How to Play “Open Your Eyes” by Alter Bridge on Guitar
Are you a fan of Alter Bridge’s powerful rock music? Do you want to learn how to play one of their most iconic songs, “Open Your Eyes,” on the guitar? Look no further! In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential chords, strumming patterns, and techniques to help you master this classic rock anthem.
Understanding the Chords
Before diving into the strumming patterns, it’s crucial to understand the chords used in “Open Your Eyes.” The song primarily revolves around the following chords:
– E minor (Em)
– A minor (Am)
– D major (D)
– C major (C)
Familiarize yourself with these chords by practicing them individually. Spend some time on each chord, ensuring you can play them cleanly and smoothly.
Strumming Patterns
Now that you have a grasp on the chords, let’s move on to the strumming patterns. “Open Your Eyes” features a mix of downstrokes and upstrokes, creating a driving rhythm. Here’s a basic strumming pattern to get you started:
– Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, down, up, down, down, down, up, down, down
Feel free to adjust the strumming pattern to suit your playing style. The key is to maintain a consistent rhythm and volume throughout the song.
Practice the Chorus
The chorus of “Open Your Eyes” is one of the most memorable parts of the song. It features a powerful riff that’s easy to play once you get the hang of it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to practicing the chorus:
1. Start by playing the E minor chord.
2. Move to the A minor chord, playing a downstroke on the first beat.
3. Play the D major chord, again using a downstroke on the first beat.
4. Switch to the C major chord, playing a downstroke on the first beat.
5. Repeat the process, alternating between the chords and strumming pattern mentioned earlier.
Adding the Riff
To make your playing sound more like the original, add the iconic riff in the chorus. Here’s how to incorporate it:
1. Start by playing the E minor chord.
2. Move to the A minor chord, playing a downstroke on the first beat.
3. Add a palm mute by pressing your palm against the strings, then play a quick downstroke on the second beat.
4. Move to the D major chord, playing a downstroke on the first beat.
5. Add a palm mute on the second beat and play a quick downstroke.
6. Switch to the C major chord, playing a downstroke on the first beat.
7. Add a palm mute on the second beat and play a quick downstroke.
Repeat this process for the entire chorus, ensuring you maintain the rhythm and timing.
Improving Your Technique
To truly master “Open Your Eyes” by Alter Bridge, focus on improving your guitar technique. Here are a few tips:
– Practice your chord transitions smoothly to create a seamless sound.
– Work on your timing by counting the beats and maintaining a steady rhythm.
– Experiment with different strumming patterns to find the one that best suits your style.
– Record yourself playing the song and compare it to the original to identify areas for improvement.
By following these tips and practicing consistently, you’ll be well on your way to playing “Open Your Eyes” by Alter Bridge like a pro. Happy guitar playing!
