Vestapol

In this post I will look at the classic tune Vestapol. Vestapol is a country blues parlour tune played in the open D tuning. There are many variations of this tune and the one I will show you is a fairly short and basic version. Below is a video of me playing it, links to the tab, and some general playing advice.







Here are the links to the tab: Power Tab  -  PDF
 

Playing Advice 

  • The tune has an alternate bass picking pattern, alternating between strings 6 and 4, and between strings 5 and 4. This is always played by the thumb
  • The basic body of the tune lasts 20 bars. It repeats 3 times with variations.
  • It has three chords - D, G and A7. The only chord you will have to fully finger with the left hand is the G. This shape has to be made in bars 9, 10, 13, 14, 29, 30, 33, 34, 49, 50, 53 and 54. The rest of the tune can be played without fingering the relevant chord shapes.

  • It can be played using either the thumb, index and middle fingers. Or the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. I play it with the latter in this video. See this post for more information on how to use different fingers in fingerstyle guitar.
  • The tune is played at quite a fast tempo. I would recommend learning it at a much slower tempo.


Thanks for Reading,
Neil

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