Photo Getty
Everybody Hurts was recorded for REM’s 1992 Album Automatic For The People, and was later released as a single in 1993 to widespread critical acclaim. The song has a simple message, sung powerfully by vocalist Michael Stipe and instantly recognisable by simple, guitar arpeggios from guitarist Peter Buck. Rockschool’s Grade Two arrangement is for two guitars and can be played with or without the backing track. The part opens with the arpeggio pattern, which can be played fingerstyle or with a pick and must be rhythmically smooth and even. From bar 5, we have a mix of arpeggios and vocal melody, so try to make the melody notes stand out (you can pick these up by checking out the original recording). This arrangement is great for working on your picking hand control, as there will be a lot of moments where open strings will be ringing out when you might not want them to!