Hey music lovers, let's talk about a true gem: Television's "So Far So Good." This song isn't just a track; it's an experience, a sonic tapestry woven with intricate guitar work, evocative lyrics, and a cool, understated vibe that's pure Television. If you're a guitarist looking to learn this classic or a fan eager to understand its musical intricacies, you're in the right place. We're going to dive deep into the chords, the structure, and the overall feel of "So Far So Good" to help you unlock the magic behind this iconic tune. So, grab your guitar, tune up, and let's get started!

The Essence of 'So Far So Good': Why It Still Resonates

Television's "So Far So Good" isn't just a song; it's a testament to the band's innovative approach to music. Released on their debut album, Marquee Moon, this track encapsulates the band's unique blend of art-punk and post-punk sensibilities. The song's enduring appeal lies in several key elements: the interplay between guitarists Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, Verlaine's enigmatic vocals, and the song's cyclical, almost hypnotic structure. The song is characterized by its complex chord progressions, driving rhythm, and the dual guitar melodies that intertwine throughout the track. The lyrics, full of poetic imagery and a sense of longing, add another layer of depth to the song. It's a song that rewards repeated listening, revealing new nuances with each play. The use of open chords and the way Verlaine and Lloyd's guitars play off each other creates a captivating listening experience, making it a favorite for guitarists and music fans alike. The song's impact on alternative rock music is undeniable, influencing countless bands that followed. It's a song that is both accessible and intellectually stimulating, a perfect example of Television's genius.

From a technical perspective, "So Far So Good" is a masterclass in guitar playing. Verlaine and Lloyd's styles complement each other perfectly, creating a dynamic and engaging listening experience. The rhythm section, consisting of Fred Smith on bass and Billy Ficca on drums, provides a solid foundation for the guitars to soar. The song's structure is deceptively simple, yet the way the different musical elements interact makes it incredibly rich and complex. The combination of the complex instrumentation and the thoughtful lyrics create a song that has a lot to offer. The influence of the song can still be heard in many indie and alternative rock bands today. Understanding the song involves studying the chords and understanding how to play them, as well as considering the musical context in which they are used.

Deconstructing the Chord Progression: The Heart of the Song

Let's get down to brass tacks: the chords. The beauty of "So Far So Good" lies in its slightly unconventional yet accessible chord choices. The primary chords used are A major, D major, and E major. These are your foundational building blocks. However, the way they're used and the embellishments added make the song unique. The A major chord is often played with an open shape. This gives it a bright, resonant sound. The D major chord provides a sense of grounding. The E major chord brings a lift to the melody. You'll also encounter variations and transitions that add depth and color. Learning these core chords is essential, but it's equally important to pay attention to the transitions and the rhythmic nuances. The key to the song's energy lies in how these chords are played and sequenced. Careful attention to the rhythm and the transitions between chords helps in capturing the song's feel. Practice the chord changes slowly at first, gradually increasing the tempo as you become more comfortable. Don't be afraid to experiment with different voicings and fingerings to find what works best for you. Listen carefully to the original recording to get a sense of the timing and the subtle variations in the chords.

Embellishments and Variations: Adding Your Personal Touch

While the basic chords are important, the real magic of "So Far So Good" lies in the embellishments and variations. Television, especially Verlaine, was known for his innovative approach to guitar playing. You will find that some chords are played with open strings, creating a jangly, shimmering effect. Others are played with added notes and altered fingerings to create color and depth. Experimenting with different voicings of the basic chords is a great way to personalize your playing. Try adding a seventh or a ninth to the A major chord. These small adjustments can significantly alter the song's feel. Pay attention to how Verlaine and Lloyd use the sustain pedal or their fingers to alter the sound of the chords. Using these techniques can help you to recreate the song's specific sound. Another key element is the use of arpeggios, where the notes of the chord are played individually rather than simultaneously. This adds a layer of complexity and texture. Learning these techniques will help to enrich the song's overall sound.

Mastering the Guitar Parts: Tips and Techniques

Learning "So Far So Good" isn't just about memorizing chords. It's about capturing the spirit of Television's guitar interplay. This involves a variety of skills, from precise picking techniques to understanding the nuances of the song's rhythm. Here are some tips to help you master the guitar parts.

The Dual Guitar Dance: Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd

The interplay between Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd is a defining characteristic of Television's music. They rarely played the same thing at the same time. Verlaine's playing is often characterized by his intricate fingerpicking and melodic improvisations, while Lloyd's contributions provide a solid rhythmic foundation and often act as a counterpoint to Verlaine's melodies. When learning the song, it's essential to understand who plays what. Try to identify the lead and rhythm parts. If you're playing with another guitarist, collaborate to recreate this dual guitar dynamic. Learn both parts, even if you are only playing one. That will enhance your understanding of the song. Understanding how the guitar parts interact will help you appreciate the complexity of the song. Watch live performances or videos to study how they interacted with each other. This will give you insights on their styles.

Precision Picking and Rhythmic Accuracy

Accurate and precise picking is essential for capturing the song's essence. Verlaine was known for his clean and articulate playing. Practice your picking technique by focusing on the consistency of the strokes. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo. Use a metronome to maintain rhythmic accuracy. Pay close attention to the song's rhythm. The combination of a strong, driving rhythm section and the intricate guitar parts creates a compelling listening experience. Practicing with a metronome is essential. It's one of the best ways to improve your rhythmic accuracy. Listen carefully to the drum parts to align with your guitar playing. This will allow you to stay in time with the song.

Breaking Down the Song's Structure: Verse, Chorus, and Beyond

"So Far So Good" isn't a typical verse-chorus structure. It's more cyclical, with different sections and variations that build and release tension. Understanding the song's structure is key to mastering it. Let's break down the main sections.

The Intro and Verses: Setting the Stage

The song starts with a distinctive guitar intro. The intro sets the mood and introduces the main chords. The verses build on the intro with Verlaine's vocals. The vocals are often more spoken than sung. The guitars' rhythm plays a key role, creating a hypnotic effect. Focus on the guitar parts during the intro and the verses. Practice transitioning from the intro to the verses seamlessly. Listen carefully to the song's changes to understand the different sections. Focus on the transitions between the parts.

The Chorus and Instrumental Breaks: Building Intensity

The chorus sections are where the song's energy is amplified. The guitar playing becomes more intense, with Lloyd and Verlaine intertwining their melodies. The instrumental breaks feature extended guitar solos, showcasing Verlaine's improvisational skills. Pay attention to the transitions between the verse and chorus. Practice the guitar parts during the chorus and instrumental breaks. Understanding the interplay between Verlaine and Lloyd during the instrumental breaks is key to the song. Work on your improvisational skills to capture the feel of the song.

Tips for Practice and Performance: Bringing It All Together

So, you've learned the chords, the structure, and the techniques. Now, it's time to bring it all together. Here are some tips for practicing and performing "So Far So Good."

Practice Strategies: Making the Most of Your Time

• Start Slow: Begin by practicing the chords and transitions slowly. Accuracy is more important than speed. Gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. Use a metronome to keep time. Break the song down into sections. Focus on mastering each section before moving on. Isolate the difficult parts. Then, focus on those specific parts to improve your performance. Focus on the nuances. This will help you to capture the song's unique feel.
• Listen Actively: Regularly listen to the original recording. Pay close attention to the guitar parts, the vocals, and the rhythm section. Try to identify the key elements of the song. This will help you in your practice sessions.
• Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. Listen back to your performance. Identify areas where you need improvement. This will allow you to track your progress and highlight the parts where you need more practice.

Performance Tips: Capturing the Vibe

• Dynamics: Pay attention to the song's dynamics. The song is not just a song to play loudly. Using dynamics helps build up the song's energy. Vary your volume and intensity to add interest. The song needs contrast between quiet and louder sections.
• Feel: Try to capture the song's unique feel. Television's music has a cool and understated quality. Don't overplay the parts. Capture Verlaine's vocal style. Use the same pace, and don't rush. The use of pauses can enhance the song.
• Rehearse with Others: If possible, rehearse with other musicians. Performing the song with a group will enrich your performance and make the song feel better. If you have the chance, try to work with a drummer and a bass player. Working with the other musicians will enhance the song.

Conclusion: Your Journey into the World of Television

Learning "So Far So Good" is a rewarding experience for any guitarist. It offers a chance to dive into the musical genius of Television, to master complex guitar parts, and to appreciate the unique blend of art-punk and post-punk. By following these tips and practicing diligently, you'll be well on your way to playing this iconic song. Keep practicing, keep listening, and keep enjoying the journey. Happy playing, and rock on!