Outside Woman Blues by Cream Chords & Tabs - Duketrick

Tabs Analysis for Guitar

1. Musical Highlights

This guitar tabs stands out primarily for its intricate melodic patterns and rhythmic variations, particularly evident in measure 5 and measure 12.

In measure 5, the use of a hammer-on technique (noted as (B3HC4)) on the 3rd string, 2nd fret, creates a smooth transition between the notes, enhancing the legato quality of the phrase. This technique, coupled with a pull-off (noted as (B3PC4)) following it, presents a distinctive sound that enriches the melodic line.

Moving to measure 12, there is an interesting juxtaposition of sweeping and arpeggiated techniques. Here, the combination of downstroke (D) and upstroke (U) across multiple strings creates a beautifully flowing arpeggio that captures the listener's attention. The use of harmonics (B3G3Harm) accentuates this section, adding ethereal qualities to the sound. This unique approach in these measures exemplifies the dynamic nature of the piece, pushing the boundaries of standard guitar playing.

2. Performance Difficulty

The sheet presents several technical challenges, predominantly concentrated in measures 7 through 9 and measures 15 to 17.

• Measures 7-9: A sequence involving slides (B3SC4) and tapping (B3T) makes these measures particularly complex. The transitions require precise finger positioning and timing, as the performer must quickly navigate between different fretboard positions without losing rhythm.

• Measures 15-17: These measures feature rapid-fire alternate picking combined with muted strokes (x), demanding high levels of accuracy and synchronization between the picking hand and fretting hand. The intricate timing involved in coordinating these elements can be daunting for many guitarists.

Solutions for Performance Issues

To tackle these difficulties, it is suggested to practice these sections at a slower tempo, gradually increasing speed as confidence builds. Utilizing a metronome can help maintain steady timing, especially during the transitions. Breaking down the measures into smaller segments and focusing on repetitive drills can also be beneficial.

3. Practice Recommendations

To address the specific challenges within the tabs, targeting your practice sessions on the difficult measures is crucial.

• For measures 7-9, focus on the slide techniques and ensure you are comfortable sliding into and out of notes. One productive method is to isolate the slide and tap individually before incorporating them into the full passage. Practice slowly until your muscle memory is built, then gradually increase the tempo.

• In measures 15 to 17, work on the muted strokes, ensuring that you accurately mute the strings with your left-hand fingers while cleanly pulling off the desired notes with your right hand. Consider practicing these measures using alternate picking drills without the muted notes first, then reintegrate the muted strokes when you feel comfortable.

By dedicating practice time to these targeted sections, guitarist users can gain a deeper understanding of slide techniques and improve their overall dexterity and timing. This focused approach to practice will allow for a more polished performance of the piece, ensuring that the distinctive qualities of the composition shine through effectively.