Black Hole Sun Guitar Lesson - Soundgarden

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Check out all of my Soundgarden song lessons in my Soundgarden playlist! • Soundgarden
In this video lesson we are going to take an in-depth look at Soundgarden's biggest hit "Black Hole Sun".
This song is full of rarely used guitar chords and some cool techniques as well. In this Black Hole Sun guitar lesson, we are going to learn how to play all of them.
First though, just as I state in the video lesson, you will need to tune your guitar to dropped "D" tuning (DADGBE). Also, the original recording is about a 1/4 step sharp. So if you want to play along with the original recording you will have to adjust for that.
The intro starts with a series of arpeggio picked dropped "D" chord voicings. These chords make a for beautiful and melodic chord sequence and really help set the tone for the rest of the song.
From there the verse is made up of a cool triad based progression played in the high register of the guitar. Here you will need to pay close attention to the phrasing of those arpeggio picked notes. It creates a very atmospheric sound along with the effects. This is also a great exercise due to the awkward chord voicings.
The chorus is similar to the intro but requires you to also play a maj-sus4 barre chord transition that can be a bit tricky.
The rhythm guitar part to the solo uses some cool hammer-ons and slides, but will probably be the easiest section of the song for you to learn.
I would put the level of this song at around an intermediate level due to it's awkward chord voicings and upper register triad usage. But I also think it would be a great exercise for just about any level player. Have Fun!
Carl...

[@Greentunic84]

From someone that learned how to play off KZbin..you have very quality lessons.

[@rotnmold7861]

This is FACKING!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@rotnmold7861 This song can be played on both acoustic and electric guitar.

[@mikeanderson1370]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 Funny...I thought that was pretty much EVERY song. lol The only difference between electric and acoustic is tone, and even that can be emulated with effects pedals. I've even gone as far as using electric strings on my acoustic, with a sound hole cover to help with feedback, and ran OD and mods through the chain. Aside from Black Metal or other similar genres...pretty much anything can be played on acoustic or electric.

[@MattRTGB]

@@mikeanderson1370 really lmao

[@Snotzalotz]

@@mikeanderson1370 well of course, they are both guitars, I think he meant more along the lines that it sounds as good on acoustic as it does on electric, not all songs transfer to acoustic and sound good

[@lukeo2982]

RIP Chris Cornell

[@chrisnogales3863]

Elon hace un año exactamente

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@chrisnogales3863 In English please?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@chrisnogales3863 Exactly a Year ago.

[@treevlogs947]

I like seeing this at the top of the comments

[@JamesBond-ml3zp]

@@RockStarOscarStern634 Why did he "HANG HIMSELF"? Too much Success I guess. "Children Starving and dying from Terminal Disease, Poverty abound, Homelessness, etc. "An EXTREMELY Beautiful SONG that ends with an EXTREMELY TROUBLED Young MAN who commits SUICIDE! "BLESS THE BEAST AND THE CHILDREN"!

[@john3music]

I been playing 30 years and I still love to learn new tunes. You helped me learn Interstate Love Song and now this. Keep up the good work my friend.

[@marlonbrando9522]

Chris saw this complete song in his head at 4am while driving in his car!!!

[@EvAn-tm3yb]

Fr?

[@asdasdafasf8169]

@@EvAn-tm3yb Yep. He mentioned it during an interview with Howard Stern on his show.

[@EvAn-tm3yb]

@@asdasdafasf8169 that's nuts

[@current3109]

The power of music is beautiful. You can hear an unwritten song in your head and apply it to the real world for others to share and enjoy

[@masonyoung7563]

@@asdasdafasf8169 I was literally watching this on my tv then saw your comment

[@Klaatu731]

I recently became reacquainted with Black Hole Sun, you are the first one I look for. Thanks for teaching me Seasons. Awesome job transcribing for anyone interested in learning.

[@davegrohl486]

Original tuning: D# A# D# G# C f A= 432 or slightly sharp Drop D

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Why not Drop D tuning with the Capo on the 1st fret

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@Jew Adolf Or use the A440 version:kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnPTo32opdGhj7s

[@themaczter9024]

HAHAHAHAHAHAH

[@JuanPablo-rr5dy]

Thanks!

[@joshuamarks1129]

🎶Wow! Only 74 comments after almost 4 years and a quarter million views?! It could be a vote of confidence that this song is so great and your lessons are so well produced that most viewers are totally speechless! Keep up the fantastic work👍

[@Yousrattitude]

This song is awesome.

[@sebastienauger787]

You wanna play along with the recording? Here's how: Set your tuner to A=435Hz. Then, tune your guitar to Drop D#

[@BrownElectrons]

thanks

[@topaez]

A= 450 Hz Actually

[@no-tabsadvocacygroup6570]

I'm afraid I just discovered something: you can play it in D# standard EXACTLY the same , even easier, than in drop tuning.

[@sergiocarabali2621]

How did you find out about the Hertz?

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@no-tabsadvocacygroup6570 You might wanna slap a capo on the 1st fret, or choose a recording pitch shifted to 440.

[@anthonyg7181]

Not even lying about the solo lol. I wish I could see how they recorded that beast. It has to be one of the best solos of all time. So insane

[@jhonackerman9624]

Thanks Carl. You helped me figure this out on the fourth anniversary of Chris's passing. A+

[@5tattoo69]

Awesome song and as usual a fantastic lesson. Just what I was looking for. Thanks Carl

[@pgalvezt]

And Nice Picture too :)

[@karlsingleton6115]

Interesting fact about this song: This to date remains the only song where the sounds Black Sabbath and The Beatles were successfully combined

[@johnkennedy51]

What?? Explain.... I hear nothing of the Beatles at all unless you are referencing she’s so heavy??? If so it’s a piss poor effort!!! I like this tune but in no way does it sounds beatlesesque at all!!!!

[@karlsingleton6115]

@@johnkennedy51 The guitar part in the verse sounds like "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds". And the effort is a COMBINATION of Beatles and Sabbath. Can you name a better combination of the Beatles and Black Sabbath on one song?

[@johnkennedy51]

They both contain some triads apart from that there are no similarities!!!! In my opinion!!!! And I’m not so sure how proud I would be to say I merged the Beatles and sabbath!!!! One band changed music forever the other ruined music forever lol!!!! But I defo defo don’t hear what ur hearing I hve a very eclectic taste in music from bands like oasis led zeppelin the Beatles NOT THE STONES Rory Gallagher robben ford Allen hinds focus..... the list goes on!!!! I hve been playing for 30 years but I defo do not hear in any way way what your saying!!!!! But each to their own!!!!

[@joseignaciovelazco2370]

The melody is “Stand by me”

[@jhonackerman9624]

@@johnkennedy51 Wow man . . . way to ruin a vibe. Karl is right. It's more of a feeling than a technical way of connecting the dots but if you don't get it, you're probably older than we are and didn't care about Soundgarden. All your references are great musicians and bands but Soundgarden definitely didn't "ruin music forever". They entered the conversation, added a few colors and passed it on. I love them.

[@cybrunel1016]

I learned this after 22 yrs from watching this vid about 3 years ago, then i forgot it because i'm getting up there, and don't play so much anymore, but here i am...again, re-re-learning from Andy because he did it justice, let's be honest. Thx.

[@annaweatherupmusic]

I have always loved this song and been way too scared to learn it on guitar. But I am giving it a go. Thank you for an easy to understand lesson!

[@nemesis8626]

How did you get on, it's not to bad once you get your head around around the weird tuning and barre chords

[@richardmiller191]

I know this is 5 years old but GREAT JOB! 3 video views at once, good teaching, not too slow or too fast. Some tutorials are so fast you constantly have to pause, and some are too slow and you get bored and turn it off!

[@weets69]

Dude great lesson break down. So easy to follow you. As a mid level beginner I was playing this and actually sounding close within an hour of watching this vid. I still need to work on it, but it’s so fun hearing a song I know and love actual coming out of my own amp from my guitar🤘

[@kingcheeks5402]

7:04 don’t mind me just saving my spot for tomorrow

[@marianofernandez4161]

Thanks Michael Keaton! really nice of you

[@mudwiser1391]

Great song, I've been playing it wrong all these years... thanks for hte lesson.

[@licksnkicks1166]

I love the triads in this song! They're ear candy! I love this song!

[@kalikbooking]

so goooood!!! it's just something about this song...

[@caloyjp]

best guitar tutorials on KZbin barnone

[@GuitarLessons365SongLessons]

Thanks!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@GuitarLessons365SongLessons Here's the 440 version:kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnPTo32opdGhj7s

[@gener2121]

Carl, Thanks for helping me learn this a few years back. I appreciate the new Cornell songs added recently.

[@jamieofalltrades536]

Awesome song, one of my favorite! I'm afraid to try and play for fear of ruining the way it sounds lol...I'm not worthy!!!

[@bartderijck172]

Great song, great band, great lesson.. I succeeded after aprox 6 Hours. Thank you

[@TheNetcase]

Carl you are so comprehensive. I learn so much from you, thanks!

[@skipmatsey7738]

Well done! This is the correct version. Drop D on the low E (6th) string. When the song was mastered the speed was changed. Hence the tuning difference.

[@TheRealSplexy]

huh, i didnt know that

[@juliocesarcoelho51]

Congrats for the lessosn. Great guitar... greal film and editing... great guitarrist... Thanks for quality.

[@johnnythunders5408]

Excellent lesson. Thanks. You hit all the high points.

[@pabloleoncastro886]

RIP Chris...

[@misterixman619]

thank you so much i love this song and playing this is like a dream come true thanks bro!

[@hoarcides]

Soy de Argentina y te cuento que miro tus tutoriales y que trato de sacar algunos. Estan muy buenos y sos muy didactico. Gracias por compartir tus conocimientos.Saludos desde (Ciudad.Comodoro Rivadavia) - Provincia o Estado. Chubut -Pais Republica Argentina.

[@jamesoneal6756]

This is a terrific guitar lesson. I really appreciate how well it shows me the shapes and describes the finger placement. The camera work also enables me to see what Carl is doing. This Strat also sounds great, especially with some distortion. What amp and effects, if any, are you playing through?

[@silviaeller3182]

Thank you for taking the time explaining. so easy to understand!

[@alfredosierra2612]

4:00 Verse chords (just saving for practicing)

[@taylorblackwood6147]

I'm so pumped to see your strat. I have the *EXACT* fit and finish on my american standard I bought last year, and the maple fretboard is just starting to get some dirt. Can't wait for it to progress towards yours. Great video on a great song, by the way!

[@revotrupin7477]

Thanks a lot. Great lesson!

[@gregsteffey1266]

Thanks for saving me some time!!

[@volodyaulyanov2886]

Alright Carl it’s been enough time. We need the solo now please, you’re the only one that can save us. Help us Carl-Wan Kenobi you are our only hope.

[@thefunnyegg-fe8lr]

use drop d tuning 0:10 intro demo 1:01 how to play the intro 3:32 verse demo 3:54 how to play the verse 6:44 chorus demo 7:04 how to play the chorus you’re welcome

[@rafaelgalvao6606]

Thanks man. Very good teacher, kept it simple and lógical. Thanks for your generosity

[@felixmartinmusic]

thankkkkkkyouuuu

[@inspectrgajit]

thanks for putting this together! nice work and so helpful

[@Cacatron]

Genius song.

[@barrypre]

Could you do 4th July with it's crazy tuning. Thanks Carl

[@razolandroullo9721]

thank u so much for this lesson Sir

[@jackussher4540]

Rip :(

[@swanie5326]

Hi, Carl. Thanks so much for all the Chris Cornell lessons. So sad to have lost such a talent. Would you comment briefly on the effects for this song? Sounds like a long reverb with a delay. Best wishes.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Glad we paid tribute to him

[@JeffCrowell11]

Great job Carl. Thank you.

[@RosnerParrales]

Great lesson man, thank you

[@GrantusM]

That was excellent. Thank you, Carl!

[@JasonVanDoornOfficial]

Thanks brother!

[@richardjones4080]

great lesson and by extension tribute

[@lr15v91]

8:44 This part killed me

[@ruslanhesenov6825]

Man, the explanation was not that good for that part. I did not get it, what he is doing, he does not only strum but picks too

[@alleygh0st]

@@ruslanhesenov6825 just a hammer-on, he said it too

[@bobayersquebec]

very good teaching tanks very much dude

[@msbluesman]

awesome lesson! thank you for sharing!!

[@johngreenwood1972]

Great lesson thanks chief.

[@vinvinnyproductions]

Thanks Carl!

[@MrAmar666]

Great as always ;)

[@omarvasquez2963]

This is a great lesson and your tone is amazing. What amp and distortion are you using? Thanks

[@viktorz4869]

Very good! Thank you!

[@markmarcus4947]

Man you are great, thanks for the lesson. Greeting

[@spanishcastlesinspace2899]

I need bigger hands to play this

[@aryanrao4190]

You've tried every breath you take by the police?

[@mellow8066]

Tnk u gl365😀👍

[@jstanph]

Would love to learn The Day I Tried to Live

[@owenrullo]

Why does the D string mute everytime i barre

[@treybeal9837]

U should make a video on framptons instrumental style

[@chrissimpson6701]

Your great!

[@matiasavilaretamal5105]

Great lesson! Thanks to Chile!

[@roncrandall]

Please give a lesson for "Garden", by Pearl Jam.

[@off-brand]

My pinky dosent reach that far💀

[@Notachancebub]

Real

[@inktea6768]

LMAOOO I WAS JUST THINKING THAT💀💀

[@Mahalati]

Cool song. Damn dude, you really look like Brandon Lee 😅

[@SeefdeeN_Oficial]

How do I search for this complete song but, with the same solo that you just played, instead of the original song?

[@Ziqohth]

great thank u

[@manuelpinto3051]

This intro makes me feel like I know it from other musics, but I don't actually know wich one though.

[@TurqSamurai]

maybe Heart Shaped Box from Nirvana both Kurt and Chris had beautiful intro melodies in alot of their music

[@Headwyres]

Tribute to Chris Cornell (1964-2017)

[@moamz9572]

Please do lost for words. I'm dying😭

[@peteirie1075]

get your money back for that English translator, cuzz.....

[@brillo_tv]

Could someone please tell me what the string notes are for the sharp tuning he was talking about at the start?

[@brittneypotter4791]

I tried to learn the first part and I just can’t. My hands aren’t big enough. I have tiny hands. I’m so frustrated. What do I do?

[@connoradams8564]

Any tips for that 1st to 3rd fret Barre in the chorus? Really struggling with it

[@neagoat]

Work on stretching your fingers from 1st to third

[@freepasscrossradio72]

cool!!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

There's a recording at 440 hz.

[@santososuwardhono7504]

What effect pedals are you using for the opening riff?

[@davegrohl486]

Chorus or univibe

[@christopherwest8230]

@@davegrohl486 I would go with the univibe because it has that more Beatle sound to my ears, jmho...

[@allancrow134]

I think you might need to alter your conscience a bit to capture the essence and inner turmoil of the guitar solo. Before you try that kids...first you'll need to get a wah-wah pedal. Seriously though, great vid and thank you.

[@ricodiaz8099]

RIP

[@mezzotonoduo]

thanks!

[@Brezzy350]

Hello Carl, I cannot stretch my pinky finger to eighth fret, what is the second fastest way I can play that part in the beginning? Please help

[@MatteoReyna27]

I just use my ring finger, a little late 💀

[@macoimoralina4708]

What pedal effects they use in this song?

[@jeff7764]

My strings don’t ring out when I go to bar 5 and and try to hit the low E on 8! Ugh I suck so bad. Please someone give me some kind of advice

[@ninetoedlizard6650]

You need a Chorus Pedal for it to sound like that. Some amps have either built in with a knob that gives different effects

[@jankashmiralliyahendrenal4969]

How to tune my guitar sharp when using guitar tuner

[@hannahferguson8876]

do yk if they used any effect pedals?

[@mcren6781]

Why is it that so many of these great rock songs are not quite in tune? Is it the instruments or pitch shifting done in post productions.??

[@Bruhskivibes]

Mc Ren sometimes due to analogue recordings being slightly warped in production, sometimes a stylistic thing (Like in for whom the bell tolls, guitars tuned to match the pitch of the bell). You could argue it's always a stylistic/sound thing however because if they didn't like it they'd fix it.

[@hammalammadingdong6244]

@@Bruhskivibes - Yeah, but it plays hell on those with perfect pitch. It always sounds off.

[@titorialiano2419]

How fcking hard the kim thail solooo

[@MrGabrielReale]

rip

[@tanksfrags3307]

Should the G string just stay I'm the normal G tuning?

[@alleygh0st]

drop d your low E dropped to D - everything else the same

[@librarysuicides]

I can't seem to keep my G string from sounding flat whenever I go from the fifth to the eighth fret.. Any tips?

[@jessemontano6399]

librarysuicides it's ur intonation

[@chadcoady9025]

Press the string harder, that'll sharpen it up, if it's not your intonation.

[@stringrock8238]

Slightly turn up sharp. It helped me.

[@New0rder08]

HOW YOUR FINGERS STRETCHING LIKE THAT

[@alleygh0st]

like what? those are normal human fingers

[@nicolasavila8218]

GENIAL

[@chad.youtube]

my hands are too small dam...