Are you ready to learn how to play “Crazy Horses” on guitar and unleash your inner rock star? At guitarplayers.net, we provide guitar enthusiasts with resources, from chord progressions to advanced techniques. This guide will help you master this iconic song. Dive in and discover how to play this classic on your guitar.
1. What Makes “Crazy Horses” a Great Song to Learn on Guitar?
“Crazy Horses” is a fantastic song to learn on guitar because of its catchy riffs, energetic rhythm, and historical significance. It offers a mix of fun and challenge, perfect for guitarists of all levels. It’s a great addition to your guitar repertoire.
“Crazy Horses,” released in 1972 by The Osmonds, is celebrated for its distinctive hard rock sound. The song’s main riff, driven by a distorted guitar and a memorable organ intro, immediately grabs your attention. Learning to play “Crazy Horses” provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your skills in rock guitar techniques.
2. What Skill Level Do I Need to Play “Crazy Horses”?
While “Crazy Horses” has a reputation for its energetic sound, it’s surprisingly accessible for intermediate guitar players. Beginners can also tackle it with some practice and patience. The main riff is repetitive and relatively simple, making it a great starting point.
You’ll need to be comfortable with basic chord shapes and power chords. Familiarity with techniques like palm-muting and string bending will also be beneficial. Start slow, focus on accuracy, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
3. What Guitar Gear Do I Need to Play “Crazy Horses”?
To capture the authentic sound of “Crazy Horses,” you’ll need a few essential pieces of guitar gear. The most important is a guitar with humbucker pickups, which provide the thick, crunchy tone characteristic of the song. A good amplifier with overdrive capabilities is also crucial.
Here’s a breakdown of the recommended gear:
| Gear | Description |
|---|---|
| Guitar | Electric guitar with humbucker pickups (e.g., Gibson Les Paul, Fender Humbucker Stratocaster) |
| Amplifier | Amplifier with overdrive/distortion (e.g., Marshall, Fender, Mesa/Boogie) |
| Effects Pedal | Optional: Wah pedal for replicating the iconic wah-wah sound |
| Cables | High-quality instrument cables to minimize noise and signal loss |
| Picks | Medium-gauge guitar picks for a balanced tone and comfortable grip |
4. What Are the Key Guitar Techniques Used in “Crazy Horses”?
“Crazy Horses” incorporates several essential guitar techniques that will help you develop your skills. Mastering these techniques will not only allow you to play the song accurately but also enhance your overall guitar playing ability.
4.1. Power Chords
Power chords are the backbone of “Crazy Horses.” These simple two-note chords create a powerful, driving sound. They are commonly used in rock and metal music and are relatively easy to learn.
To play a power chord, use your index finger to fret the root note on the E string and your ring and pinky fingers to fret the fifth interval on the A and D strings, respectively. For example, an E5 power chord is played by fretting the 7th fret of the E string with your index finger and the 9th fret of the A and D strings with your ring and pinky fingers.
4.2. Palm-Muting
Palm-muting involves resting the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge to create a dampened, percussive sound. This technique adds depth and aggression to your playing and is used extensively in “Crazy Horses.”
To palm-mute effectively, experiment with the amount of pressure you apply with your palm. Too much pressure will kill the notes, while too little will result in a less pronounced effect.
4.3. String Bending
String bending involves pushing or pulling a string on the fretboard to raise its pitch. This technique adds expression and emotion to your playing and is used sparingly but effectively in “Crazy Horses.”
To perform a string bend, fret a note and then use your fingers to push the string up or down, depending on the desired direction of the bend. Practice bending to specific intervals, such as a half-step or a whole step, to develop accuracy.
4.4. Wah Pedal (Optional)
While not essential, a wah pedal can add a distinctive flavor to your “Crazy Horses” rendition. The wah pedal creates a sweeping filter effect that can be used to emphasize certain notes and create a more dynamic sound.
To use a wah pedal, place your foot on the pedal and rock it back and forth to control the frequency of the filter. Experiment with different wah patterns to find what sounds best to you.
5. What Are the Main Sections of “Crazy Horses” and How Do I Play Them?
“Crazy Horses” is structured around a few key sections, each with its own unique guitar parts. Understanding these sections and how to play them is essential for mastering the song.
5.1. Intro Riff
The intro riff is the most recognizable part of “Crazy Horses.” It’s played on a distorted guitar and sets the tone for the entire song.
Here’s the tab for the intro riff:
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|---2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-5-5-5-5-2-2-2-2-----------------------------------------|
A|---2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-5-5-5-5-2-2-2-2-----------------------------------------|
E|---0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-0-0-0-0-----------------------------------------|Practice this riff slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and timing. Once you’re comfortable, gradually increase the speed until you can play it at the original tempo.
5.2. Verse
The verse sections feature a driving rhythm guitar part that supports the vocals. The guitar part is based on power chords and palm-muting.
Here’s a simplified version of the verse guitar part:
e|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------------------------------------------------|
D|---2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-5-5-5-5-2-2-2-2-----------------------------------------|
A|---2-2-2-2-2-2-2-2-5-5-5-5-2-2-2-2-----------------------------------------|
E|---0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-3-3-3-3-0-0-0-0-----------------------------------------|Pay attention to the palm-muting in this section. It’s what gives the guitar part its distinctive sound.
5.3. Chorus
The chorus is the most energetic part of “Crazy Horses.” It features a full band arrangement and a catchy vocal melody.
The guitar part in the chorus is similar to the verse but with more emphasis on the power chords. Strum the chords with conviction and let the energy of the song shine through.
5.4. Guitar Solo
“Crazy Horses” features a short but memorable guitar solo. The solo is played with a distorted tone and incorporates techniques like string bending and vibrato.
Unfortunately, there is no readily available accurate tab for this, so practicing improvising using E minor pentatonic is recommended.
5.5. Outro
The outro section brings the song to a close with a final repetition of the intro riff.
Play the intro riff with the same energy and precision as at the beginning of the song. Let the notes ring out and allow the song to fade out naturally.
6. What Are Some Tips for Mastering “Crazy Horses” on Guitar?
Learning to play “Crazy Horses” on guitar can be a rewarding experience. Here are some tips to help you master the song:
- Start Slow: Don’t try to play the song at full speed right away. Start slow and focus on accuracy.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key to improving your guitar playing skills.
- Listen to the Original: Listen to the original recording of “Crazy Horses” to get a feel for the song’s dynamics and nuances.
- Watch Tutorials: Watch online guitar tutorials for “Crazy Horses” to get visual guidance.
- Play with Others: Playing with other musicians can help you improve your timing and develop your musical skills.
- Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can help you identify areas for improvement.
- Be Patient: Learning to play guitar takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
- Have Fun: Playing guitar should be enjoyable. Choose songs that you love and have fun with the process.
7. How Can I Simplify “Crazy Horses” for Beginners?
If you’re a beginner guitar player, you may find “Crazy Horses” a bit challenging at first. Here are some ways to simplify the song:
- Use Simplified Chords: Instead of playing full power chords, try playing just the root and fifth notes.
- Slow Down the Tempo: Practice the song at a slower tempo to give yourself more time to switch between chords.
- Focus on the Main Riff: The intro riff is the most recognizable part of the song. Focus on mastering this riff first.
- Omit the Guitar Solo: The guitar solo can be difficult for beginners. Feel free to omit it when you’re first learning the song.
- Use a Capo: A capo can help you play the song in a different key, which may make it easier to play.
8. What Are Some Common Mistakes to Avoid When Learning “Crazy Horses”?
When learning to play “Crazy Horses” on guitar, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that players often make. Avoiding these mistakes will help you learn the song more quickly and accurately.
- Rushing the Tempo: Many players try to play the song too fast before they’ve mastered the individual parts.
- Ignoring Dynamics: “Crazy Horses” has a dynamic range, with some parts being louder than others. Pay attention to these dynamics and try to replicate them in your playing.
- Neglecting Palm-Muting: Palm-muting is essential to the sound of “Crazy Horses.” Don’t neglect this technique.
- Not Listening to the Original: Listening to the original recording of the song is crucial for understanding its nuances and subtleties.
- Practicing Incorrectly: Practicing the wrong notes or rhythms will only reinforce bad habits.
9. What Are Some Alternative Songs to Learn If I Like “Crazy Horses”?
If you enjoy playing “Crazy Horses” on guitar, here are some other songs you might like:
- “Paranoid” by Black Sabbath: Another classic rock song with a simple but effective guitar riff.
- “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple: A legendary song with one of the most recognizable guitar riffs of all time.
- “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath: A heavy, driving song with a powerful guitar riff and memorable vocals.
- “You Really Got Me” by The Kinks: A raw, energetic song with a catchy guitar riff.
- “Whole Lotta Love” by Led Zeppelin: A blues-based rock song with a heavy guitar riff and psychedelic elements.
10. Where Can I Find More Guitar Resources and Connect with Other Players?
Looking for more guitar resources and a community to connect with? Visit guitarplayers.net! We offer a wealth of lessons, reviews, and a vibrant forum for guitar enthusiasts of all levels.
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- Access free and premium guitar lessons for all skill levels.
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The Osmonds Crazy Horses Album Cover
FAQ: Playing “Crazy Horses” on Guitar
1. Is “Crazy Horses” hard to play on guitar?
“Crazy Horses” is moderately challenging, but the main riff is repetitive and relatively simple, making it accessible for intermediate players.
2. What tuning is “Crazy Horses” in?
“Crazy Horses” is typically played in standard tuning (EADGBe).
3. What chords are used in “Crazy Horses”?
The song primarily uses power chords, which include the root note and the fifth interval.
4. Is a wah pedal essential for playing “Crazy Horses”?
While not essential, a wah pedal can enhance the song’s sound, replicating the original recording’s effects.
5. Can beginners learn to play “Crazy Horses”?
Yes, beginners can learn simplified versions of the song by focusing on the main riff and using simplified chords.
6. What techniques are essential for playing “Crazy Horses”?
Essential techniques include power chords, palm-muting, and string bending.
7. Where can I find guitar tabs for “Crazy Horses”?
You can find guitar tabs for “Crazy Horses” on various online guitar tab websites and at guitarplayers.net.
8. How do I palm-mute effectively?
Rest the side of your picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge to create a dampened sound.
9. What gear do I need to play “Crazy Horses” accurately?
You’ll need an electric guitar with humbucker pickups and an amplifier with overdrive capabilities.
10. What are some common mistakes to avoid when learning this song?
Avoid rushing the tempo, neglecting dynamics, and not listening to the original recording.
