Modern Rock Songs: Unplugged.

[SixStringMadman]

I am hearing a lot of modern rock songs being done acoustically; I am sure many of these bands, including Stone Temple Pilots, Saliva, Incubus, etc., already had acoustic versions, but where sceptical to release them for fear that they would be unpopular because you can't crank up the volume and make people deaf. But to be honest with you, I like acoustic versions better, if done properly, that is.


One song I recently heard is "Your Disease" by Saliva. I have heard the electric guitar version a million times over, but I heard the acoustic version the other day and I like it better than the "normal" version. Now, for this song, you are in [DADGBe] tuning, making the power chords easier, obviously. Many tabs I found on the internet only tab for the electric guitar to play it, which the intro is tabbed as such (when the heavy part kicks in):

D--5h6p5----3h5p3---0--0--0-3--5------------------
A--5h6p5----3h5p3---0--0--0-3--5------------------
D--5h6p5----3h5p3---0--0--0-3--5------------------ .....etc.

This is more than likely correct because with the gain on your amp turned up, the hammerons sound fine. However, for the acoustic version, you need to do this:

D--5b6r5--3--5--3---0--0--0-3--5-------------
A--5b6r5--3--5--3---0--0--0-3--5-------------
D--5b6r5--3--5--3---0--0--0-3--5------------- ......etc.

This may not be 100% correct, but it sounds great to me. Even if it is not correct (the bend and release), it still sounds awsome played like that.

If you havn't already, I hope you acoustic guitarists out there begin to explore the worlds of modern rock: unplugged.

--SixStringMadman

[Dann]

I also like the 'unplugged' versions better. I only play acoustic guitar ( I am sure I will get an electric sooner or later), but I really enjoy the pure crisp sounds of acoustic guitars.

[slaughteredsoul]

I was comparing some Alice In Chains songs,unplugged and..."normal" and some songs were so beautiful with acoustic,and so cool with electric,i couldnt compare. it's like two different songs,and both kick ass.
i dont think u can generalize this though,it's more a matter of moods and opinion than anything else...some rock songs cant be "unplugged" and some become so 'independant' when theyre done on acoustic..i wouldn't say that all rock songs should be unplugged or something,some go and some dont.. Metallica unplugged? :)

[smfulla]

metallica has done acoustic!!!! I don't know if it was a whole concert, but they played motorbreath acoustically! =]

[slaughteredsoul]

Motorbreath on acoustic? really? i would love to hear that!

[SixStringMadman]

Metallica sounds awsome acoustically.

I take that back, some Metallica songs sound good when played on the acoustic guitar. Some simply do require an electric and a Boss Metal Zone pedal.

Uhm, but as far as Metallica goes on the acoustic guitar, "Nothing Else Matters" is probably the 'classic' acoustic Metallica song. For some good kicks though, give "Master of Puppets" a try on the acoustic guitar. You will quickly realise how much refinement your acoustic guitar playing needs.

Now, many Metallica songs don't sound that good on an acoustic guitar, but playing them nevertheless will help your acoustic playing ability, especially trying those damned solos.

Here is a list of Metallica songs I am working out on my acoustic guitar:

1. Nothing Else Matters
2. Master of Puppets
3. One
4. Unforgiven

I would give some of these a try, they are fun to play. As for solos, well, you aren't going to be getting any help from me there. :D

--SixStringMadman

[smfulla]

I started learning Master Of Puppets on the classic acoustic.
Same with Nothing Else Matters and The Unforgiven. I started learning the Nothing Else Matters solo on the classic acoustic. I can play the intro solo toe One on a steel string acoustic. Same as the Nem solo, and about half of The Unforgiven solo.

[msoto]

Count me in on the unplugged versions Star 95.7 down here in Tampa plays them every Wednesday.