Its Not Unusual by Tom Jones Chords & Tabs - Chadwylde

Detailed Tabs Analysis of "Tom's Voice" Guitar Piece

Musical Appreciation:

This tabs presents a complex interplay of harmonics and techniques that elevate its musicality. Notably, sections 12-13 showcase the use of double stops (playing two strings simultaneously) at the 8th and 10th frets on the 5th and 6th strings, creating a lush harmonic texture. The crescendo effect built through sweeping chords (D and U strokes) in measures 14 and 18, particularly at the 10th fret, adds a dynamic contrast, making these sections stand out within the piece.

The transition between single notes and chords, particularly in measures 30, 32, and 70, highlights the rhythmic complexity and melodic contour. These measures utilize a combination of hammer-ons and pull-offs that enrich the melodic line, showcasing the player's technical dexterity.

Performance Challenges:

Several challenging techniques are present throughout the piece:

1. Measures 12-13: The transition from harmonic double stops to single notes is demanding, requiring precise finger placement and timing to maintain clarity.
2. Measure 18: The rapid alternation between notes at the 10th and 12th frets requires smooth finger movement and synchronized picking techniques to achieve a polished sound.
3. Measures 70-76: The continuous use of rhythmic variation through chords and single notes, coupled with dynamics, can be tricky for players not accustomed to rapid shifts between techniques.

Problem Areas:

• Measures 12-15 and 30-36 possess densely packed notes, demanding robust finger agility and coordination. Players may often struggle with maintaining a steady tempo while executing complex finger patterns.
• The sweeping motions in measures such as 14 and 31, particularly with mixed directions (D and U), can also present difficulty in achieving fluid transitions.

Practice Recommendations:

To effectively tackle the performance challenges identified, consider the following strategies:

1. Slow Practice:

   • Focus on measures 12-15 and 30-36 at a slower tempo, gradually increasing speed while emphasizing clarity. Breaking down these measures into smaller segments can help.
   • For complex passages, isolate the hammer-ons and pull-offs in order to develop muscle memory before integrating them back into the full melodic line.

2. Fingering Consistency:

   • Utilize consistent finger placements for the double stops in measures 12 and 13. Repetition will help in solidifying these patterns in the player's memory.
   • For transitions around the 10th fret, practice finger shifts without producing sound initially to ensure smooth movement.

3. Dynamic Control:

   • Work on dynamics as indicated in measures 14-18. Start with a clean attack on the notes and then apply various dynamics, ensuring the ability to expressively shape phrases while maintaining technical accuracy.

4. Rhythmic Clarity:

   • Apply a metronome while practicing sections with rhythmic complexities. Position the beats to match the sweeping techniques required in measures such as 14 and 31 to build timing consistency.

By focusing on these specific areas, players can significantly improve their mastery over the complex techniques present in "Tom's Voice," enriching both their performance and overall musicianship. The piece serves as an excellent tool for developing advanced guitar techniques, harmonization skills, and dynamic expression.