoire. Happy playing!
