• Song:

    A Rite Of Passage

  • Artist:

    Dream Theater

So, I got inspired today to write up an acoustic version of this song. It actually
sounds really close to the original; I just didn't bother with the major riffs
and breakdown of the song. Tuned to D Standard, it will match right up with the
recording.

I fiddle around with hammer-ons and pull-offs with these chords for the intro:

E   Esus4  E7  E7II
e|-0----0----0----0-
b|-0----0----0----3-
g|-1----2----1----1-
d|-2----2----0----0-
a|-2----2----2----2-
E|-0----0----0----0-

Also, this is the B5 chord I'm using in the chorus; any other B chord doesn't sound right:

B5e|-2- (x244xx@1)b|-2-
g|-4-
d|-4-
a|-2-
E|-2-

Verse 1:
E5 (play variants through verse)
Since the new world order played upon our fears
Spreading accusations of radical ideas
The brotherhood of wisdom: strength and dignity
Its rituals and secrets remain a mystery

Pre-chorus:
F# (244322@1)               G (320003@1)      F# (244322@1)              G (320003@1)        F# (244322@1) Beneath an ever watchful eye, the angels of the temple fly

Chorus:
B5 (x244xx@1)                 A2Turn (x02420@1)the key, walk through the gate
     G (320003@1)             D (xx0232@1)     A2 (x02420@1)    B5The (x244xx@1)great ascent to reach a higher state
A2 (x02420@1)         G (320003@1)    F# (244322@1) A rite of passage
     B5 (x244xx@1)           A2The (x02420@1)final stage; a sacred home
   G (320003@1)                D (xx0232@1)     A2 (x02420@1)  B5Unlock (x244xx@1)the door, and lay the cornerstone
A2 (x02420@1)         G (320003@1)    F# (244322@1) A rite of passage

Verse 2:
E5 (022xxx@1)                     D5Men (xx023x@1)of wealth and power, influence and fame
    C5 (x355xx@1)                      B5Philosophers (x244xx@1)and leaders are members of the trade
E5 (022xxx@1)                      D5Bound (xx023x@1)by oath and honor, like the rose and cross
   C5 (x355xx@1)               B5An (x244xx@1)enigmatic union of esoteric thought

{Pre-chorus, Chorus}

{do whatever you want for the breakdown here, or nothing at all =]}

Final Chorus:
B5 (x244xx@1)                 A2Turn (x02420@1)the key, walk through the gate
     G (320003@1)             D (xx0232@1)     A2 (x02420@1)    B5The (x244xx@1)great ascent to reach a higher state
A2 (x02420@1)         G (320003@1)    F# (244322@1) A rite of passage
     B5 (x244xx@1)             A2The (x02420@1)seven stars, the rising sun
   G (320003@1)                 D (xx0232@1)      A2 (x02420@1)  B5A (x244xx@1)perfect world where new life has begun
A2 (x02420@1)         G (320003@1)   F# (244322@1) A rite of passage
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