Mr Sandman was written by Pat Ballard, published in 1954 and popularised by The Chordettes and The Four Aces (with slightly altered lyrics). It found its way into the guitar classic hall of fame in the same year when Chet Atkins played it live on primetime television. It later went on to become a big hit for Emmylou Harris in 1981.
I was initially going to tab out the Chet Atkins version, but as I started playing it I found myself making various changes, altering some of the chords etc etc. In the end I came up with something more or less completely different but modelled on his picking style. My version is also suitable for solo jazz guitar, without any of Chet’s (beautiful) single line sections. So here for your learning pleasure is my Finale Guitar arrangement of Mr Sandman, with free guitar tablature! I hope you like it.
You will notice that the second and fourth beats of every bar are marked as being palm muted. They aren’t in fact, instead what you do is hit them with a down stroke of your fingernails, giving them a good percussive “thwack”. This sounds really great if you have an amplifier or pedal with good old fashioned spring reverb (see Chet’s version for an example of this). You can also slacken your fretting fingers slightly straight after playing the PM marked notes. This will give them an extra staccato, percussive quality.
Mr Sandman – Chet Atkins style arrangement -download free guitar tablature
If you would like a hand learning this or want to know how you can create your own arrangements, then contact me today to book your free trial lesson! I teach via Skype, Zoom or Whatsapp so you can learn from the comfort of your living room. This is the safest way to learn during the corona virus pandemic.
2 Comments
Loved Chet Atkins’ playing. I will give the tab a go!
Nye, I think I would prefer the physical book format for your new book as it is just easier to handle a real book. How do I then obtain the, audio download?
I will order one of your diaries now as I have loads of guitar stuff on the go and I need to keep track!
Hi Brian! Yeah he was brilliant, unique!
Regarding my latest book, you can buy the audio download from this site- the product for it is here: https://finaleguitar.mystagingwebsite.com/product/irish-tunes-for-fingerstyle-guitar-audio/
If you are in the UK and you would like to order the paperback you can actually get it directly from me- it’s £20 but it comes with the audio included and free postage (Amazon’s is £3 extra). Just email me your address and I’ll post you a copy.
The same goes for the Folk Friend Practice Diary- I can post you one out with your book if you like. I’ll be releasing a video next Friday demonstrating all its features so keep an eye on the Folk Friend Youtube channel for more information :).
If anyone else is reading this and would like to check out the Practice Diary, you can find them here:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B087SCDL8S?ref_=pe_3052080_397514860