Piece of My Heart | TAB (Janis Joplin)
You may want to scroll down and check the Dusty Springfield version first. Janis’s arrangement is full-on, let’s start with the intro.
Intro
This section is challenging. We begin in a Cm shape using an F#m blues scale. Bend up to the first note, then release it and start the pull-off as you bend down — it’s tricky, but crucial.
From here, follow the chords using arpeggios. Visualising the shapes is essential, as this is the only way to memorise them reliably.
Notice how the D chord is played as arpeggios in three shapes: E shape, D shape, and finally A shape. Once you can see these clearly, you’ll avoid hitting wrong notes.
The last three bars feature double stops using B Mixolydian.
Verse
I’ve prepared two ideas for the verse. Both looped, so you can practise and internalise them:
Once you can play both, start blending them and developing your own variations.
Bridge
There are two approaches to the bridge as well:
Again, once familiar, combine and adapt these to fit your style.
Chorus
Two ways to play the chorus are included. Learn both, then experiment with blending and developing your own version:
And here’s the second way:
Take your time with these examples — absorbing them fully will make improvisation and adaptation much easier.
Solo
For the solo, I’ve provided a rhythm part, as there’s already a lot to cover here. The chords follow the same progression as the intro, looping the first two bars four times:
Once you can play all of this TAB confidently, return to the chords lesson and play the complete tune using only a chord chart. This will help you develop flexibility and adapt your part for live performance.
Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart | TAB (Dusty Springfield)
Now let’s look at how to play this if your goal is to recreate Dusty’s version. As with many classic recordings, there’s a lot of production on the original, so our job is to find a part that works for a working band.
Intro
The intro is largely piano and bass, but you’ll want to be prepared if the keys player doesn’t show up. Here’s a simple guitar adaptation:
Verse
For the verse, there are two approaches — this will also apply to the bridge and chorus. You can play a sparse part like this:
Or a busier part, adding more movement and rhythmic interest:
Bridge
The bridge can be played with a driving, repetitive rhythm, chopping off the downbeat (indicated with a dot above the stem):
Alternatively, try a more syncopated and adventurous approach. I’ve even added a 6th extension at the end for colour:
Chorus
The chorus also has two options. The first is straightforward and easy to follow:
The second adds more variation. Make sure to snap off the root on the D chord in bars 3 and 5, indicated with a dot above the stem:
Once you can play all of this TAB, try putting the full tune together using the backing tracks with chord chart above. With practice, you may even be able to improvise your own part that works for your band.
Piece Of My Heart Backing Tracks + TAB | Related Pages
Piece Of My Heart | Chords + Lyrics
Learn how to play Piece Of My Heart by Janis Joplin and Dusty Springfield using chords, lyrics, chord analysis, a chord chart, and the original recordings.
| D G | A G | D G | A G |
Didn’t I make you feel, like you were the only man…
Five similar tunes | Chords + Lyrics
