Deborah Chan
Paul Stookey, formerly of the ''60s folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary, wrote The Wedding Song (There Is Love) for his bandmate Peter Yarrow's wedding in 1969. The song was released on his debut solo album, Paul And, two years later and has since become a popular choice at wedding ceremonies. Stookey's fingerpicking pattern in the song has been a topic of discussion among guitarists, with some speculating that he tuned his 12-string guitar two whole steps down, while others suggest it was three or four half-steps down. The bass string is believed to be tuned to B or D, with a capo on the second fret.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Artist | Paul Stookey |
| Song | The Wedding Song (There is Love) |
| Tuning | The 12-string guitar is tuned down by two whole steps or by three or four half steps. |
| Strings | The bass string is tuned down to B or D. |
| Chords | X35530 |
| Sheet music | Available in the key of E |
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What You'll Learn
The song is played in the key of E
The key of a song is a fundamental aspect of music theory, and it dictates what specific notes can be played in a song. In the context of Paul Stookey's "The Wedding Song", the song is played in the key of E. This means that the song is structured around the seven notes in the E major scale, which are E, F#, G#, A, B, C#, and D#. Playing a major chord starting from the first note of the scale, in this case, E, will typically sound resolved, and this is often how a piece of music ends.
When listening to "The Wedding Song", it is highly unlikely that the song is played in standard tuning. This is because all the strings are tuned down by a major third. This means that the open strings are not the standard E, A, D, G, B, E, but rather are tuned down by a major third for each string. This contributes to the distinctive sound of the song.
To achieve the distinctive sound of "The Wedding Song", it is recommended to tune the bass string of the guitar down to D and then place a capo on the second fret. This will allow guitarists to play along with the recording. Additionally, it is worth noting that "The Wedding Song" is played on a 12-string guitar, which also contributes to its unique sound.
While the song is played in the key of E, it is important to remember that music often includes notes and chords from outside the scale. This means that "The Wedding Song" may incorporate notes and chords that are not within the E major scale. This adds creative possibilities and prevents the song from becoming monotonous.
In conclusion, the key of E sets the foundation for "The Wedding Song" by providing the seven notes that structure the melody and harmony of the piece. The unique tuning and 12-string guitar further contribute to the distinctive sound that has made the song a beloved classic.
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The bass string is tuned to B or D
The bass string is an essential component of any guitar, and its tuning can significantly impact the overall sound of the instrument. In the context of Paul Stookey's "The Wedding Song," there seems to be some variation in the tuning of the bass string, with some sources suggesting it is tuned to B, while others suggest D.
The bass string is typically the lowest-pitched string on a guitar, and its tuning serves as a foundation for the rest of the instrument's sound. In standard guitar tuning, the bass string is tuned to E, which is the same as the highest-pitched string, creating a sense of symmetry. However, in "The Wedding Song," Stookey appears to have used an alternate tuning which gives the song its distinctive character.
Some guitarists and enthusiasts have analysed the recording and believe the bass string is tuned to B. This is a whole step down from the standard E and creates a deeper, richer sound. Tuning the bass string to B can also impact the playability of certain chords and melodies, making them easier or more challenging to execute. This tuning decision may have been chosen specifically for "The Wedding Song" to create a particular atmosphere or complement Stookey's vocal range.
On the other hand, some sources suggest that tuning the bass string to D for "The Wedding Song" will help replicate the sound from the records. This tuning is achieved by tuning the bass string down from E and then placing a capo on the second fret. This variation in tuning can subtly change the tone and timbre of the guitar, giving it a unique character that differs from the standard tuning.
Ultimately, the choice between tuning the bass string to B or D depends on the desired sound and the specific requirements of the song. Guitarists often experiment with different tunings to find the one that best suits their playing style, the genre of music, and the overall atmosphere they wish to create. In the case of "The Wedding Song," the bass string tuning contributes to the song's overall charm and has intrigued guitarists seeking to reproduce its distinctive sound.
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The 12-string is tuned down 5 half steps
Tuning a 12-string guitar down by five half-steps is a unique approach that can create a distinct sound and feel for a song. This non-standard tuning technique was famously employed by Paul Stookey in his "Wedding Song", adding a unique character to the music.
When a 12-string guitar is tuned down in this manner, it involves lowering each string's pitch by five semitones, resulting in a deeper and more relaxed sound. This tuning style can be advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, it reduces the tension on the guitar's neck, making it easier to play and reducing the risk of damage to the instrument. This can be especially beneficial for 12-string guitars, which typically have higher string tension due to the doubled course strings.
Additionally, this tuning method can provide a more comfortable playing experience for guitarists. Lowering the pitch of the strings reduces the tension required in the fingers, resulting in cleaner playing and improved fingerpicking techniques, as Stookey demonstrates in "The Wedding Song". This style of tuning can also extend the life of the strings, as lower tension reduces the likelihood of string breakage.
From a sonic perspective, tuning a 12-string guitar down by five half-steps can create a warmer, bassier tone. This can be desirable for certain styles of music or when a guitarist wants to emphasise the lower frequencies in their sound. It can also help match the guitar's tone to the vocalist's range, as seen in the case of John Denver, who often tuned his 18-string guitar to C or lower to complement his voice.
While tuning a 12-string guitar down by five half-steps can offer these benefits, it's important to note that it may not be suitable for all playing styles or musical genres. Some guitarists may find that this tuning affects the overall tone and resonance of the guitar, making it sound "strange" or "flabby". Additionally, it's crucial to ensure that the guitar's neck can handle the reduced tension, especially with lower-quality instruments, as the top may pull away from the instrument over time.
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The sheet music is in E
Sheet music is a record of, a guide to, or a means to perform a piece of music. It is a written or printed form of music that enables instrumental performers and singers to perform a song or piece. Sheet music is in a specific key, and in the case of Paul Stookey's "The Wedding Song," the sheet music is in the key of E. This means that the song is meant to be played in the key of E, and the notes and chords written in the sheet music will be based on this key.
When reading sheet music, it is important to understand the various elements that make up the notation. The notes themselves represent the pitch, and they are organized by bars or measures, which are separated by vertical lines. The meter, or time signature, is presented as a fraction, with the top number indicating the number of beats per measure, and the bottom number indicating the note value or length of each beat. For example, a time signature of 4/4 means there are four beats per bar, and each quarter note gets one beat.
Sheet music also includes symbols and markings that indicate other important information about the piece. For example, rests are represented by specific shapes and indicate a pause or break in the music. Tempo markings, often at the beginning of the sheet music, indicate the speed at which the piece should be played, and can be indicated in beats per minute (BPM) or with Italian words like "Largo" or "Allegro."
In the case of "The Wedding Song," the sheet music being in the key of E provides important information for guitarists. It suggests that the guitar should be tuned down, with the bass string tuned down to B or D, and a capo placed on the second fret. This tuning contributes to the unique sound of the song, described as "flappy" and "chimey," with lots of compression and fingerpicking.
By understanding the key of the sheet music and the corresponding guitar tuning, musicians can accurately reproduce the sound and feel of "The Wedding Song." This showcases the importance of sheet music in conveying the composer's intended performance of a musical piece.
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Stookey's website gives details on the tuning
According to the website, the guitar in "The Wedding Song" is tuned down by four half tones, resulting in the following tuning: C F Bb Eb G C. This non-standard tuning contributes to the unique sound of the song. The website also mentions that Stookey uses a 12-string guitar, which is tuned two whole steps down, creating a flappy sound with fingerpicking. This tuning style differs from the standard practice of tuning down by two half steps.
Additionally, Stookey's website offers valuable information on the arpeggio picking pattern used in "The Wedding Song." It also includes chord diagrams, which can be immensely helpful for guitarists attempting to play the song themselves. The website's insights into the tuning and playing techniques not only provide practical guidance for musicians but also offer a deeper understanding of Stookey's creative process and the unique sound he achieved in his compositions.
It is worth noting that Stookey, born Noel Paul Stookey, is known for his versatile talents as an American singer-songwriter and activist. He gained recognition as a member of the 1960s folk trio Peter, Paul, and Mary, alongside Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers. Stookey has continued to work as a solo artist, with "The Wedding Song" being one of his most notable compositions. His website, noelpaulstookey.com, serves as a valuable resource for fans and musicians alike, offering a glimpse into his musical journey and providing specific details about his songs, such as the tuning and playing techniques used in "The Wedding Song."
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Frequently asked questions
Paul Stookey used a 12-string guitar tuned two whole steps down with lots of compression.
The song is played in the key of E.
The bass string is tuned down to B.
To get that chiming sound on the "there is love" part, use X35530.
