The Real Way to Play Feathered Indians: Fact-Checking Tab Sites and Capo Placements

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The song’s introduction is not a separate solo; it is woven directly inside the D chord shape. If you lift your entire left hand off the neck, you will break the continuity of the pattern.

To execute the intro correctly:

1. Form a standard D major chord.
2. Lift your index finger off the 3rd string (leaving it open to sound an open G relative to the capo).
3. Pick the open 4th string (D) as your downward root bass note.
4. Pick the open 3rd string and immediately hammer on with your index finger onto the 2nd fret.
5. Pick the 2nd string (which is held on the 3rd fret by your ring finger), followed by a quick brush across the top three strings.
6. Pull off your middle finger from the 1st string (2nd fret down to open) and hammer back on to create the vocal-like lilt that kicks off the verse.

text

e|---------2---0h2---2-------|

B|---------3---3-----3-------|

G|---0h2---2---2-----2-------|

D|---0-----0---0-----0-------|

A|---------------------------|

E|---------------------------|

^ Hammer on G-string while sustaining D shape

The magic of this riff is rhythmic separation. Your pick must articulate the individual bass note on beat 1 before sweeping into the chord cluster on beat 2. Rushing this sequence muddies the melody.