PLAYING TIPS

The verse section leans towards a C#m tonality, which is the relative minor of the parent E Major key. John uses wide stretches to play the sus chord shapes and usually limits his chords to no more than three notes at a time; any more can start to sound muddy with a distorted tone. This also gives keyboardist Jordan Rudess more room to fit his parts in and orchestrate additional chord tones where appropriate. The chord names reflect the harmony suggested by the keyboards as well as the guitar. At bar 39 switch to a clean sound and select the middle pickup position for the most even tone possible. Hold each chord shape down for the entire bar and use your pick to arpeggiate while allowing the notes to ring together.