Mary Jane’s Last Dance | Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers | Cover | The Ronnie Landers Band

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through playing "Mary Jane’s Last Dance" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers on guitar. You'll learn the chords, structure, and some practical tips for mastering the song. Whether you're a beginner or looking to brush up on your skills, this step-by-step guide will help you play this classic with confidence.

Step 1: Familiarize Yourself with the Chords

Start by learning the main chords used in the song. The primary chords are:

• Am
• G
• D
• Em7
• A

Chord Shapes

• Am:

e|---0---
B|---1---
G|---2---
D|---2---
A|---0---
E|-------

• G:

e|---3---
B|---3---
G|---0---
D|---0---
A|---2---
E|---3---

• D:

e|---2---
B|---3---
G|---2---
D|---0---
A|-------
E|-------

• Em7:

e|---0---
B|---3---
G|---0---
D|---2---
A|---2---
E|-------

• A:

e|---0---
B|---2---
G|---2---
D|---2---
A|---0---
E|-------

Step 2: Understand the Song Structure

The song follows a specific structure that you should familiarize yourself with:

1. Verse:

   • Chords: Am, G, D, Am (repeat)
   • Lyrics: Follow the narrative about Mary Jane.

2. Chorus:

   • Chords: Em7, A (repeat)
   • Lyrics: "Last dance with Mary Jane..."

3. Bridge:

   • Similar chord progression and themes from the verses.

Practical Tips

• Practice transitioning between chords slowly before speeding up.
• Use a metronome to keep time as you practice.

Step 3: Practice Playing Along with the Song

Once you feel comfortable with the chords and structure, try playing along with the original song or the cover.

Tips for Playing Along

• Start at a slower tempo and gradually increase your speed as you gain confidence.
• Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm, especially during the transitions.

Step 4: Add Your Personal Touch

After mastering the basic chords and structure, consider adding embellishments to your playing:

• Strumming Patterns: Experiment with different strumming patterns to find one that suits your style.
• Fingerpicking: If you're comfortable, try fingerpicking sections of the song for a softer sound.

Conclusion

You now have a comprehensive guide to playing "Mary Jane’s Last Dance." Focus on mastering the chords and structure, practice regularly, and don’t hesitate to add your unique flair to the song. Enjoy playing and singing along to this timeless classic!