How to play “The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding on guitar (beginner lesson)
What you will learn in this The Dock of the Bay lesson
In this free video lesson, our CoachGuitar teacher shows you how to play The Dock of the Bay by Otis Redding on guitar, step by step. The song is played in full at normal speed, then in a slow version so you can follow every finger position.
The lesson uses the CoachGuitar visual method: colours on the fretboard show you exactly where to put your fingers, with the lyrics and a backing track so you can play along from the very first try. No music theory or tab reading required.
Tips for playing The Dock of the Bay on guitar
Start with the slow version and play each section several times in a row without a mistake before moving on. Speed comes from clean repetitions, not from forcing the tempo.
If a chord buzzes, press just behind the fret with the tip of your finger and keep your thumb in the middle of the back of the neck. Fix one chord at a time, then play the whole passage again.
How to practise with the video
Replay the part you are working on as often as you need, and play along with the backing track as soon as you can follow the colours. Playing with the track is the best way to lock in your rhythm.
Once you know the video by heart, open The Dock of the Bay in the CoachGuitar app to get the interactive tablature, loop any section, slow the tempo down further and track your progress.