21 Grams
Free audio download on SoundCloud.
I completely lifted my right-hand technique from composer, Gustavo Santaolalla. He effectively arpeggiates chord shapes by rolling through them with his fingers. This is a beautiful way to voice chords, and pretty easy to do with a little practice.
The best way to learn Gustavo Santaolalla’s technique is with his minimalist piece, Did This Really Happen? This song is from the film, 21 Grams; a 2003 American drama film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu (The Revenant, Babel).
You might also like to play…
(some very easy to play pieces by Gustavo Santaolalla)
The Motorcycle Diaries: Chichina + TAB
Amores Perros (guitar themes) + TAB
Gear Used
For this piece, I used my Cordoba GK Studio guitar. It’s a crystal clear and beautiful sounding guitar. You can find a list of my current gear here.
Spotify and streaming
You can find my personal music on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, and all streaming services:
The Intellimusica Spotify Playlist: Ethereal & Cinematic Music
(This is music that I’ve played and intend to play on Intellimusica. It flows beautifully — and additionally works as music for focus, meditation, and relaxation.)
How to play Did This Really Happen? by Gustavo Santaolalla
Did This Really Happen? is actually an étude; a short musical composition, typically for one instrument — that can be used as an exercise to improve the technique of a player. Gustavo Santaolalla plays the verse slowly, then the chorus utilizes some pretty fast finger rolls.
Each chord is comprised of 4 notes on 4 strings. You’ll line your thumb, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd fingers with the strings and pluck in succession. After a few tries it becomes really smooth and efficient.
On the fast bits — just do your best while maintaining control. Commit yourself to playing this piece 2x per day, for 7 days. You’ll be amazed at your results by the week’s end. Good luck, the guitar tab is available below:
Gustavo Santaolalla: Did This Really Happen? (21 Grams)
This piece is played in standard tuning.
