Official Audio: The Upsetters Return with Django

“The Upsetters – Return of Django” is a classic reggae track by the legendary Jamaican producer and musician Lee “Scratch” Perry and his band The Upsetters. Originally released in 1969, the song has since become a staple in reggae music and has influenced countless artists over the years. In this tutorial, we’ll break down the elements of the song and show you how to play it on guitar.

The song is in the key of A minor, and the main riff is based around a simple A minor chord shape. To play the riff, start by placing your index finger on the first fret of the B string and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string. Play the open A string and the A string fretted at the third fret simultaneously, followed by the B string and high E string. This creates the distinctive syncopated rhythm that drives the song.

After playing the riff a few times, the song moves into the chorus, which is based around a simple A minor to D major progression. To play the chorus, simply strum the A minor chord for two bars, followed by the D major chord for two bars. The chords are played in a reggae style, with a emphasis on the offbeats, giving the song its distinctive groove.

The song also features a catchy melody played on guitar, which follows the vocal line. To play the melody, start by placing your fingers on the seventh fret of the high E string, the eighth fret of the B string, and the fifth fret of the B string. Play the notes in sequence, moving down the neck to the fifth fret of the B string, the third fret of the B string, and the second fret of the G string. This creates a descending line that complements the vocal melody and adds to the overall feel of the song.

Throughout the song, the guitar plays a crucial role in driving the rhythm and adding texture to the music. Experiment with different strumming patterns and chord voicings to create your own unique take on the song. Practice playing along with the original track to get a feel for the timing and groove of the song, and don’t be afraid to add your own flair to the performance.

Overall, “The Upsetters – Return of Django” is a classic reggae track that showcases the talents of Lee “Scratch” Perry and his band. By learning to play this song on guitar, you can explore the rich history of reggae music and develop your skills as a musician. So grab your guitar, turn up the volume, and get ready to jam along to this iconic tune.