Thirteen

This is the simplified version of the brilliant song from Big Star's

debut. I've written this out for one guitar for sanity's sake and

because there's no clear indication in the full transcription of what

to do to make it sound good with only one guitar. Notes:

1) This is simplified a *lot*. There are at least two guitars in the

song (maybe 3 or even 4), and I've only written out one. This is

for those of us who can't play more than one guitar at at time.

Also, now you can use a pick, rather than fingerpick the damn

thing. This is more or less the way I fake this song.

2) Capo up 3 frets. Like all other transriptions where there are

capoed guitars, this means that the TAB is really just chord

shapes, not actual concert pitch. So just pretend the capo is the

nut.

3) The solo that I've written out here is so much of an approximation

that it doesn't even follow the chord pattern of the real solo.

For this, not only have I simplified the notes, I've simplified

the chord progression. This is something that works, which is

really the only important thing.

4) The song's in 4/4 time, but there's a bar during the "take you/

shake you/make you" part that's 2/4. I point this out right above

the TAB.

5) This song speeds up slightly. Very slightly. It may just be at the

end.

6) Vocal harmonies are here, but I can't tell you what to do. They

don't actually say anything more then "ah," so do with that what

you want.

7) Feel is much more important than accuracy. Listen to the recording

to get an idea of what you're trying to do. Let the notes ring as

long as possible and try to keep it smooth.

8) This is one of the few Big Star songs where I can actually make

out all of the lyrics, so enjoy it while you can.

"Thirteen" (Alex Chilton/Chris Bell)

As performed by Big Star