[Intro]
G C G C
E ----------------|-----------|----------------|-----------|
B ----------------|-3h5-5-3-0-|----------------|-3h5-5-3-0-|
G -2h4-4-2--2-0---|-----------|-2h4-4-2--2-0---|-----------|
D --------------0-|-----------|--------------0-|-----------|
A ----------------|-----------|----------------|-----------|
E ----------------|-----------|----------------|-----------|
[Verse]
G
Two A.M. through cigarette smoke
Cmaj7
I told my friends I was 'bout to head home
G C
Visa down, turned around and bumped into you
Em D
And back then, I didn't know your name
G
All I knew was that I had to stay
C G
And all of a sudden you were the only one in the room
[Chorus]
C G
Time stood still all at once
Cmaj7 G
All those neon stars lined up
Cmaj7 G
You leaned in, felt that rush
Cmaj7 G
Last call, first kiss, a little bit drunk
C G
Who knew two straight tequilas on a debit card
Cmaj7
Would wind us up right where we are?
Em D G
So here's to two strangers in the back of a bar
C G
Taking a shot in the dark
G Cmaj7 C
E ----------------|-----------|
B ----------------|-3h5-5-3-0-|
G -2h4-4-2--2-0---|-----------|
D --------------0-|-----------|
A ----------------|-----------|
E ----------------|-----------|
[Break]
Em D
A fifty-fifty it wouldn't work out
G C
We took a chance and look at us now
Em D
Let's throw one back for old time's sake
G Cmaj7
Feels like yesterday
[Chorus]
C G
Time stood still all at once
Cmaj7 G
All those neon stars lined up
Cmaj7 G
You leaned in, felt that rush
Cmaj7 G
Last call, first kiss, a little bit drunk
C G
Who knew two straight tequilas on a debit card
Cmaj7
Would wind us up right where we are?
Em D G
So here's to two strangers in the back of a bar
C G
Taking a shot in the dark
G Cmaj7 C
E ----------------|-----------|
B ----------------|-3h5-5-3-0-|
G -2h4-4-2--2-0---|-----------|
D --------------0-|-----------|
A ----------------|-----------|
E ----------------|-----------|
[Break]
Em D
Yeah who'd a thought a down-town Saturday'd
G C
Turn to the rest of my life?
Em D
Yeah, I guess sometimes good things
G Cmaj7
Do happen after midnight
[Chorus]
C G
Time stood still all at once
Cmaj7 G
All those neon stars lined up
Cmaj7 G
You leaned in, felt that rush
Cmaj7 G
Last call, first kiss, a little bit drunk
C G
Who knew two straight tequilas on a debit card
Cmaj7
Would wind us up right where we are?
Em D G
So here's to two strangers in the back of a bar
C G
Taking a shot in the dark
How to play "Shot in the Dark" by Cooke Ashley on guitar
[Intro & Verse Progression]
- The intro features an intricate picking pattern involving G and C chords.
Start by mastering the hammer-ons and pull-offs indicated in the tabs to
capture the rhythmic essence of the song.
- Focus on the transition between the G chord and the embellishments on the
C chord, ensuring that each note is clear and timed correctly.
- For the verses, continue with a blend of strumming and picking, keeping the
dynamic relatively subdued to allow the storytelling nature of the lyrics
to shine through.
[Chorus]
- The chorus introduces a Cmaj7 chord, adding a richer, more melodic sound to
the progression. This should be played with a more pronounced strum to
elevate the emotional impact.
- Strumming should be fuller here, with emphasis on the syncopation to drive
the narrative of the chorus.
- Emphasize lyrical phrases such as "Time stood still all at once" and
"Taking a shot in the dark" with a slight dynamic lift, reinforcing the
thematic elements of serendipity and chance.
[Breaks]
- The song features breaks that revisit the main chord progression and themes.
Use these moments to maintain the reflective mood, perhaps by returning to
a softer picking pattern similar to the intro.
- Pay attention to lyrical callbacks to earlier verses or themes, enhancing
these with your playing style to highlight the continuity and depth of the
narrative.
[Common Mistakes]
- Losing the rhythm in the intricate picking parts of the intro and during
transitions between chords. Use a metronome to practice maintaining a
steady tempo.
- Overpowering the vocals with too aggressive strumming in the chorus. Balance
the need for a dynamic lift with the necessity to keep the vocals clear and
central.
[Tips]
- Practice the hammer-ons and pull-offs slowly until you can play them cleanly
and at tempo before incorporating them into the full chord progression.
- Use palm muting during the verses to add a percussive element to the guitar
part, enhancing the storytelling atmosphere of the song.
[Song Facts]
"Shot in the Dark" explores themes of unexpected encounters and the serendipity
of relationships that start spontaneously but grow into something significant.
The song cleverly uses gambling metaphors and vivid imagery to paint a picture
of a pivotal night that changes everything.
[Artist Bio]
Cooke Ashley is celebrated for her ability to craft engaging narratives within
her music, often exploring themes of love, chance, and reflection. Her approach
to songwriting is noted for its lyrical clarity and depth, making her a beloved
figure in the realm of contemporary music storytelling.
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