“What You Give” Tesla guitar intro features one of the most recognizable and soulful acoustic intros in 90s rock. Whether you are looking to improve your finger dexterity or simply want to add a classic track to your repertoire, join Kevin McClain of McMusic Lessons & Performances in breaking this intro down into manageable phrases.
In this tutorial, we explore the nuances of the G-major based intro, focusing on the specific techniques that give it that signature “twang” and flow.
Key Techniques to Focus On
To play this accurately, you’ll need to master a combination of:
- Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: Essential for the fluid movement between the open strings and fretted notes.
- Slides: Used on the G string to transition between the A and B notes.
- Alternate Picking: Maintaining a consistent “down-up” motion is vital for the rhythmic drive of the faster phrases.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Phrase 1: The Foundation
The intro starts in G. A critical tip here is to assign one finger per fret. Use your third finger to play the low G on the sixth string, letting it ring out to provide a bass foundation. This is followed by a quick hammer-on from the open D string to the E at the second fret.
Phrase 2: The Chromatic Walk
This section introduces more complexity. You’ll work with an A# sliding into an A, while holding down the F on the fourth string. The goal is to keep the notes crisp while maintaining the sustain of the lower strings.
Phrase 3: The Slide and E7 Chord
This is often considered the most challenging part of the intro. It involves:
- The Slide: Sliding from the A to the B on the G string.
- The Shape: Moving into an E7 chord structure using the B and D notes.
- The Recoil: Sliding back down to the open position followed by a series of pull-offs on the G and D strings.
Practice Tips for Success
- Isolate the Phrases: Don’t try to play the whole intro at once. Master the hammer-on section first [00:54], then move to the slide section [02:50].
- Slow Down the Slides: Ensure the slide itself acts as the “note.” You shouldn’t always need to pick the destination note; let the movement do the work [03:54].
- Check Your Picking: Pay close attention to when you are using down-strokes versus up-strokes to keep the melody fluid [04:35].
Watch the full video below for a detailed demonstration of each finger placement and picking pattern.
How to play the intro to Tesla’s “What You Give”
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