“Megalovania” is not just a piece of music; it’s a cultural phenomenon. Originally composed by Toby Fox for the indie game Undertale, the track has captivated millions with its intense, energetic rhythm and memorable melody. Its blend of driving basslines, catchy riffs, and unexpected twists makes it a favorite among gamers and music enthusiasts alike. For beginner guitarists, learning to play “Megalovania” offers a unique opportunity to challenge themselves while having fun with a song they likely already know and love.
The journey of mastering “Megalovania” on the guitar is both rewarding and educational. It helps beginners develop crucial skills such as finger dexterity, rhythm accuracy, and the ability to interpret complex musical passages. While the song may seem intimidating at first, especially for those new to the guitar, breaking it down into manageable sections and following a structured learning approach can make it achievable. This article will guide you through every step, from preparing your guitar to playing the full song, ensuring that even beginners can successfully strum out the iconic notes of “Megalovania”.
Preparing Your Guitar for the Challenge
Understanding Your Guitar’s Setup
Before diving into “Megalovania,” it’s essential to ensure your guitar is in optimal playing condition. The action of your guitar, which is the distance between the strings and the fretboard, plays a significant role. A lower action makes it easier to press down the strings, reducing finger fatigue, especially during extended practice sessions. If the action is too high, you may find it difficult to play the rapid-fire notes and chords in “Megalovania”. You can have a professional luthier adjust the action or, if you’re confident, follow online tutorials to do it yourself.
Another aspect to consider is the intonation of your guitar. Proper intonation ensures that each note rings true and in tune across all frets. Incorrect intonation can make the song sound off-key, which is particularly noticeable in a well-known track like “Megalovania”. Check the intonation by comparing the open string note with the 12th fret harmonic and the fretted 12th fret note. If they don’t match, you may need to adjust the bridge saddles.
Tuning Your Guitar Correctly
“Megalovania” is typically played in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). However, some arrangements might require alternate tunings for a different sound or to make certain passages easier to play. For beginners, it’s best to start with standard tuning as it’s the most common and widely used. You can use a clip-on tuner, pedal tuner, or tuning app to tune your guitar. Clip-on tuners are convenient as they attach directly to the headstock and detect the vibrations of the strings. Tuning apps, available on smartphones, use the device’s microphone to analyze the pitch. Make sure to tune your guitar before every practice session to ensure accurate playing.
Essential Equipment for Playing “Megalovania”
In addition to a properly set-up and tuned guitar, you’ll need a few other pieces of equipment. An amplifier is crucial for electric guitar players to project the sound. For practice, a small, portable amplifier with basic tone controls will suffice. It allows you to adjust the volume, tone, and add some distortion if you want to mimic the edgy sound of the original track.
A guitar pick is also essential. The type of pick you choose can affect your playing style. Thicker picks (around 1.0mm or more) are better for strumming and picking heavier strings, while thinner picks (0.4mm – 0.7mm) are more suitable for delicate picking and faster passages. Experiment with different pick thicknesses to find the one that feels most comfortable for playing “Megalovania”.
Breaking Down the Basics of “Megalovania”
Analyzing the Song’s Structure
“Megalovania” has a distinctive structure that consists of several sections, each with its own unique melody and rhythm. The song typically starts with an intro, followed by a main melody, bridge, and chorus. Understanding the structure helps you break the song into smaller, more manageable parts for learning. The intro sets the tone with its catchy and somewhat eerie melody, while the main melody features the iconic riffs that most people associate with the song. The bridge provides a contrast, often with a different rhythm and set of notes, leading into the energetic chorus.
Learning the Fundamental Notes and Chords
The foundation of playing “Megalovania” lies in mastering the fundamental notes and chords. The song uses a combination of single-note melodies and power chords. Power chords, which consist of the root note and the fifth, are commonly used in rock and metal music and are a staple in “Megalovania”. For example, the song frequently uses power chords like E5, A5, and D5. To play a power chord, place your first finger on the root note (e.g., for E5, the first fret of the sixth string), and then use your third finger to press down the fifth (e.g., the third fret of the fifth string).
In addition to power chords, you’ll also need to learn the single-note melodies. These are often played on the higher strings and require precise finger placement and fretting. Start by practicing the individual notes slowly, focusing on getting a clean and clear sound. As you gain more confidence, you can gradually increase the speed.
Developing Your Finger Dexterity
Playing “Megalovania” demands a certain level of finger dexterity, especially for the rapid note transitions and complex chord progressions. Finger exercises are a great way to improve dexterity. Exercises like chromatic scales, where you play consecutive notes on the fretboard in ascending and descending order, can help strengthen your fingers and improve their independence. Another useful exercise is the hammer–on and pull-off technique. A hammer-on involves striking a note and then quickly hammering down another fret with a different finger to produce a second note without picking again. A pull-off is the opposite, where you pluck a note and then pull off to a lower fret. Incorporate these exercises into your daily practice routine to enhance your finger skills for playing “Megalovania”.
Mastering the Main Melody of “Megalovania”
Isolating and Practicing the Intro
The intro of “Megalovania” is instantly recognizable and sets the mood for the entire song. It usually consists of a series of single-note melodies played on the higher strings. To learn the intro, start by isolating it from the rest of the song. Break it down into smaller phrases and practice each phrase slowly, making sure to get the correct finger placement and timing. Pay attention to the rhythm, as the intro often has a syncopated feel, which means the emphasis is on off-beats. Once you can play each phrase smoothly, start combining them and gradually increase the speed.
Conquering the Catchy Main Riffs
The main riffs of “Megalovania” are what make the song so memorable. These riffs are a combination of power chords and single-note runs. To play the riffs, focus on chord transitions and note accuracy. When transitioning between power chords, make sure your fingers move quickly and accurately to avoid any gaps in the sound. For the single-note runs, practice them slowly at first, using a metronome to keep a steady tempo. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the speed while maintaining the clarity of each note.
Handling the Tricky Sections
“Megalovania” has its fair share of tricky sections that can pose a challenge for beginners. These sections might include fast-paced arpeggios, rapid string skipping, or complex chord progressions. When faced with a tricky section, break it down into even smaller parts. Practice each part separately until you can play it smoothly, and then gradually combine the parts. Use slow practice as a tool to build up your speed and accuracy. Additionally, watch video tutorials of experienced guitarists playing the song to see how they handle these difficult sections and learn from their techniques.
Adding Rhythm and Expression to Your Playing
Understanding the Rhythmic Patterns of “Megalovania”
The rhythm of “Megalovania” is one of its defining features. It has a driving, energetic beat that propels the song forward. The song often uses syncopation, dotted rhythms, and triplets to create a sense of urgency and excitement. To play the song with the right rhythm, start by clapping or tapping the beat while listening to the original track. This helps you internalize the rhythm. Then, try playing the song’s chords or notes while keeping the rhythm in mind. Use a metronome to practice playing at a steady tempo, gradually increasing the speed as you get more comfortable.
Using Strumming and Picking Techniques Effectively
The choice of strumming and picking techniques can greatly enhance the sound of “Megalovania”. For power chords, a downstroke with a firm grip on the pick can create a strong, punchy sound. When playing single-note melodies, you can use alternate picking, where you alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes for a smooth and even sound. Experiment with different strumming and picking patterns to find the ones that best suit the mood of the song. For example, you might use a more aggressive strumming pattern for the chorus to add energy.
Incorporating Dynamics and Expression
To make your rendition of “Megalovania” truly stand out, it’s important to add dynamics and expression. Dynamics refer to the variation in volume. You can play certain parts of the song louder to emphasize key moments and softer to create contrast. Expression can be added through techniques like vibrato, where you slightly vary the pitch of a note to add warmth and emotion, and bending, where you change the pitch of a note by pushing or pulling the string up or down. These techniques, when used sparingly and appropriately, can take your playing to the next level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning to play “Megalovania” on the guitar as a beginner is an exciting and achievable goal. By following the steps outlined in this article, from preparing your guitar to adding your own unique touch to the song, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this iconic track. Remember, practice, patience, and a love for music are the keys to success. So, pick up your guitar, start practicing, and let the world hear your version of “Megalovania”.
