Day 5 - Sympathy For The Devil
In this video
Another four-chord song in standard tuning, Sympathy for the Devil showcases the Stones' groove-driven approach and introduces some challenging lead techniques.
What You Will Learn:
The four chords: E, D, A, and B (with beginner-friendly B7 option)
The signature "ding-ding-ding-dong" rhythm pattern
Sus chord embellishments for added movement
The tricky sweep-picked opening solo lick
E minor pentatonic improvisation over the chord progression
How to use a looper pedal for jamming practice
The Rhythm Pattern
The main pattern is down, down-down-down, up-up-up, down-up, down-up – played with a twist of the wrist rather than big arm movements. The chord progression (E-D-A-E) is similar to Robbie Williams' "Let Me Entertain You," just in a different key.
The Tricky Solo Opening
The opening lick at frets 12 and 15 requires a sweep picking technique – up, up, up across strings 1, 2, and 3. This is challenging even for experienced players, but adding overdrive or fuzz helps the notes ring out. The secret is letting your fretting hand do more work while keeping the picking motion efficient.
Improvising Over the Changes
Most of the solo uses E minor pentatonic shape one with standard bends. The recurring rhythm motif (bam-bam-bam-bam) appears throughout. For the upper section, shift to the top of shape two around fret 17 for those signature high bends.
The Free-Flowing Approach
This is the last YouTube lesson before the website-only content begins. The goal isn't just to nail this solo note-for-note, but to be able to use these ideas in any musical situation – improvising and taking inspiration from the original while making it your own.