Day 10 - Gimme Shelter - In Open E

Gimme Shelter's signature riff requires open E tuning and benefits from a tremolo effect, creating that haunting, swampy atmosphere the song is famous for.

What You Will Learn:

• How to tune to open E (E-B-E-G#-B-E)

• The three-chord riff: C#m, B, and A with signature voicings

• The picking pattern using arpeggiated notes with chord embellishments

• How the tremolo effect creates that haunting, swampy tone

• The verse minor pentatonic fills

• Standard tuning solo using C# minor scale

Open E Tuning

Open E means strumming all six strings produces an E chord. From standard: string 5 (A) goes up to B, string 4 (D) goes up to E, string 3 (G) goes up to G#. Strings 6, 2, and 1 stay the same.

The Signature Riff

The three chords (C#m at fret 9, B at fret 7, A at fret 5/7) use the Keith Richards shape moved up one string from open G position. The intro picking pattern: strings 5-4-3, then add middle and third fingers before picking string 3. This creates that distinctive arpeggio-into-chord sound.

The Tremolo Effect

The tremolo pedal oscillates the volume, creating a wave-like effect. Combined with reverb and a semi-hollow body guitar (Keith uses an ES-style), this produces the song's haunting atmosphere. The dynamics are crucial – picking lightly cleans up the sound, digging in adds grit.

The Verse Pattern

The verses stay on C#m (fret 9 bar) but add minor pentatonic movement using a flat little finger at fret 12 on the middle two strings, creating tension before resolving to the Keith Richards chord shape.

Standard Tuning Lead

The lead melody uses C# minor scale (not just pentatonic) – root, major 2nd, minor 3rd. This "Storm is threatening my very life today" melody can be played at fret 9 in standard tuning. Finding the vocal melody is a great way to develop solo ideas.