I'm A Believer - Smashmouth Version

Here's a song for the beginners, the original version of this song (performed by the Monkeys) is even simpler as far as the guitar goes. Smashmouth to me are not renowned for there great guitar riff in their songs, but what they do use they incorporate well. For all you up and coming song writers, you should have a listen to the original of this song and compare it to this version and see how Smashmouth have adapted it.

Intro Riff

For the beginners: you'll most probably have trouble with hammering (represented by the HO on the tab) in the intro riff. To play it correctly you have to lay your 1st finger across the 5th and 4th strings and hammer with your 3rd finger on the 5th string. Make the notes flow evenly one after the other like this, 123123123123123 (listen to the midi). Most students when playing this song, play quicker on the hammer notes, so it comes out sounding like 12 3 12 3 12 3 (say this with a slight pause where the spaces are).

Verse

Even thought the tab looks a bit messy with the eighth & sixteenth note rests, all you have to do for this part is get the timing right (listen to the midi). The notes you're playing on the guitar are simple. Don't let the notes ring out, cut them short. Smashmouth uses this same style of rhythm in "All Star".

If you want a fuller sound for the rhythm, just play the chords written above the tab and put a standard "Down Down Down Up Down Up" Rhythm pattern with it.

2nd Half Of Verse: Repeat this C and G pattern another two times then go on the the D chord Below.

Chorus

On the second line third bar you have to play an "F Chord", this is a bar chord.
Learn about Bar Chords Here.

Solo

This solo sound very similar to the old "Safaris - Wipe Out" surfing song. Look up the song on the net and judge for yourself.

Tip: Make sure you use alternate picking. (Picking down then up)

Go Back to the 2nd half of the Verse (C and G chords)

End Riff

Same principle as the beginning riff, just extend it. The last group of notes will be a little tricky (hammer on then pull away, nice and quick), just make sure you get it smooth and flowing (listen to the midi).