Explore More in English Songs
Introduction
Tune in to a detailed guitar song lesson on What It’s Like, a single by the American musician, Everlast. This 1998’s release was the lead single from his second studio album called Whitey Ford Sings the Blues.
This guitar song lesson is taught by Mike Walker, an experienced musician and instructor at Torrins. He breaks the lesson down into sections: Introduction, Intro Chord Progression, Verse & Chorus, Arrangement, Interlude, and Outro.
Mike Walker teaches the What It’s Like Song guitar lesson using just 3 chords, two of which are Dm and C. No capo is needed!
Chords Used in What It's Like Guitar Lesson
- This song primarily revolves around three simple chords, making it accessible for players of all levels.
- The strumming pattern follows a DDU rhythm, adding a steady groove.
Strumming & Picking Techniques
The song subtly blends strumming and arpeggiation, giving it a dynamic and textured feel. The intro is centered around a D minor chord, with the occasional addition of Dsus4 to introduce subtle variation. Arpeggiated picking is used here to create a melodic and flowing texture, setting the tone for the rest of the song.
In the verse, the D minor chord continues to anchor the progression, while an arpeggiated riff adds depth and makes it more rhythmic.
Moving into the chorus, the strumming follows a consistent DDU (Down-Down-Up) pattern, repeated four times. On the fourth repetition, however, there’s a variation introduced at the end which is a distinctive 8-note strum pattern that adds energy and creates a pumping, driving effect.
Song Structure & Arrangement
The song builds gradually, with familiar sections repeating and subtle changes keeping things interesting. Here's a simple breakdown of how the song flows:
- Intro: A catchy opening riff sets the mood and is played four times.
- Verse 1: The main melody kicks in and repeats six times, helping you settle into the groove.
- Chorus: This part brings in energy. It’s played four times, with a twist added on the fourth round to keep things fresh.
- Interlude: A gentle picking section gives you a short breather before heading back into the main theme.
- Verse 2: Similar to the first verse, but extended — this time it's played eight times.
- Chorus: Returns with the same pattern, repeated four times.
- Bridge: Feels like a throwback to the intro, but with a longer run — played six times.
- Verse 3: Back again for eight repetitions.
- Final Chorus: Played three times as the song winds down.
- Outro: The song gradually fades out, giving it a smooth ending.
Mike shares a tip for those struggling with Fmaj7? Try leading with your third finger—this helps you get the note covered first, giving you an extra split second to position the rest of your fingers.
Why Learn What It’s Like?
- This lesson covers both strumming and fingerpicking, making it great for building dexterity.
- The song’s structure teaches you how to transition smoothly between sections and add dynamics to your playing.
- This song is a fantastic example of storytelling through music, giving you a chance to add emotion to your performance.
FAQs – What It’s Like Guitar Lesson
- Q1: Is this song beginner-friendly?
- Yes! While the Fmaj7 chord can be tricky, the slow tempo and repetitive structure make it easier to master.
- Q2: How can I improve my arpeggiation?
- Start slow, focus on even picking, and gradually increase speed.
- Q3: Do I need a capo?
- No capo is required for this version.
Fun Fact: The song became Everlast’s biggest solo hit after he left the trio House of Pain and transitioned from rap to a bluesy, acoustic hip-hop style, which was a bold and unexpected move at the time!
