, , Transcription – Townes Van Zandt “Dead Flowers”

Townes Van Zandt “Dead Flowers” – Video + TAB + Music Notation

One of the best ways to learn how to improvise is to start by transcribing solos. Learning by ear is the preferred method, and while it is not necessary to actually write down the solo with rhythmic notation that helps as well. It can be a painstaking process, but it will strengthen your rhythmic foundation and give you greater insight into the creative choices the soloist makes.

A student of mine came to a lesson several months ago wanting to learn ‘Dead Flowers’ by Townes Van Zandt. Originally performed by The Rolling Stones, the TVZ version is a whole step lower in the key of C and fully acoustic. It is hard at times to tell the guitars apart, but I managed to pick out the notes for the solo and transcribed them in the video below. You can also click here for the transcription on Soundslice. There are some great double-stops, slides, cross-picking, and rhythmic variety throughout.

Keep Shedding!
Parker