Want to play the iconic guitar riff from The Black Crowes’ hit song “She Talks To Angels”? Guitar Control instructor Darrin Goodman, also known as Uncle D, is here to guide you through it! This lesson will break down the riff step-by-step, and we’re even providing free guitar tabs so you can easily follow along. You’ll be rocking this classic riff in standard tuning in no time!
she talks to angels guitar tab
She Talks To Angels Guitar Riff – Standard Tuning Lesson
Let’s dive into learning this awesome riff. While “She Talks To Angels” is originally played in open E tuning, this lesson will teach you how to play it in standard tuning. This is a common way many guitarists learn it, and it’s a fantastic approach if you’re not yet familiar with open tunings.
To get started, download the free guitar tabs by clicking the link in the description. Having the tab in front of you will make learning this riff much easier. Now, let’s break down the riff measure by measure.
Measures 1 & 2
This riff begins with a melodic intro lick. Start on the 4th fret of the B string with your first finger. Pick the string and hammer-on to the 5th fret. Then, play the open high E string. Next, go back to the B string, 4th fret, and slide down to the 2nd fret, followed by a pull-off to the open B string. Play the open high E string again. Now, move to the G string, 1st fret (first finger), pick it, and hammer-on to the 2nd fret. Finish this sequence with the open B and high E strings. Finally, return to the G string, 2nd fret.
For the second measure, pick the G string at the 2nd fret again and pull-off to the 1st fret. Follow this with the 2nd fret of the D string. Then, we transition to an E major chord. The E major chord is played with the low E string open, 2nd fret of the A string (second finger), 2nd fret of the D string (third finger), and 1st fret of the G string (first finger). The B and high E strings are open. This E major chord is strummed on the downbeat of beat two and is held for a dotted half note duration.
Measures 3 & 4
Measure three is identical to the first measure. Repeat the same finger movements and notes as in measure one.
Measure four mirrors measure two, up until the chord. Play the G string 2nd fret, pull-off to the 1st fret, then the D string 2nd fret. This time, instead of a full E major chord for a long duration, you will play a quick E major chord and let it ring out. Following the E major, there are two quick down strums on the very last two sixteenth notes of beat four.
Measures 5 & 6
Starting on the next measure, beat one and two are rests. On beat three, we play an E suspended fourth chord (Esus4). Maintain the E major chord shape, and add your pinky finger to the 2nd fret of the G string. The Esus4 is played by placing your pinky on and off the 2nd fret of the G string twice in succession, creating a wavering effect.
Measures 7 & 8
This section introduces natural harmonics. Play the 12th fret natural harmonics on the E, A, D, and G strings in order. Then, play the 12th fret harmonics on the D, G, and B strings. Finally, play the 12th fret harmonics on the A, D, and G strings.
Following the harmonics, you’ll return to the E to Esus4 riff from measures 5 and 6.
she talks to angels guitar tab
Measures 9 & 10
Now the riff becomes slightly more intricate. Begin on the 2nd fret of the D string, pick it, and slide up to the 4th fret. Coming from the E chord, your third finger is likely already on the 2nd fret of the D string, which is perfect for this slide. After the slide, place your first finger on the 1st fret of the G string, play the open B string, and then the G string again. Next, position your second finger on the 2nd fret of the D string and your third finger on the 2nd fret of the B string. Lift your third finger off so the B string is open. Then, quickly place your first finger on the 2nd fret of the D string and your third finger on the 4th fret of the D string. Pick and pull-off back to an E note. Conclude this measure with the E to Esus4 riff as before.
Measures 11 & 12
For the final part of the riff, move up to the 5th fret on the B string. Play the open high E string first, then the B string at the 5th fret. Then, move the note on the B string down chromatically: 5th fret, then 4th fret, then 2nd fret.
Next, go to the G string, 1st fret (first finger), then the 2nd fret with a pull-off to the 1st fret. Place your second finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, then back to the G string 1st fret. Return to the 2nd fret of the D string, and finally, play the open B string. End the entire riff with the E to Esus4 riff one last time.
That covers the entire 12-measure riff! The best approach is to learn it in smaller sections. Practice each part until it’s memorized and comfortable before moving on. This will make the whole riff much easier to learn and play smoothly.
Conclusion
There you have it – the iconic intro riff to “She Talks To Angels” by The Black Crowes, adapted for standard tuning! We hope you enjoyed this lesson. Give this video a thumbs up and leave a comment below if you have any questions or suggestions for other guitar lessons. Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell so you won’t miss any of our new guitar lessons uploaded throughout the week. Thanks for watching, and have a great day practicing!
