The Shadows - Perfidia - Guitar Tab

The Original Chart Hits 1960-1980

1990 2:13

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About Perfidia

Originally a Latin standard, "Perfidia" gets the clean, reverb-drenched treatment in the hands of The Shadows, and that contrast is exactly what makes it interesting to learn. The melody sits at the heart of the arrangement, so your lead tone and phrasing need to carry real expression rather than relying on distortion or aggression. Playing it in A minor at 120 BPM in E Standard tuning means the tempo is comfortable, but nailing the smooth, legato feel of the melody line is the real challenge. Pay close attention to how each note sustains and releases, because sloppy pick attack will stand out immediately in such a clean, spacious arrangement. The rhythmic feel has a gentle Latin-influenced lilt, so playing it too stiffly will flatten the character of the piece. Use the Practice Toolbar to loop the melody phrases slowed down until the phrasing feels natural before bringing it back up to tempo. This is an excellent piece for developing touch and tone control in a Classic Rock context.

• The melody is played fingerstyle or with a clean picked tone, so controlling pick attack and note sustain is the main technical focus.
• At 120 BPM in A minor and E Standard tuning, the tempo is approachable, but the Latin-influenced rhythmic feel requires careful attention to avoid stiffness.
• The Shadows' signature clean, reverb-heavy guitar tone is essential here, so dialling in a smooth, glassy electric sound before practising is worthwhile.