• From: Nova Scotia
  • Registered: 2008-01-05
  • Posts: 21

Topic: hello in there

i have been playing for almost 2 years, and have always loved this song by John Prine,  I would love to teach myself how to play this properly, but have no idea how to start,  i don't know what fingers to use and which strings to pick when.  I have watched you tube videos on this but i find everyone goes much too fast.  could someone write me in plain english what fingers too use on what strings for which chord.  i know it sounds like a long torturous way to learn but i need help,  Anybody???? i have printed off the lyrics with chords.  gcd

  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,662

Re: hello in there

http://www.chordie.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=12083

Give everything but up.
  • From: Hendersonville, NC USA
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 2,521

Re: hello in there

I think this is what you are looking for. It is not specific for the song Hello in There but it is a teaching lesson on how to play like John Prine. The gentleman explains John Prine's playing style pretty good in my opinion. Hope it helps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLnEiezQ … r_embedded

J  E  T  S
...and yet a Washington Commanders fan (unless they change their name again) ...long story...HTT...C

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  • wlbaye
  • Honoured Member
  • Offline
  • From: Black Hills So Dak
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 1,284

Re: hello in there

I don't know if this will help but most Prine songs are in 4/4 timing  and that means 4 beats per measure. On from there you will need to use your thumb on the 1 beat and the 3 beat and your fingers do the 2 and 4 beats. This means your thumb has to alternate between beats.
  Your thumb is alternating between beats and instead of hitting the same note with your thumb alternate between the top 2 bass notes of each chord with your thumb.
   If you get your thumb working you can use your index finger between the beats or use thumb, index, thumb,middle.
John usually just uses his thumb and index.
  When I started I just fretted a D chord and never worried about any chord changes and just worked on the pattern I wanted to get down. After a few hours you will get it then its on to chord changes.

Later, Wayne P

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