Mastering the ‘One Hand in My Pocket’ Guitar Chord Technique- A Step-by-Step Guide

by liuqiyue

How to Play “One Hand in My Pocket” on Guitar

Learning to play “One Hand in My Pocket” on the guitar can be a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced players alike. This popular song by the White Stripes features a distinctive guitar riff that has become iconic in modern rock music. In this article, we will guide you through the process of mastering this classic tune on the guitar.

Before diving into the lesson, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the song’s structure. “One Hand in My Pocket” is a three-chord song, consisting of the chords A, D, and E. The song follows a simple verse-chorus pattern, making it an excellent choice for those looking to improve their chord-changing skills.

Step 1: Get to Know the Chords

The first step in learning to play “One Hand in My Pocket” is to become comfortable with the three chords mentioned earlier. Start by practicing each chord individually, focusing on maintaining a clean and consistent sound. You can use a metronome to help you keep a steady tempo while practicing.

Step 2: Chord Progression

Once you are comfortable with the individual chords, it’s time to practice the chord progression. Begin by playing the A chord for one measure, followed by the D chord for one measure, and then the E chord for one measure. Repeat this pattern until you can play it smoothly and without hesitation.

Step 3: Adding the Riff

The distinctive riff in “One Hand in My Pocket” is played on the high E string. To play this riff, you’ll need to use a combination of fingerpicking and palm muting. Here’s how to do it:

  • Play the first note of the riff by fretting the second fret on the high E string with your first finger.
  • Strum the string down with your picking hand, then quickly mute the string with your palm.
  • Move your first finger to the third fret on the high E string and repeat the process.
  • Continue this pattern for the duration of the riff.

Step 4: Combining the Chords and Riff

Now that you’re comfortable with both the chord progression and the riff, it’s time to combine them. Start by playing the chord progression, then add the riff on the appropriate measures. Practice this section until you can play it seamlessly.

Step 5: Add the Verse and Chorus

The verse and chorus of “One Hand in My Pocket” follow the same chord progression as the rest of the song. To play the verse, simply repeat the chord progression without the riff. For the chorus, add the riff on the appropriate measures.

Step 6: Practice and Record

Once you’ve learned the entire song, it’s crucial to practice regularly. Record yourself playing the song to identify areas that need improvement and to track your progress over time.

By following these steps and dedicating time to practice, you’ll be well on your way to mastering “One Hand in My Pocket” on the guitar. Enjoy the process and have fun with this classic rock tune!

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