“More Than A Feeling,” Boston’s breakthrough hit, is instantly recognizable for its powerful vocals and, most notably, its signature guitar work crafted by Tom Scholz. The song’s guitar solo stands out as a melodic and unforgettable highlight of this stadium rock anthem.
If you’re eager to master this iconic solo, you’ve come to the right place. This lesson breaks down every note of this 1970s masterpiece, providing you with the guitar tab and techniques to learn “More Than A Feeling” just like Tom Scholz himself played it.
Unpacking the Acoustic Intro and Main Riff
The song opens with an acoustic guitar intro that is not only beautiful but also serves as an excellent exercise in string skipping. This section immediately establishes the song’s melodic foundation and showcases Scholz’s intricate playing style even before the electric guitars kick in.
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Alt text: Close-up on guitar fretboard during acoustic intro of More Than A Feeling, demonstrating string skipping technique.
Following the delicate intro, the legendary main riff explodes onto the scene. Deceptively simple yet incredibly effective, this riff is built upon power chords and rhythmic precision, driving the song forward with undeniable energy. Learning this riff is fundamental to understanding the song’s structure and capturing its overall feel.
Decoding the Harmonized Guitar Solo
The guitar solo in “More Than A Feeling” is where Scholz’s genius truly shines. A key characteristic of Boston’s sound is their use of harmonized guitar parts, and this solo is no exception. While the original recording features multiple guitar tracks creating rich harmonies, this lesson focuses on the primary melody line, the dominant voice in the mix.
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Alt text: Guitar tab excerpt for More Than A Feeling solo, highlighting harmonized sections and melodic phrasing.
To make this solo playable for a single guitarist, we’ll navigate between the higher and lower harmony lines, ensuring you capture the essence of the original arrangement. This approach allows you to perform the solo convincingly even without multiple guitarists.
It’s worth noting that there are potentially easier fingerings for certain parts of this solo. However, this lesson aims for authenticity, teaching the solo as closely as possible to Tom Scholz’s original performance. It’s believed that Scholz chose his fingerings for specific tonal qualities, and by learning it this way, you can strive to replicate that iconic Boston guitar sound.
Mastering the Techniques and Tone
Throughout the “More Than A Feeling” guitar tab and lesson, you’ll encounter techniques common to Scholz’s playing, such as string bending, vibrato, and precise articulation. Pay close attention to these details in the video lessons to accurately capture the nuances of his style.
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Alt text: Tom Scholz playing electric guitar live, demonstrating his signature guitar technique and stage presence.
Furthermore, achieving the right tone is crucial for authentically playing “More Than A Feeling.” Experiment with your guitar’s pickup selection, amplifier settings, and effects to get closer to Scholz’s warm, sustaining guitar sound.
Conclusion: Unleash Your Inner Guitar Hero
Learning the guitar tab and techniques for “More Than A Feeling” is a rewarding journey for any guitarist. From the iconic acoustic intro to the soaring guitar solo, this song is packed with memorable moments that are both challenging and fun to play. By working through this lesson and practicing diligently, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this stadium rock classic and adding a timeless piece to your guitar repertoire. Dive into the provided video lessons to get started and unlock the secrets of Tom Scholz’s legendary guitar work in “More Than A Feeling.”
