Tom Petty - Learning To Fly
Here's a good one for beginning out. The guitar rhythm is really straight forward though the chords go by quite quickly and include the dreaded F chord. The harmonica part that I have added matches the melody without bending. Single notes aren't even encouraged here.
Also Watch On: 
Learn to play Tom Petty's Learning To Fly
Lesson Info
Difficulty: Fairly Easy
Lesson Length: 13:25
Instructor: George Goodman
The rhythm of the guitar is what makes this one tricky.
Help File
The following link supplies the chords, lyrics and the harmonica tabs for Learning To Fly.
Learning To Fly Chords, Lyrics and Tabs download pdf link - for educational purposes only.
Recommended Gear
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
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 Diatonic Harmonica in C
A C harmonica played in first position works great on this. I am playing a Hohner Special 20 in this one.
Musical Challenges
The harmonica does not require single notes or bending.
Syncopation can add difficulty tot he guitar rhythm.
The Guitar Essentials, Harmonica Essentials, and Rhythm Guitar and Strumming courses can help with any difficulties you're having.
Video Timeline
01:10 - Guitar Chords
There are four chords in Learning To Fly that repeat.
1:30 - Guitar Rhythm
The rhythm is a nice straight eighth note rhythm with a little twist.
The second and fourth chords ( C and G ) are anticipated by a half beat.
The progression last for two bars with F and Am starting on the first beat and C and G starting with an upstroke on the second half of the second beat.
Rest on the third beat.
2:30 - Open Strum
On the second half of the fourth beat when changing from C to Am and from G to F, you can strum all open strings while making the chord change.
Done in rhythm with the song and you don't even notice the difference.
5:25 - 2 Bars of G Before Solo
Before going into the solo, there are two bars of G played as straight eighth notes with a simple down / up strum.
5:45 - Substitute Harmonica Solo
The chords of the song, F, C, G and Am are all chords in the key of C.
So the song is in the key of C.
Here we'll play harmonica in first position and so will use a C harmonica.
For the solo, let's transcribe the melody of the chorus.
Here's the tabs:
4 -5 -5 -5 5
4 4 4 4 4
-5 -5 5
4 4 4 4 4
Note that these occur during F and C just like the melody.
10:24 - Hang On G, Then 16th Rhythm
A little bit of a rhythm instrumental break occurs after the third chorus.
First hang on G for two bars similar to before the solo and then strum the first chord of each bar in a sixteenth note rhythm.
I hope that helps learn Learning To Fly.
Let me know if there's a favorite song of yours that you would like to see covered.
Stay In Tune. Peace.
George
5 Pack Case of Hohner Special 20s
What do I like about the Special 20s?
Great Sound, Smooth Comb, Responsive to Bending - but not loose, Affordable. I play Special 20s more than any other model.
Hohner Harmonica Holder
The Hohner Harmonica Neck Holder fits harmonicas up to 7-1/2" long, has a nickel plated finish and fits any neck shape.
I have used a similar holder for over 25 years. This no-nonsense holder will work for you.
Martin Acoustic Guitar Strings
If it's been a while since you've changed your strings, you won't believe the difference in the sound. These are some excellent Martin strings. Need I say more? Totally affordable.
Nice lesson. I think I’ll try to get our aged group up to speed on it. Thanks – Norm
Sounds like fun Norm.
Thanks George, Starting to get the rhythm, thanks for adding the harp solo. Have you a harp riff for Petty’s wild flower.
John
Hey John. Rhythm can be tricky on this one.
I will have a listen to Wildflower and get back to you.
Peace
Yes, I’m locked into the rhythm. Attempting to master coordinating rhythm with the chord hammer ons. Thanks. Have you survived the floods to date? My daughter lives in Fernie/Hosmer. Elk river was spinning out of control the other week.
Hey John.
Yeah, hammer on timing can take some practice.
We haven’t been washed away but there is gas rationing going on. Grocery shelves are looking sparse.
Crazy times.
Peace Brother