"Sad Tomorrow" by The Muffs

[TelZilla]

RIP Kim Shattuck- Great songwriter, gone too soon...

Classic 90s powerpop tune


So the intro is some variation of G-C-D-G-D, but I'm trying to figure out the voicings. Take a listen and tell me what you would play, Particularly for the C and D
~I think the G sounds like what I call a "rock n roll G" (low to high 3-2-0-0-3-3)
~I've been playing the C as what I think is a Cadd9 (low to high X-3-2-0-3-3)
~For the D I've been playing the open A but not the third - The "AC/DC D"(low to high X-0-0-2-3-x)

What do you hear? Thanks!

 

[Heartbreaker_Esq]

I have nothing* to add here, since I've never been good at trying to figure stuff out by ear like this. But if you say "90s powerpop" anywhere within earshot, I magically appear. I've heard a few tunes by the Muffs over the years, but I've never gone deep with them and I don't think I've heard this song before. It has now been added to my (very long) powerpop playlist on Spotify. So thanks!

*The only thing I'll add is that my own personal "rock n roll G" mutes the A string, so is just played (low to high 3-x-0-0-3-3). Maybe give that a shot and see if it gets you closer to the sound you're looking for? Otherwise, if I were trying it on my own, I would probably play the Cadd9 and "AC/DC D" the same way you are.

 

[JDB2]

~I think the G sounds like what I call a "rock n roll G" (low to high 3-2-0-0-3-3)
~I've been playing the C as what I think is a Cadd9 (low to high X-3-2-0-3-3)
~For the D I've been playing the open A but not the third - The "AC/DC D"(low to high X-0-0-2-3-x)

Agree as to the G.
Agree as to the C.
The D sounds like a straight cowboy D to me.
During the second half of the chorus I think she switches to root+5th power chords for a few of the chords.

Great punk-rock use of open chord voicings supporting skillful songwriting.

I love that band.

 

[TelZilla]

I have nothing* to add here, since I've never been good at trying to figure stuff out by ear like this. But if you say "90s powerpop" anywhere within earshot, I magically appear. I've heard a few tunes by the Muffs over the years, but I've never gone deep with them and I don't think I've heard this song before. It has now been added to my (very long) powerpop playlist on Spotify. So thanks!

*The only thing I'll add is that my own personal "rock n roll G" mutes the A string, so is just played (low to high 3-x-0-0-3-3). Maybe give that a shot and see if it gets you closer to the sound you're looking for? Otherwise, if I were trying it on my own, I would probably play the Cadd9 and "AC/DC D" the same way you are.

The Muffs are great. “Bed of Roses” ( might be “layin on a bed of roses”) is another standout but there are tons of great ones

I think of the G you described as a “Pete Townshend G”- thumb over the top to get that G on the third fret. Weird how you fall into shorthand. I’ve been n bands with my brother for years- “just do the Ronnie Wood bend”, “just do some Albert King”, etc.

 

[soul-o]

I’m so glad I got to see them live. Kim was a really special talent and a total badass on stage.

 

[TelZilla]

I’m so glad I got to see them live. Kim was a really special talent and a total badass on stage.

Never got to see them. There are a couple of early club shows (and I think even some practice footage) on YouTube. Sweaty, raw rock n roll. 1995 was cool.

 

[johnny k]

I don't think i would try to get it perfectly right, but try to play it with the right energy. It is like playing mojo nixon. it is more the attitude than the notes.

 

[TelZilla]

I don't think i would try to get it perfectly right, but try to play it with the right energy. It is like playing mojo nixon. it is more the attitude than the notes.

On this forum it’s kinda about the notes…

 

[johnny k]

On this forum it’s kinda about the notes…

well that would be my take on it. Just like for the ramones, i wouldn't bother playing it note for note.
But you have got the right to play it right !

 

[TelZilla]

well that would be my take on it. Just like for the ramones, i wouldn't bother playing it note for note.
But you have got the right to play it right !

Oh I got what you are saying. I was making a "joke"(not really a funny one..) about the fact that this forum is called "Tab, Tips, Theory and Technique"

If you asked Johnny Ramone whether he played an add9 chord, he'd probably punch you in the face

 

[Arfage]

RIP Kim Shattuck- Great songwriter, gone too soon...

Classic 90s powerpop tune


So the intro is some variation of G-C-D-G-D, but I'm trying to figure out the voicings. Take a listen and tell me what you would play, Particularly for the C and D
~I think the G sounds like what I call a "rock n roll G" (low to high 3-2-0-0-3-3)
~I've been playing the C as what I think is a Cadd9 (low to high X-3-2-0-3-3)
~For the D I've been playing the open A but not the third - The "AC/DC D"(low to high X-0-0-2-3-x)

What do you hear? Thanks!

OMG I loved her so much....totally wanted to have her babies. Her image, songs, attitude, bone crunching guitar playing and of course the singing, all done with a great sense of humor added. As illustrated here, her chords were not nearly as simple as they seemed on the surface. Ronnie Barnett and Roy MacDonald are one of rock's great rhythm sections. I'm so happy you folks are giving her this kind of attention.