Bob Dylan The Times They Are A Changin'

Bob Dylan - The Times They Are A Changin'

The lyrics are as relevant now as when they were written almost 50 years ago.
In this lesson I attempt to stay true to the original recording's harmonica solos.

Lesson Info

Difficulty: Testing

Lesson Length: 28:27

Instructor: George Goodman

The chord progression doesn't stay still or the same in this one. That definitely adds to the challenge. The harmonica is classic Dylan.

Help File

The following link supplies the chords, lyrics and the harmonica tabs for The Times They Are A-Changin The Times They Are A-Changin Chords, Lyrics and Tabs download pdf link - for educational purposes only.

Recommended Gear

takamine-eg541sc acoustic guitar

Takamine EG541SC
I am playing my black tak in this one.

This is a Takamine G Series EG541SC bought in North Carolina when I was playing in a band called Double Take.
Specs:
Top - Solid Spruce
Back - Nato
Sides - Nato
Finger Board - Rosewood
Electronics - TK40
Finish - Gloss Black
Check out more Takamine G Series Guitars

Hohner Specail 20Hohner Special 20 Diatonic Harmonica in G

A G harmonica played in first position works great on this. I am playing a Hohner Special 20 in this one.

Hohner Specail 20

A C harmonica is the first one you need to follow along with the lessons on the site. I often play a Hohner Special 20 Harmonica in the key of C through a Shure Green Bullet microphone Model 5200 and Fender Super Champ amplifier

 

Hohner Harmonica HolderHohner Harmonica Holder

The Hohner Harmonica Neck Holder fits harmonicas up to 7-1/2" long.

With a long-lasting nickel-plated finish, this harmonica rack is adjustable and fits any neck shape.

 

Video Timeline

0:46 - Key of G

The Times They Are A-Changin is in the key of G.
I'm playing in first position and so am using a G harmonica.

0:56 - Guitar Chords

GE minorC Major Guitar ChordG

GA minorC MajorD Major

GE minorC Major Guitar ChordG

GA minorD Major

D MajorCadd9-2G BD Major

GC Major Guitar ChordD MajorG

3:42 - Time Signature

3-4 time signature
The Times They Are A-Changin' is in 3/4 time.
There are 3 beats per measure and each quarter note gets a single beat.
So this isn't your typical rock song.

4:23 - Rhythm and Strumming

The simplest rhythm is to play full chords on every beat.
You want to try to play root notes on the first beat however, and strum full chords on the second and third beat.
You can also add some up strokes on the off beats.

6:15 - Different Progressions After Each Verse

The chord progression varies after each verse over which a harmonica solo occurs.
So now it's time to go through each verse and then the harmonica fill and underlying chord progression that follows each verse.

7:08 - Verse 1

Come gather round people, wherever you roam...

9:43 - Verse 2

Come writers and critics who prophecies with your pen...

13:48 - Verse 3

Come senators, congressman please head the call...

16:00 - Verse 4

Come mothers and fathers throughout the land...

21:21 - Verse 5

The line it is drawn, the curse it is cast...

23:57 - Harmonica Tabs For Melody

I encourage you to come up with your own arrangement.
What I like to do is throw in a solo using the melody as the basis.

I hope you enjoyed the lesson.
Let me know how you make out with it.

Peace. Stay In Tune.
George

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