25 Or 6 To 4 by Chicago Acoustic Guitar - Digital Sheet Music

SKU: A0.1872234

"25 or 6 to 4" is Chicago's electrifying rock-funk landmark from their acclaimed 1970 album Chicago, featuring one of the most explosive and instantly recognizable guitar riffs in rock history. "25 or 6 to 4" is an essential choice for intermediate to advanced bands ready to tackle the raw energy of late-60s brass rock with intensity and precision. The guitar work centers on a relentless, driving riff that anchors the entire arrangement, teaching musicians how to maintain power and consistency while locking in with a full horn section and rhythm section simultaneously. The bass line is aggressive and propulsive, demanding a strong sense of pulse, confident tone, and the stamina to drive the band through dynamic swells and explosive peaks. For brass players, "25 or 6 to 4" is a masterclass in punchy, tight ensemble playing, requiring precise articulation, strong intonation, and the ability to hit hard as a unified section. For singers, the song demands raw grit and vocal endurance, with a wide range and the kind of soulful urgency that commands a room. The song's relentless momentum and timeless rock swagger make it a guaranteed showstopper that puts a band's power, cohesion, and sheer energy on full display.



A NOTE ABOUT DR. TOMS CHARTS
DR. TOMS CHARTS help musicians make more music together. Inspired by the Nashville Number System and the classic Rise Up Singing, these charts emphasize song form with lyrics overlaid on top of evenly spaced chords. These musical roadmaps let you focus on what you love: vocal delivery, groove, harmonies, feel, and more! You can even experiment with different styles and meters.

In the HYBRID chart, the first chord of each line aligns with the first word or syllable on the downbeat, highlighting pickups and delayed entries. Subsequent chords may not align exactly with every word, but once the singer nails the entry, everything locks in! This format might look unfamiliar at first, but evenly spaced chords improve groove and accuracy. The harmonic rhythm guides the melody! For singers, the LYRICS ONLY chart provides all the words with rehearsal cues (intros, verses, bridges, solos).

Keep on jammin!
Dr. Tom


WHO IS DR. TOM?
Dr. Tom Zlabinger is a bass player, guitar player, and singer who has been jamming since high school. He is an Associate Professor of Music at York College / CUNY, where he has taught popular music performance since 2003. He holds a B.A. in music from Grinnell College, an M.A. in jazz performance from Queens College / CUNY, and a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the Graduate Center / CUNY. Dr. Tom has published on jams, live online performance, and the role of musicians across various media franchises. He is passionate about innovations that make music making more accessible to musicians of all levels and backgrounds. In 2022, he founded Telematic Studios® to help musicians connect through online voice lessons, clear and legal charts, and live online performance.