Are you struggling to get the timing right on the iconic “Crazy on You” intro riff? This legendary Heart track, featuring Nancy Wilson’s incredible acoustic work, is a rite of passage for guitarists. However, most players hit a wall because they try to play it by ear rather than mastering the rhythm and counting.
In my latest tutorial, I break down the mechanics of this electric guitar lick intro to help you move from “guessing the timing” to playing it with total confidence. Read the breakdown below and then scroll down to watch the video below the text.
Why Rhythm is the Key to This Guitar Riff
The “Crazy on You” intro is deceptive. Because there is significant space between certain notes, “feeling the vibe” often leads to coming in too early or too late.
To play this at full tempo, you need a mathematical foundation. By practicing slow and counting out loud, you create a “grid” in your mind that allows you to stay perfectly in time as you increase your speed.
The Anatomy of the Lick
To play this efficiently, we utilize Position Playing. This means using corresponding fingers for specific frets to minimize unnecessary hand movement.
- Downstroke: Use these on the 1, 2, 3, and 4.
- Upstroke: Use these on the “ands” (the off-beats).
How to Count the “Crazy on You” Intro
Precision starts with the count. In the video, we break the rhythm down into eighth notes:
The Pattern:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
Pro Tip: One of the most common mistakes is missing the final F note. In this riff, that F lands exactly on the “and” of 4. If you can’t sing the rhythm (e.g., “Down, down-up, down-up…”), you’ll likely struggle to play it. Try “singing” the pick strokes first to build muscle memory.
3 Tips for Practicing Difficult Riffs
- Coordinate the Count: Don’t just play along to a metronome; count the beats out loud while you strike the strings. This syncs your brain and your hands.
- The “Slow is Smooth” Rule: We are all guilty of trying to play at record speed too early. If you can’t play it perfectly at 60 BPM, you won’t play it perfectly at 120 BPM.
- The Transition: Practice the moment the riff ends and the A minor chord progression begins. This transition is where most players lose their momentum.
Watch the Full “Crazy on You” Guitar Lesson
Ready to master this riff? Click below to watch the step-by-step breakdown:
Watch: Crazy on You Intro Riff – Rhythm and Counting
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