Easy If The World Was Ending Chords: Guitar Tutorial

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey guys! Ever wanted to play JP Saxe and Julia Michaels' emotional hit, "If the World Was Ending," but found the chords a bit daunting? You're in the right place! This guide breaks down the easy chords for this amazing song, so you can strum along and sing your heart out, even if you're a beginner. We'll go through the basic chords, the strumming pattern, and some tips to make it sound just right. Trust me, with a little practice, you'll be playing this song for your friends and family in no time!

Understanding the Basic Chords

First things first, let's get familiar with the essential chords you'll need to play "If the World Was Ending." The song primarily uses a few simple chords that are common in many popular songs, making it accessible for beginner guitarists. These chords create the song's melancholic and reflective mood, perfectly capturing the essence of the lyrics. Don't worry if you don't know these chords already; we'll walk through each one step by step. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep at it! Even if your fingers feel a bit clumsy at first, they'll get used to the shapes with time. Grab your guitar, and let's dive in!

The main chords you'll need are:

  • G Major (G): This is a fundamental chord and a great starting point. Place your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret; your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all six strings. Get comfortable with this one – it's a building block for many songs.
  • D Major (D): Another essential chord. Place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret; your middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Strum from the 4th string down. This chord adds a bright and uplifting feel to the song, contrasting with the more somber tones.
  • Em (E minor): A slightly moodier chord. Place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings. Em brings a touch of melancholy, enhancing the song's emotional depth.
  • C Major (C): A very common chord. Place your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret; your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret. Strum from the 5th string down. This chord provides a sense of resolution, often used to transition between other chords.

These four chords form the backbone of "If the World Was Ending." Mastering these will allow you to play along with the song and capture its emotional essence. Take your time to practice each chord individually, ensuring that your fingers are placed correctly and that each note rings out clearly. Once you're comfortable with the individual chords, try transitioning between them smoothly. This will prepare you for playing the song's chord progression.

Chord Progression and Song Structure

Now that you know the basic chords, let's look at how they fit together in the song. The chord progression for the verse is relatively simple and repeats throughout the song, making it easy to memorize. Understanding the structure will help you anticipate the chord changes and play more smoothly.

The basic progression is:

G - D - Em - C

This sequence repeats through most of the song, especially during the verses. The chorus might have a slight variation, but the core chords remain the same. Listen carefully to the song to identify these subtle changes. Pay attention to the transitions between the chords. Smooth transitions are key to making your performance sound polished and professional.

To simplify things further, think of it like this:

  • Verse: G - D - Em - C (repeat)
  • Chorus: Mostly the same, but listen for slight variations!

Understanding the structure and chord progression is crucial for learning any song. By recognizing the patterns and anticipating the chord changes, you'll be able to play more confidently and smoothly. Practice transitioning between the chords in the progression repeatedly until it becomes second nature. This will allow you to focus on your strumming and singing, rather than struggling with the chord changes.

Easy Strumming Pattern

Alright, let's talk strumming! For an easy strumming pattern, you can use a simple down-down-up-down-up rhythm. This pattern is versatile and works well with the song's tempo and feel. It's also beginner-friendly, allowing you to focus on maintaining a steady rhythm while changing chords. Remember to keep your wrist relaxed and avoid strumming too hard, which can make the sound harsh.

Here's how it looks:

Down - Down - Up - Down - Up

Try practicing this strumming pattern slowly at first, focusing on keeping a consistent rhythm. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase the speed to match the song's tempo. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what sounds best to you. Some guitarists prefer to add variations to the basic pattern, such as incorporating muted strums or adding extra upstrokes for emphasis. The key is to find a pattern that feels natural and allows you to express the song's emotion.

As you get more comfortable, you can add some variations to make it more interesting. Try adding a slight pause between strums or emphasizing certain beats. Listen to the original song and try to mimic the strumming pattern as closely as possible. Remember, the goal is to create a rhythm that complements the melody and enhances the overall feel of the song.

Tips for Beginners

Learning guitar can be tough, especially when you're just starting. Here are a few tips to make learning "If the World Was Ending" easier:

  • Practice slowly: Don't rush! Focus on getting the chord changes clean and the strumming pattern consistent before speeding up.
  • Use a metronome: This helps you keep time and develop a steady rhythm.
  • Break it down: If a section is difficult, isolate it and practice it repeatedly until you get it right.
  • Listen to the song: Pay attention to how the chords and strumming fit together.
  • Be patient: It takes time and practice to learn guitar. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away.
  • Record yourself: Listening back to your playing can help you identify areas for improvement.
  • Play with others: Playing with other musicians can be a great way to learn and stay motivated.

Remember, everyone starts somewhere. Even the most accomplished guitarists were once beginners. The key is to stay persistent and enjoy the process. With dedication and practice, you'll be able to play "If the World Was Ending" and many other songs on your guitar.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the easy chords and simplified strumming pattern, there are some common mistakes that beginners often make. Recognizing these pitfalls can help you avoid them and progress more quickly.

  • Incorrect finger placement: Make sure your fingers are placed correctly on the fretboard to produce clear and accurate notes. Press down firmly behind the frets, avoiding the strings buzzing or sounding muted.
  • Rushing the chord changes: Take your time to transition smoothly between chords. Practice the chord changes slowly and deliberately until they become automatic.
  • Strumming too hard: Avoid strumming the strings too forcefully, as this can produce a harsh and unpleasant sound. Use a relaxed wrist and strum with a light touch.
  • Ignoring the rhythm: Pay close attention to the rhythm of the song and maintain a consistent strumming pattern. Use a metronome or drum track to help you stay in time.

By being mindful of these common mistakes and taking steps to avoid them, you'll be well on your way to mastering "If the World Was Ending" on the guitar.

Alternative Chord Voicings

While we've focused on the easy chords for beginners, there are alternative chord voicings that you can explore as you become more comfortable with the guitar. These voicings can add color and depth to your playing and allow you to create more interesting arrangements of the song.

For example, you can try playing the G chord as a G/B, which involves adding a B note to the bass. This creates a smoother transition from the Em chord. Similarly, you can experiment with different inversions of the C chord, such as C/G or C/E, to create a more melodic bass line.

As you progress as a guitarist, don't be afraid to experiment with different chord voicings and find what sounds best to you. This will help you develop your own unique style and create more compelling performances.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Playing "If the World Was Ending" with easy chords is totally achievable, even if you're just starting out. Remember to practice regularly, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun! With a little dedication, you'll be strumming this beautiful song and sharing it with the world. Keep practicing those chords, work on your strumming, and before you know it, you'll be playing like a pro. Happy playing, and keep rocking!