Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) was written by Sonny Bono and originally released by Cher in 1966. Also in 1966, Nancy Sinatra recorded a cover version of Bang Bang, featuring the iconic tremolo guitar part played by Billy Strange. This version of the song regained popularity in 2003 when it was featured as the theme song of Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill Volume 1.
In this lesson, the first of a series called “Iconic Guitar Parts”, you will learn how to play the guitar part of Bang Bang.
The song is in the key of F minor and roughly follows the chord progression of a minor blues.
Guitar Tabs and Chords
Checked out several different versions of this song. This is the only one that’s right. Nice job
Great stuff, I really enjoy it. Thank you very much, Dirk.
And another favourite of mine is your “take the a train” of Duke Ellington…
Correction, Wrong Jessica!! This Jessica was penned rock guitarist Dickey Betts
Hi Dirk, great lesson. Recently bought my first ever electric guitar, an Epiphone ES-339. Never before used a plectrum, this piece is really helping me to master using one. Iconic guitar parts is a terrific idea. A theme tune adopted for Top Gear, a popular BBC TV programme is Jessica by Herbie Hancock, performed by the Allman Bothers Band it has iconic status in the UK. The melody line maybe? Loving your web site on which you generously share you skills with your followers. If only it was around 40 years ago. Cheers!!
Great! More of this, please!
Great Dirk! I would like to suggest Albatross by Peter Green, a splendid tune for guitar!
Gracias Dirk, hermosa melodia. Saludos desde Argentina !!!
Thanks a lot!
My request would be:
Soft Machine – When I don’t want you (Jet-Propelled Photographs, Demos 1967)
your guitarsound is better than the recorded one, and I like that you sit on the back rest of your sofa….;-) The Shadow Of Your Smile, The Look Of Love, I’ll Never Fall In Love Again, (60’s cocktail-party stuff….)
Hi Dirk,
Bang Bang. That is great.
My suggestion is “Until its time for you to go”. Perhaps you could do something interesting with the descending melody line in 3/4.
Thank you.
Max
Hi DIrk
I would like to see some analysis of ‘summertime’ and ‘autumn leaves’.I try and play both of these but I need help.
I love this. It is certainly an unusual choice but interesting. Always been a fan of tremolo. How about Desafinado as a song?
Hi Dirk! How do you get the tremolo sound on the chords? Nikolai
Hi Nikolai! I use the built-in tremolo on my Fender Tonemaster Twin Reverb.
Very nice. How about “You’ve got a friend in me” by Randy Newman. From toy story.
Great, thanks!
Excellent. Very nice. Love Minor blues theme’s. Thanks a lot.
Can show guitars chords
To norman brown
After the storm
Nice work. I have a finger style of Willie Nelson’s “Crazy” I play. Would like to see you arrange that one for us.
Great
thanks
For Sephora from Stochelo. Thanks again for this lesson.
Nice song tip Dirk!!! I enjoy this arangement very much, Paul D.
Barney Kessel ‘s intro. on Cry Me A River and chord s as well. Much appreciated, love your site. Still wowrking on your Wes Montgomery book.
Hi Pauline, that intro is in my eBook about “Cry Me a River”:
https://www.jazzguitar.be/store/cry-me-a-river.php
Neat! Really enjoyed this lesson. Thanks, Dirk.
I would like to suggest “Rainy Night In Georgia “.
Great choice. I love this song – the lyrics, delivery, and the tremolo guitar tone.
Fine choice! And ideal for a Telecaster. Bring on the premium lessons. I will gladly pay for them.