Los Angeles Negros: Learn Murió La Flor On Guitar (Tabs)
Hey there, music lovers! Today, we're diving into a timeless classic: "Murió la Flor" by Los Angeles Negros. If you're a guitarist looking to add a beautiful, romantic ballad to your repertoire, you've come to the right place. We'll explore the song's history, its enduring appeal, and, most importantly, how you can play it yourself using tabs. Grab your guitar, and let's get started!
The Enduring Charm of "Murió la Flor"
"Murió la Flor" is more than just a song; it's a cultural touchstone. Released in the late 1960s, it quickly became one of Los Angeles Negros' signature hits, captivating audiences across Latin America and beyond. The song's melancholic melody, combined with its poignant lyrics about lost love, has resonated with generations. Its emotional depth and simplicity make it universally relatable, ensuring its continued popularity.
Los Angeles Negros, a Chilean band, masterfully blended bolero, rock, and ballad styles to create a sound that was both unique and accessible. "Murió la Flor" perfectly encapsulates this blend, featuring a gentle, swaying rhythm, heartfelt vocals, and a memorable guitar melody. The song's structure is straightforward, making it relatively easy to learn, yet its emotional impact is profound.
Why has "Murió la Flor" remained so beloved? It's a combination of factors. The lyrics tell a simple yet powerful story of heartbreak, using floral imagery to symbolize the fading beauty of a lost love. The melody is haunting and beautiful, perfectly complementing the song's themes. And the arrangement is clean and uncluttered, allowing the emotion to shine through. For guitarists, it's a fantastic song to learn because it's both musically rewarding and technically accessible.
Getting Started with the Tabs
Alright, guitar in hand? Let's dive into the tabs for "Murió la Flor." Before we get into the nitty-gritty, a quick word on tabs: Guitar tabs are a simplified way of writing down music for guitar. They show you which frets and strings to play, without requiring you to read traditional musical notation. If you're new to tabs, don't worry; they're easy to pick up. The horizontal lines represent the guitar strings, and the numbers indicate which fret to press down on each string.
Now, for "Murió la Flor," you'll find that the song is generally played in the key of E minor. This means that many of the chords and melodies will revolve around the E minor scale. Common chords you'll encounter include Em, C, G, and D. The song's progression is fairly repetitive, making it easier to memorize and play along.
When reading the tabs, pay close attention to the rhythm. "Murió la Flor" has a gentle, swaying feel, so try to capture that in your playing. Use a light touch and focus on creating a smooth, flowing sound. Fingerpicking is a common approach for this song, but you can also use a pick if you prefer. Experiment and find what works best for you.
Breaking Down the Key Sections
To really master "Murió la Flor" on guitar, let's break down the key sections of the song and look at the tabs for each. We'll focus on the intro, verse, chorus, and bridge to give you a comprehensive understanding.
Intro
The intro to "Murió la Flor" is iconic and immediately recognizable. It's typically played on a clean electric guitar or an acoustic guitar with a soft tone. The intro melody is simple but beautiful, setting the mood for the rest of the song. Here's a basic tab example (note that this is a simplified version, and you can find more detailed tabs online):
e|------------------------------------------------|
B|--------8-----7-----5-----3----------------------|
G|----0-------------------------------------------|
D|------------------------------------------------|
A|------------------------------------------------|
E|------------------------------------------------|
This short snippet captures the essence of the intro. Focus on getting the timing right and creating a smooth, legato sound. Practice this section slowly at first, gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable.
Verse
The verse sections of "Murió la Flor" typically feature a simple chord progression that supports the vocals. The guitar often plays arpeggiated chords or a gentle strumming pattern. Here's an example of a common chord progression for the verse:
Em C G D
You can play these chords in various ways, but a simple fingerpicking pattern works well. Try something like this:
Em: x22000
C: x32010
G: 320003
D: xx0232
Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to find one that you like. The key is to keep it simple and let the chords ring out. Focus on creating a warm, supportive sound that complements the vocals.
Chorus
The chorus of "Murió la Flor" is where the song really takes off. The melody becomes more intense, and the guitar often plays a fuller, more dynamic part. You might switch to a strumming pattern or add some embellishments to the chords. Here's an example of a chorus progression:
C G D Em
For the chorus, you can strum the chords with a bit more energy. Try adding a down-up strumming pattern to create a sense of momentum. You can also add some simple fills or lead lines to add interest. For example, you could play a quick run up the E minor scale between chords.
Bridge
The bridge section of "Murió la Flor" provides a contrast to the verse and chorus. It often features a different chord progression or a change in dynamics. The guitar part might become more melodic or more rhythmic, depending on the arrangement. Unfortunately, providing a generic tab for the bridge is difficult, as it can vary significantly depending on the specific version you're listening to. However, focus on listening carefully to the song and identifying the chord changes and melody lines in the bridge. Then, find tabs online that match the version you're playing.
Tips for Mastering the Song
Learning "Murió la Flor" on guitar is a rewarding experience, but it takes practice and patience. Here are some tips to help you master the song:
- Start Slow: Don't try to play the song at full speed right away. Start by practicing each section slowly and deliberately, focusing on accuracy and timing. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
- Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the original recording of "Murió la Flor." Listen to the nuances of the guitar part and try to emulate them in your playing. This will help you capture the song's unique feel and style.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome is a valuable tool for improving your timing. Practice playing along with a metronome to develop a steady, consistent rhythm.
- Break It Down: If you're struggling with a particular section of the song, break it down into smaller parts. Practice each part separately until you can play it smoothly, then gradually put the parts back together.
- Find Quality Tabs: Not all guitar tabs are created equal. Look for tabs that are accurate and well-written. Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com and Songsterr offer a wide selection of tabs for "Murió la Flor," but always compare different versions to find the most accurate one.
- Practice Regularly: The key to mastering any song on guitar is consistent practice. Set aside some time each day to practice "Murió la Flor," even if it's just for a few minutes. Regular practice will help you improve your skills and build muscle memory.
- Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a valuable learning tool. Listen back to your recordings and identify areas where you can improve. This will help you become more aware of your playing habits and make targeted improvements.
Final Thoughts
"Murió la Flor" by Los Angeles Negros is a timeless classic that every guitarist should know. Its beautiful melody, poignant lyrics, and simple arrangement make it a joy to play and listen to. By using tabs and following the tips outlined in this article, you can learn to play this song and add it to your repertoire. So grab your guitar, start practicing, and get ready to impress your friends with your rendition of this iconic ballad. Happy playing, guys!
