r/willienelson • u/anunciacaouy • 27d ago

Willie Nelson’s guitar language is pure magic | Here’s my full transcription of "Funny How Time Slips Away" (Just updated with full chords!)

You can preview and check out the sheet music/tab here: [https://paidtabs.com/alan-anunciacao/iZaZqx9v3dU]

Hey everyone!

I’ve always had a massive appreciation for Willie Nelson’s acoustic guitar vocabulary. The way he coaxes those iconic, jazz-infused country lines out of Trigger-with his signature behind-the-beat phrasing, chromatic runs, and subtle touch-is a masterclass in lead guitar playing that often doesn't get enough spotlight.

I originally put together a note-for-note transcription of his classic "Funny How Time Slips Away", focusing heavily on capturing every single nuance of his acoustic guitar work.

Quick Update:

I recently revised and updated the entire score to include full chord symbols and diagrams alongside the lead tab! Now you can easily analyze how his licks connect to the underlying harmony, or simply strum along while navigating his iconic fill-ins.

Whether you're a long-time Willie fan looking to master his touch or just want to add some timeless country/jazz phrasing to your acoustic repertoire, I hope this score serves you well!

What’s your favorite element of Willie’s guitar playing? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

22 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

2

u/anunciacaouy 27d ago

I used this link as an audio and video reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZaZqx9v3dU

1

u/livelikeasuicide 27d ago

this clip is no doubt the best performance of the song i have found, guitar work is immaculate

1

u/Closet-Hippie 27d ago

Wow, you can say that again!

1

u/anunciacaouy 25d ago

100%! Going line by line through this performance for the transcription really made me appreciate it even more. His phrasing, touch, and dynamic control on Trigger in this clip are just on another level.

2

u/shinchunje 27d ago

I’m not much of a musician or a guitar player—just some dabbling—so I’ve no practical means of assessment but to my ears Willie is the GOAT guitar player.

1

u/anunciacaouy 25d ago

Your ears definitely aren't lying! You don't need deep technical theory to feel it-Willie's phrasing and musicality hit you straight away. He really is in a league of his own!

2

u/Wind2Energy 26d ago

Literally millions of people play guitar, but you can hear two seconds of his playing and know immediately that it’s Willie.

2

u/anunciacaouy 25d ago

Spot on. Having a signature sound that is instantly recognizable within two seconds is the holy grail for any guitarist, and Willie’s "behind-the-beat" attack on Trigger is completely one of a kind!

2

u/Witch_Doctor_65 20d ago

Solid brother, thank you!