How to Play The Last of Us on Guitar
The Last of Us is a critically acclaimed game known for its emotional storytelling, intense action sequences, and haunting soundtrack. The game’s score, composed by Gustavo Santaolalla, features a unique blend of acoustic and electric guitars, percussion, and haunting vocal harmonies. While it may seem challenging to replicate the game’s soundtrack on a guitar, with some practice and patience, you can learn to play some of the most iconic tracks. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to play The Last of Us on guitar.
Getting Started
Before diving into the tutorial, it’s essential to have a good understanding of the guitar basics. Make sure you have a decent grasp of chords, scales, and basic strumming patterns. If you’re new to guitar playing, consider starting with some beginner-friendly lessons to get a solid foundation.
Choosing the Right Gear
The Last of Us’ soundtrack features a mix of acoustic and electric guitars. For a more authentic sound, you’ll want to use an acoustic guitar with a warm, rich tone. Look for a guitar with a mahogany or spruce top as these woods tend to produce a fuller, more resonant sound.
Chord Shapes and Progressions
The Last of Us’ soundtrack is characterized by its use of simple, yet haunting chord progressions. Focus on mastering the following chord shapes:
| Chord | Fingering |
|---|---|
| G major | 320003 |
| Em7 | 022030 |
| C major | 032010 |
| D major | 000232 |
These chord shapes will form the foundation of many of the game’s iconic tracks. Practice switching between these chords smoothly, focusing on clean transitions and a steady rhythm.
Strumming Patterns
The Last of Us’ soundtrack is defined by its use of subtle, introspective strumming patterns. Experiment with the following patterns:
• Downstrokes only (G – Em7 – C – D)
• Upstrokes only (D – C – G – Em7)
• Combination of down and upstrokes (G – Em7 – C – D – upstroke – D – C – G)
Vocal Harmonies
The Last of Us’ soundtrack features haunting vocal harmonies, often played on the guitar. To create these harmonies, try playing the following:
• Play a chord, then add a note above or below the chord to create a harmony (e.g., playing a G major chord and then adding the note E above it)
• Experiment with playing multiple notes simultaneously to create a sense of tension and release
Tips and Tricks
- Listen to the original soundtrack: Study the game’s soundtrack and pay attention to the chord progressions, strumming patterns, and vocal harmonies.
- Experiment with different tunings: The Last of Us’ soundtrack often features unconventional tunings. Try experimenting with drop-D or open-D tunings to add unique flavor to your playing.
- Use reverb and delay effects: To replicate the game’s haunting atmosphere, experiment with reverb and delay effects. This will add depth and space to your playing.
- Practice, practice, practice: As with any guitar playing, practice is key. Focus on building finger strength, improving your chord transitions, and developing your own unique style.
Popular Tracks to Play
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try tackling some of the game’s most iconic tracks. Here are a few popular options:
- "The Last of Us"
- "The Path"
- "Main Theme"
- "The Burying Ground"
Conclusion
Playing The Last of Us on guitar requires patience, practice, and dedication. By mastering the chord shapes, strumming patterns, and vocal harmonies outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to recreating the game’s haunting soundtrack. Remember to listen to the original soundtrack, experiment with different tunings, and use reverb and delay effects to add depth and atmosphere to your playing. With time and practice, you’ll be able to play some of the game’s most iconic tracks and create your own unique interpretations.