How to Play “Code Monkey” on Guitar
If you’re a fan of the band Manic Street Preachers and their hit song “Code Monkey,” you might be interested in learning how to play it on the guitar. This song is known for its catchy melody and memorable riffs, making it a popular choice for guitarists of all skill levels. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of playing “Code Monkey” on guitar, starting with the basics and gradually building up to more advanced techniques.
Understanding the Song Structure
Before diving into the guitar tabs, it’s essential to understand the song’s structure. “Code Monkey” is a three-chord song, with a repeating pattern of chords that create a driving rhythm. The song follows a simple verse-chorus structure, with the chorus repeating after each verse. Familiarize yourself with this structure to better understand the song’s flow.
Chords and Tablature
To play “Code Monkey” on guitar, you’ll need to learn the following chords:
– E minor (Em)
– A major (A)
– D major (D)
You can find tablature (tabs) for these chords online or in guitar tabs books. Tabs are a visual representation of the guitar fretboard, showing which strings to play and which frets to press. Start by practicing each chord individually, focusing on proper finger placement and strumming technique.
Verse Chords
The verse of “Code Monkey” primarily uses the E minor (Em) and A major (A) chords. Here’s a basic tablature pattern for the verse:
“`
e|——————-|
B|——————-|
G|——————-|
D|——————-|
A|——————-|
E|——————-|
“`
Play the E minor chord by placing your first finger on the fifth fret of the first string, your second finger on the fifth fret of the second string, and your third finger on the fifth fret of the third string. Strum all six strings simultaneously to play the chord.
For the A major chord, place your first finger on the second fret of the first string, your second finger on the second fret of the second string, and your third finger on the second fret of the third string. Strum all six strings to play the chord.
Chorus Chords
The chorus of “Code Monkey” introduces the D major (D) chord. Here’s the tablature pattern for the chorus:
“`
e|——————-|
B|——————-|
G|——————-|
D|——————-|
A|——————-|
E|——————-|
“`
Play the D major chord by placing your first finger on the second fret of the first string, your second finger on the second fret of the second string, and your third finger on the second fret of the third string. Strum all six strings to play the chord.
Strumming Pattern
To play “Code Monkey” effectively, you’ll need to develop a consistent strumming pattern. The song uses a downstroke followed by an upstroke, creating a driving rhythm. Practice this pattern while playing the chords to get a feel for the song’s tempo.
Putting It All Together
Now that you’ve learned the chords and strumming pattern, it’s time to put it all together. Start by playing the verse chords, then transition to the chorus chords when the chorus comes around. Continue this pattern throughout the song, maintaining a steady rhythm.
Advanced Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic chords and strumming pattern, you can explore more advanced techniques to enhance your playing. Consider incorporating fingerpicking, harmonics, or even a capo to change the key and make the song more challenging.
Conclusion
Playing “Code Monkey” on guitar can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to enjoy the catchy melody and memorable riffs of this popular song. By following this guide, you should be well on your way to playing “Code Monkey” on guitar with confidence. Happy practicing!
