David Bowie - Space Oddity guitar lesson

David Bowie - Space Oddity guitar lesson
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These intermediate videos are designed for players who have some experience. The songs will use full barre chords or complex rhythms. I try to present the chord shapes as they were played on the original recording. Information is provided on screen for both right and left-handed players!

Space Oddity is a classic song that many people want to learn to play, and then get put off when they realise how many awkward chords it has. I often had trouble wrapping my head around the way this song works due to the seemingly random chords, but in the process of working on this video and watching live performances of the song, I believe I worked out the actual chord shapes David Bowie uses and the song seemed to fit into place much easier.

Notably, the unusual (but comfortable to play) Em7 shape really works with the song. This shape is then utilised further during the guitar solos as it gets moved up the neck to create some very pretty sounds. Also, the very peculiar shape used in the G-E7 change towards the end of the song was something of a 'eureka!' moment.

I've not found another transcription that uses these shapes (I'd love it if somebody knows of one that does). Working them out really brought the song to life for me

[littletimmy]

Finally, a tutorial that actually sounds like the original guitar track.

[johnsavage]

This method is by far the easiest to follow along with. One of the best on youtube...Good job. Keep it up.

[gilbot]

I'm right handed but understand your videos much better than any others! Thank you for your awesome vids!

[ThePierrezx]

It seems so easy when you see it just like that, ... But is so hard in reality !!! Well donne, great performance. 😎

[ProckGnosis]

Never paid much attention to the chords before now. Interesting and well-composed song...thanks for the lesson.

[andrzejzieleniak]

Excellent! This is how Bowie played it!

[malcolmfreeman]

Best instructional guitar song lessons out there, especially for lefties like me. Thank you so much.

[CPaiva]

Excellent video concept! Left or Right either way just great ! Thank you !

[lorraewright]

Excellent. Thanks for helping an old Lefty.

[elliothyland]

Very, very good. Best tutorial on YouTube for this incredible song

[cowboygeorgy]

Thank you very much ! One of the best cover - lessons out there ! Thankee a lot again and keep it up !

[jubbaronny]

Excellent. Very clear and no bullshit.

[tonyn]

HI mate great video i was trying to watch how Bowie played the chords around the 3rd fret g to e7 and now i no. I've got to say that E 7 chord i find hard thanks for the lessons

[MrCromstantinople]

Great job! I know what I'll be practicing when I get home tonight.

[aruanamic]

your formate made it for someone like me who is a beginner to be able to play a few of the cords

[camillacct]

Thank you so much for this! I ve been searching for this chords for a long time. You re a very great player! Thanks again

[wendelheroup]

D DUD DU UD UDU



(just left it here for myself to remember)

[mirkorusso]

The best version that i found you . Is it possible also quicksand? I.have problem with some stranges chords in the song

[ruinedkng]

any tips for barre chords? I'm trying hard to pull them but all I always end up doing is hurting my wrist :( and those are the only chords left for me to play the full song

[Fadeypoo]

Excellent man!  Loving your vids.  Here's to us right brained folk eh.  peace