After the Rain
by The Angels
Difficulty Profile
Skill LevelOverall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
AdvancedBass
IntermediateWhy "After the Rain" Works Harmonically
Beyond standard guitar tabs and chord charts, discover the exact music theory mechanics, modal interchange, and voice leading choices that give The Angels's classic its unforgettable emotional power.
The Dynamic Contrast Between Clean Aeolian Arpeggios and Explosive Relative Major Chorus Chords
The verse builds brooding tension with delicate, clean fingerstyle-like arpeggios in A natural minor (Am - G - F), which explodes into full Marshall overdrive on the bright relative major (C Major) chorus.
Harmonic Progression (Roman Numerals)
i - bVII - bVI - bVII (Verse) / I - V - IV (Chorus)Step-by-Step Movement
- •Am (i): Melancholic Aeolian tonic establishing atmospheric vulnerability.
- •G (bVII): Descending whole-step subtonic creating natural minor fluidity.
- •F (bVI): The emotional low point and submediant tension that yearns for resolution.
- •C (Relative Major / I): The blinding sunburst chorus chord providing emotional catharsis and uplifting release.
Voice Leading & Counterpoint
- ›The bass line in the verse follows an unbroken stepwise descent (A → G → F → G), providing classical grounding.
- ›Rick Brewster’s clean guitar weaves suspended seconds and open string ringing notes (B and E) over the Am and F shapes, adding shimmering harmonic complexity.
- ›When shifting into the chorus, the vocal and guitar lead lines leap an octave higher into C major triad tones (E and G).
Fretboard Mechanics
Use a clean chorus/reverb tone on the neck pickup for the verse arpeggios, then hit a heavy overdrive or switch to a screaming bridge humbucker for the triumphant C - G - F chorus progression.
Harness the dramatic power of relative major/minor shifts. Writing a brooding verse in the relative minor (Am) makes the arrival of the relative major (C) feel exponentially bigger, brighter, and more cathartic.
The Aeolian scale underpinning the introspective verse chord progression.
The relative major scale unleashing anthemic release in the chorus.
The classic natural minor mode embodying longing and brooding tension.
Am voicings with open ringing strings for haunting atmospheric texture.
C, G, and F barre chords providing heavy power and dynamic lift.
Musical Analysis
🎹 Key & Tonality
⏱️ Song Structure
💡 Understanding A Minor / C Major:
A Minor / C Major has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The A Aeolian (Natural Minor) for the haunting clean arpeggio verse, shifting into uplifting C Major and G Mixolydian power chords on the chorus mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Drives the somber, cascading clean guitar arpeggio intro and moody verse dynamic build
Forms the harmonic explosion in the chorus, lifting the song into soaring anthemic territory
Foundation for Rick Brewster's singing, melodic solo passages and screaming high-register bends
The harmonic character shaping A Minor / C Major
The harmonic character shaping A Minor / C Major
The harmonic character shaping A Minor / C Major
Understand minor chord construction and voicings
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in A Minor / C Major
A Natural Minor (Aeolian)
Notes: A - B - C - D - E - F - G
Application: Drives the somber, cascading clean guitar arpeggio intro and moody verse dynamic build
Interactive Fretboard Map
Chord Progressions & Movement
Main Progression
Hypnotic descending Andalusian/Aeolian progression transitioning from delicate clean arpeggios into thunderous crunch
💡 Theory Insight:
This progression creates a specific harmonic movement that defines the song's emotional character. Understanding the relationship between these chords helps in improvisation and songwriting.
Chord Shapes In This Section:
Am
G
F
Harmonic Functions & Roles:
- Am (Tonic i): Melancholic home key grounding the song in deep Australian emotional resonance
- G (Subtonic ♭VII): Steps smoothly downward providing modal motion without classical leading-tone tension
- F (Submediant ♭VI): Dramatic harmonic low point creating powerful longing before turning around
- C (Relative Major ♭III): Breaks the tension in the chorus with a burst of sunlight and anthemic release
Key Techniques
Arpeggiated Cross-String Picking
IntermediateDelicate, articulate alternate picking across non-adjacent strings while holding chord shapes
Extreme Dynamic Switching
IntermediateMastering the dramatic contrast between whispering clean arpeggios and explosive hard rock crunch
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of A Minor / C Major. Switch instrument sounds (Acoustic Steel, Nylon, Clean Electric, Piano) and practice at your own tempo.
Haunting Chime Arpeggio Intro
Atmospheric Aeolian Arpeggio Picking
The instantly recognizable clean electric guitar arpeggios that define the moody Australian intro
- •Pick cleanly across the A, D, G, B, and high E strings
- •Maintain absolute rhythmic consistency on every eighth note
- •Add subtle chorus and delay for expansive stereo width
Dynamic Verse Build
Verse Tension & Muted Accents
The rhythm section enters underneath the arpeggios, tightening the groove with subtle palm muting
- •Introduce light palm muting on the lower strings while keeping the higher notes clear
- •Accentuate beats 2 and 4 to lock with the snare drum
- •Gradually open up the muting as the verse approaches the chorus
Explosive Hard Rock Chorus Riff
Chorus Power Chords & Major Release
The song erupts into crushing Marshall crunch, modulating to C Major for a triumphant release
- •Switch pickup or kick on high-gain overdrive on beat 1
- •Hit the C5 and G5 power chords with full right-hand commitment
- •Let each chord sustain for two full beats to give the vocals room to soar
Soaring Melodic Solo
Singing High-Register Solo Climax
Rick Brewster delivers one of his most melodic, lyrical guitar solos, blending classical phrasing with hard rock bite
- •Initiate the solo with a patient, singing note choice on the B string
- •Execute smooth whole-step bends up to the high E and A root notes
- •Apply wide, classical-style finger vibrato on sustained notes
Equipment & Tone Setup
🎸 Guitar
Recommended Model:
Pickup Type:
Neck/middle single coil for glassy intro arpeggios; bridge humbucker for roaring chorus crunch
Alternative Models:
⚡ Amplifier & Settings
Recommended Amp:
Tone Stack Dial-In:
Gain: 7
Treble: 7
Middle: 6
Bass: 6
Presence: 6
Alternative Amps:
🎛️ Effects Pedals
Overdrive / Distortion:
Boss DS-1 or Tube Screamer pushing the Marshall preamp
Reverb / Delay:
Analog plate or spring reverb for haunting spatial depth
Modulation / Other:
Boss CE-2 Chorus pedal for the shimmering intro arpeggios
Recommended Learning Path
Clean Chord Arpeggios
⏱️ 1-2 weeks
- •Master the basic Am, G, and F chord shapes without muted strings
- •Practice the picking sequence slowly at 80 BPM
- •Ensure each picked string rings out clearly into the next
Dynamic Switching & Power Chords
⏱️ 2-3 weeks
- •Transition smoothly between the clean intro and crushing chorus power chords
- •Lock into the 130 BPM tempo with metronome
- •Execute clean chord stops and mute control
Lyrical Solo & Expressive Touch
⏱️ 3-4 weeks
- •Learn Rick Brewster's complete melodic solo note-for-note
- •Master the expressive whole-step bends on the 10th and 15th frets
- •Incorporate classical-influenced vibrato into sustained notes
Practice Notes & Routine
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- •Collapsing fingers onto adjacent strings during the clean intro arpeggios
- •Failing to boost volume/gain significantly when entering the explosive chorus
- •Rushing the tempo during the emotional guitar solo
⏱️ Targeted Practice Routine
- •10 mins: Slow, deliberate arpeggio picking drill on Am-G-F at 90 BPM
- •10 mins: Dynamic transition drill switching between clean strumming and chorus power crunch
- •10 mins: Solo bend pitch matching with tuner
- •5 mins: Full track playthrough focusing on dynamic expression
🎯 Key Focus Areas
- •Left-hand fingertip arching for clean ringing open strings
- •Dynamic control using guitar volume pot or channel switcher
- •Pitch precision and singing vibrato on lead lines
⏱️ Metronome Drills
- •Start arpeggios at 90 BPM focusing on uniform note volume
- •Advance to 115 BPM synchronizing right-hand alternate picking
- •Perform at 130 BPM with full emotional and dynamic commitment