I’ve spent the last few weeks learning “Listen to the Music” by the Doobie Brothers at the suggestion of my guitar teacher.
It’s not a song I ever thought about much. I was familiar, of course, but it was sort of just one of those songs that was just always there, if that makes sense. In fact, it was so familiar that it was just part of the background noise of life. But I gave it a shot, thinking it would probably be pretty easy and then I’d move on.
Turns out, the song’s actually a gold mine for learning guitar. There are a number of great strumming patterns that are really challenging to get right (for me, at least!) and it’s been really useful to get my timing down with some syncopated sixteenth notes. It also has barre chords and triads if you’re working on those, and some really cool Hendrix-style licks in the bridge. Then the lead part offers a great opportunity to practice bends, hammer-ons, and pull-offs.
It’s also a nice one to have under your belt because it is so recognizable and you’ll probably find people stomping their foot and singing along, at least with the chorus.
Check it out!