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 3-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

• Standard tuning solo using C# minor scale

Open E Tuning

Open E means strumming all six strings produces an E major chord. Tuning wise - Strings 6, 2, and 1 stay the same

Then, string 5 (A) goes up to B, string 4 (D) goes up to E, string 3 (G) goes up to G#.

The Signature Riff

The 3 chords (C#m at fret 9, B at fret 7, A at fret 5 – use your dots!)) use the Keith Richards shape moved up one string from Open G position. So, the index finger continues to barre, but the other fretted notes and shape is moved up a string

For the intro riff picking hit strings 5 then 4, then add middle and ring 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 (playing harder) in adds grit.

Standard Tuning Lead

The lead melody uses C# minor scale (not just pentatonic) – root, major 2nd, minor 3rd. Finding the vocal melody is a great way to develop solo idea!