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"Human Nature" by Michael Jackson is an iconic song, and learning to play it on an acoustic guitar can add a new dimension to your guitar repertoire. In this lesson, we’ll walk through how to play the song, focusing on chords, rhythm, and some cool fingerpicking techniques. By the end, you’ll have a solid foundation to master this tune on your own acoustic guitar.
Step 1: Setting Up the Key and Rhythm
We’ll be playing this song in D Major. While you can use a pick, I’ll show you how to use fingerpicking for that smooth, melodic sound that fits this track perfectly. Before we dive into the chords, start by getting comfortable with the rhythm. For "Human Nature," it's all about creating a groove and feeling the flow.
Step 2: The Chord Progression
The chord progression we’re focusing on here is fairly simple, but with the right rhythm, it really brings the song to life. We’ll start with a G Major chord. The key here is to emphasize the rhythm and keep the beat steady. Here’s the basic progression:
You can play these chords open if you're more comfortable, but work on building a nice groove by plucking and patting the strings, which gives the song that signature vibe.
Step 3: Adding Dynamics with Palm Muting
Once you’re comfortable with the chord progression, it’s time to add some dynamics. I like to use palm muting to get a more percussive sound. This adds texture to the song and helps keep it interesting. Rest your hand lightly on the strings while you strum to create that muted effect.
Practice looping the progression with palm muting until it feels smooth and natural. Focus on keeping that groove locked in!
Step 4: Advanced Techniques: Pull-Offs and Accenting
As you become more comfortable, you can incorporate pull-offs to add flair to the melody. For example, on the B minor 7 chord, try pulling off from the B string to create a subtle accent. You can also accent some of the higher strings while maintaining a solid bass note with your thumb. This technique helps capture the delicate balance between rhythm and melody in "Human Nature."
Step 5: Working on the Transitions
One of the trickier parts is transitioning smoothly between the chords, especially when moving from F# back to G. Focus on making these transitions seamless, and feel free to slow things down until you're more comfortable.
Step 6: Practicing the Chorus
For the chorus ("Tell them that is human nature"), we’re going to walk up from F# to A. This section can be a bit challenging, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Here’s what to focus on:
- Play the F# chord
- Move to A
- Return to G to loop back into the song
Conclusion:
Playing "Human Nature" on acoustic guitar is all about rhythm and feel. Don’t rush the process—it may take some time to get the chords, transitions, and palm muting just right. Practice slowly at first, then gradually build up speed. Before you know it, you'll have this Michael Jackson classic mastered on your acoustic guitar.
If you've enjoyed breaking down "Human Nature" and want to dive deeper into your guitar playing journey, why not join Kerry's Kamp, my online guitar community where I personally help you become a better guitarist? I'm offering an exclusive 14-day free trial where you get a personalized curriculum based on your current knowledge, access to a treasure trove of on-demand lessons, and a supportive guitar community. Plus, with your membership, you get two live group lessons per week with me where you get real-time feedback and can ask questions!
Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Kerry's Kamp is here to guide you every step of the way. Sign up now and let’s make beautiful music together!