In this video
Here's an acoustic guitar tutorial for how to play 'Cannonball' by Damien Rice!
Damian Rice inspired countless artists (including Ed Sheeran) to learn guitar and write songs. Cannonball uses many classic acoustic guitar techniques that everyone should know - and not a barre chord in sight!
I advise learning the basic chords and strumming first. Then, learn the melody with single notes, the -try putting the two together to play the into on one guitar.
Cannonball - official music video
Cannonball - live studio acoustic performance
N.B. the variations on the main riff when Damian plays this song on one acoustic guitar, as opposed to the many layers of multi-tracked acoustic guitars on the official music video/ single version.
Cannonball - more recent live performance
Damian strums this song mainly with his thumb. I found it sounded better for me to play with using the nail of the first finger to strum. Try both - see which you like!
Enjoying this lesson?
Have you tried a course yet? There are many courses on this website covering all levels and styles of guitar, ukulele basics and even great guest teacher courses. Browse the courses now and let them take your playing to the next level.