Fame guitar tutorial - Citizen Cope

Citizen Cope, the genre-blending artist known for his soulful voice and streetwise songwriting, delivers a haunting reflection on celebrity and disillusionment with his song 'Fame'. Featured on the 2006 album Every Waking Moment, Fame strips away the gloss of stardom and digs into the emotional cost behind public image. The track’s strength lies not only in its powerful message but also in its hypnotic guitar work that creates a deep, meditative groove.

I have played it in standard tuning using the following chords: G#m, D#7, F# and C#7. When Cope plays the song live, the guitar is tuned up half a step and he plays Gm, D7, F and C7. I have included a capo version in this tutorial but you will actually need to tune your guitar down half a step to play along with the original recording. I have also included the opening riff, although I believe that this is played using a synthesizer on the original recording.

The guitar in 'Fame' is minimalistic but masterfully executed. A steady, loop-like chord progression forms the backbone of the track, played with a slightly muted, palm-damped acoustic tone that lets every note breathe. It’s the kind of part that doesn’t beg for attention—it draws you in slowly, letting the lyrics sit right on top. The chords are simple, often built around open shapes with subtle voicings, allowing beginner and intermediate players to pick it up easily.

From a guitarist’s perspective, Fame is a great lesson in restraint and emotional tone. There are no flashy leads or complex fingerings—just groove, timing, and feel. Learning this song will help guitarists focus on dynamic control, muting technique, and playing with emotional intent.

If you're a fan of Citizen Cope's unique blend of soul, folk, and hip-hop-influenced guitar, learning Fame is a must for your acoustic setlist.

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