Simple Twist of Fate - Lesson on Guitar and Harmonica

Difficulty: Medium. There may be some new chords to learn and adding syncopation to the rhythm while playing harmonica at the same time may take some practice to get right.

Lesson Length: 13:23

Instructor: George Goodman

Help File: The following link supplies the chords, lyrics and harmonica tabs for Simple Twist of Fate.
Simple Twist of Fate download pdf link - for educational purposes only.

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 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.

Hohner Special 20 in C and A

Simple Twist of Fate was recorded in E using an A harmonica in second position. You can also play it in C first position using a C harmonica. I recommend the Hohner Special 20s.

You can grab a Hohner Special 20 in A here:
On Sale Here

For Harmonica: Don't worry about single notes on this one. Get the right key harmonica and let 'er rip.

The Harmonica Cheat Sheets video course demonstrates where all the notes are for every chord in every key on the harmonica.

For Guitar - Simple Twist of Fate has an excellent chord progression and there might be a new chord or two in this one. Syncopation and sus2 extensions all add interest.

Chords, strumming and counting rhythms is covered in Guitar Essentials, Guitar Chords and Rhythm Guitar And Strumming.

0:32 - Introduction

Hey George here. Welcome to this video where I show you how to play Bob Dylan's Simple Twist of Fate on guitar and harmonica.

The original was recorded in an open D tuning with a capo on the second fret to put the song in the key of E.

We are going to stick to standard tuning and I'll show you how to play it in the key of C as well as how to play along in the key of E.

For harmonica, I'll show you how to play Simple Twist of Fate in first and second position.

1:03 - Guitar Chords, Rhythm and Progression

Starting with C for 2 bars putting the emphasis on beats 2 and 4. Same goes for C Maj 7 and then C7, ...

Here's the chords:

Here's the progression:

C | C | CM7 | CM7 | C7 | C7 |

F | F | Fm | Fm | C G | F

C | G | C | C

3:33 - Sus2's and Syncopation

I like to add some syncopation and chord variety.

Add sus2 to C, CM7, C7 and F on & of 2. Off on & of 3.

5:00 - Harmonica - First Position, Key of C

Play the melody in first position on a C harmonica.

During C, CM7 and C7, blow notes (any blow note) will fit with the chord.

Blow 5 and 6 are key notes in the melody.

F

-5 5 4

Fm

-5 5 4

C G  F

4 5 6 7

C      G      C

5 5 4 -4 5 -4 4 4

7:30 - Let's Run It

Harmonica key of C, first position run through.

8:05 - Key of E

Dylan played this in E, so let's capo up to the fourth fret.

Then for the harmonica, let's play this in second position as it was played in the original recording.

That means using an A harmonica.

In second position, the root chord is -2 -3 -4 and that is exactly what makes up the majority of Dylan's solo.

When on F and Fm, a triplet rhythm is played over -5 5 -4 4 -4 5 -5 5 -4 4 -4 5.

The arpeggio run is -2 -3 -4 6.

Then -3 -3 -2 -3 -3 -2 -2

Add -3bb in the run to.

11:43 - Run Through in E

Capo on the fourth fret, A harmonica in second position. Let's run this one.

Things To Note

This was recorded in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia on a beautiful day in May 2019.

Join the conversation - Let me know how it goes - Leave a message below.

Peace. Stay in tune my friend.

George