How to Play “Mama” by My Chemical Romance on Guitar
Guitarists, whether beginners or seasoned players, often find themselves seeking new and exciting songs to add to their repertoire. One such song that has captivated guitarists around the world is “Mama” by My Chemical Romance. With its catchy melody and memorable riffs, “Mama” is a must-learn for any fan of the band or alternative rock. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps and techniques to play “Mama” by My Chemical Romance on guitar.
Understanding the Song Structure
Before diving into the guitar tabs and chords, it’s crucial to understand the song structure of “Mama.” The song is primarily composed of two main sections: the verse and the chorus. The verse is characterized by a clean, melodic guitar part, while the chorus features a heavier, palm-muting riff. By familiarizing yourself with the song structure, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the various sections.
Verse Guitar Part
The verse of “Mama” is played using a combination of open chords and fingerpicking. To start, learn the following open chords: E minor, A major, and D major. These chords will be played in a sequence throughout the verse. Practice each chord individually, ensuring that you’re strumming cleanly and maintaining a consistent rhythm.
Once you’re comfortable with the open chords, it’s time to add the fingerpicking pattern. The verse typically follows a simple pattern of alternating between the first and second strings. To execute this pattern, use your thumb to pluck the first string and your index finger to pluck the second string. Practice this pattern while strumming the chords in the sequence mentioned earlier.
Chorus Guitar Part
The chorus of “Mama” features a palm-muting riff, which gives the song its distinctive sound. To play this part, you’ll need to be familiar with palm-muting techniques. Palm-muting involves lightly resting the heel of your palm on the strings while you strum, which creates a muted, percussive sound.
The chorus consists of two main riffs: one for the first half and another for the second half. To play the first riff, use the following guitar tabs:
“`
e|——————|
B|——————|
G|——————|
D|——————|
A|——————|
E|——————|
“`
Strum these tabs in a downstroke pattern while palm-muting the strings. For the second riff, simply repeat the first riff but move it up one fret.
Combining the Sections
Now that you’ve learned the verse and chorus separately, it’s time to combine them. The song typically follows this structure: verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, outro. Practice playing the verse and chorus in sequence, ensuring that the transitions between the two sections are smooth.
Final Tips
To master “Mama” by My Chemical Romance on guitar, remember the following tips:
– Practice regularly to develop your technique and muscle memory.
– Use a metronome to maintain a consistent tempo.
– Pay attention to the dynamics of the song and adjust your strumming accordingly.
– Listen to the original recording to get a sense of the song’s mood and feel.
By following these steps and practicing diligently, you’ll be well on your way to playing “Mama” by My Chemical Romance on guitar like a pro. Happy practicing!
