Pusher Man: Authentic Guitar TAB

This collection captures Curtis Mayfield at his most distinctive, pairing his iconic melodies with guitar TAB that reveals exactly how he constructed those deceptively simple lines. Guitarists will discover that Mayfield's influence on generations of players stems not from technical flash but from his precise understanding of rhythm, space, and harmonic color—all skills that translate directly to stronger musicianship. The range of tempos, styles, and emotional territories across 17 tracks makes this both a genuine pleasure to explore and a practical resource for building repertoire beyond the typical classic rock songbook.

Mayfield's guitar work carries warmth and restraint. These songs breathe; they invite you into intimate spaces even when the subject matter is urgent or political. You'll hear how melody and rhythm interweave, how a single sustained note can carry emotional weight, and why a composer might choose simplicity over complexity to reach people's hearts.

This book serves guitarists ranging from intermediate players building repertoire to advanced students interested in Soul music history and fingerstyle technique. Whether you're exploring Mayfield's work for a recital program, creating an acoustic setlist, or studying how to voice chords with intention, the TAB format makes these songs accessible without oversimplifying their musicality.

• Study the rhythmic anticipation in Mayfield's phrasing. He frequently lands notes slightly ahead of or behind the beat; the TAB alone won't convey this, so listen closely to recordings and let your ear guide the timing.
• Pay attention to dynamics and touch. These arrangements use standard tuning and accessible voicings, but the difference between adequate and compelling lies in how you voice the chords and control your attack.
• Use the lyrics provided to connect the emotional arc of each song. Mayfield's guitar work always serves the narrative; understanding what he's singing helps you shape the instrumental phrasing authentically.
• Explore the fingerpicking patterns in the more intricate arrangements. Mayfield's technique combines pick and fingers selectively; the TAB indicates notes, but experimenting with different attack methods will deepen your understanding of his sound.

Program selections from this collection in acoustic or coffeehouse-style recitals to introduce audiences to Soul music's instrumental sophistication. You might pair a few songs as a medley showcasing different moods within Mayfield's catalog, or work individual pieces into a broader program exploring songwriting across genres. The themes of social consciousness in songs like "People Get Ready" and "We're a Winner" also make these appropriate for educational contexts examining music's role in civil rights and social movements.

• Fingerpicking patterns and pick/finger coordination
• Syncopated rhythm and swing feel
• Chord voicing and voice leading for sustained, warm tones
• Phrasing ahead of and behind the beat for expressive timing
• Reading and interpreting TAB in the context of vocal melody and harmony
• Understanding Soul music harmonic language and progression conventions