Now is the Time - Finger Picking Good

Here is another song from the Yesterday's Dust CD released by Eric Dennis and myself:  Now is the Time.  Have always enjoyed the finger picking in this one.  For emphasis I occasionally add a strum with the index finger while picking with the 2nd and 3rd fingers.  Note:  This is played in Dropped D Tuning with the low E string tuned down to D.  Here is a version with just guitar, vocal and no overdubbing:

Here are the tab and notes for the first part of the Intro.  Note:  The H indicates a Hammer-on effect where you play the first notes and get the second ones by hammering down on the indicated frets.  The vertical line between some notes indicates that they are "pinched" with the thumb and 2nd finger:

And here is the above section slowed down so it is easier to follow the tab:



Here is the second part of the Intro which is also used as a break between verses:

Here are the tab and notes for the final line of each verse:

During the chorus sections I tend to strum the chords for emphasis with the index finger while picking with the 2nd and 3rd fingers, so here are the chord diagrams which go along with the above tablature as well as the final G(+1.3) which ends the song.  Note:  +1.3 merely indicates you are adding the 1st string 3rd fret note:

And here are the rising chords used for the last line of each verse:

 Eric Dennis added some excellent harmonica and harmony vocals to this one for the Yesterday's Dust CD.  Click on the CD cover to listen to this and other songs from the CD:




I like to think of this song as my version of the ancient Greek Seikolos Epitaph which is considered to be the oldest surviving complete musical composition, including musical notation, from anywhere in the world.  The lyrics are:  

 As long as you live, shine, 
 Let nothing grieve you beyond measure. 
 For your life is short, 
 And time will claim its toll.

A beautiful rendition from the Atrium Musicae de Madrid directed by Gregorio Paniagua, recorded in 1979: