The Complete Acoustic Guide to 'Where Is My Mind': Chords, Strumming & Lead Riff
By James H. Sterling
Q1: Do I need alternate tuning to play "Where Is My Mind?" on acoustic?
A1: No. The song is written and recorded in standard tuning EADGBE. All studio versions, including live acoustic performances by Black Francis, utilize concert pitch.
Q2: How can I stop my hand from cramping during the barre chords?
A2: Pull back slightly from your fretting shoulder rather than squeezing hard with your thumb. Let the weight of your arm hold the strings against the frets, and keep your thumb positioned flat behind the middle of the neck. Alternatively, use a capo on the 4th fret to switch to open shapes.
Q3: What acoustic guitar string gauge works best for this style?
A3: Custom light or light gauge strings (11-52 or 12-53 phosphor bronze) offer the ideal balance. They provide enough tension for Francis's percussive attack while remaining light enough to execute Santiago's high-fret lead lines without buzzing.
Q4: How do I handle the iconic vocal hook while playing?
A4: The "oooh" falsetto vocal line starts directly on the downbeat of the E chord. Practice singing the pitch while sustaining a single strum per measure before introducing the complete muted eighth-note rhythm.
James Sterling reports on renewable energy developments, climate policy, ecological conservation, and green tech innovations around the globe.
