To play "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room" by John Mayer on guitar, start by tuning your guitar to standard tuning (E A D G B E). The song is primarily in the key of C# minor/E major. The main chords you'll use are C#m7, A major, E major, with some B and F#m chords during the chorus. There are two common approaches:
- Beginner version: focuses on playing simple chords and strumming to accompany singing.
- Intermediate/advanced version: captures John Mayer's live acoustic style with thumb-over technique, specific chord voicings, finger hammer-ons, and melodic licks.
Key points to play the intro and verse:
- Begin with a C#m7 chord shape, integrating hammer-ons and double stops on the higher strings.
- Use a thumb-over technique for bass notes to allow intricate melodic details.
- The strumming pattern around C#m7 includes down-down-up-down sequences with mutes.
- Transition through A major and E major chords with complementary fingerstyle fills.
- Incorporate subtle melody lines within chord shapes, emphasized by hammer-ons on the 9th to 11th frets, and pull-offs.
For the chorus, chords shift with B major along with C#m and F#m chords, maintaining a rhythmic groove with fingerstyle. Many video tutorials break down the song in sections with play-along tabs, chords, and detailed finger positioning to help replicate Mayer's nuanced playing. It is recommended to watch tutorial videos and practice chord progressions slowly, gradually adding hammer-ons and muting techniques. A good resource is a detailed guitar tutorial on YouTube by guitar instructors who cover both acoustic and electric versions, demonstrating the thumb technique and melodic fills.
If desired, tabs are available on sites like Ultimate Guitar or Songsterr for step-by-step note and chord placement.
In summary, learn C#m7, A, E, B, and F#m chords first, then practice the thumb-over technique and hammer-ons to approach John Mayer’s signature sound in "Slow Dancing in a Burning Room." Start slow and build up speed and complexity as your fingers get comfortable.
