Treat You Better: Shawn Mendes Chords And How To Play It

by Jhon Lennon 57 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into one of Shawn Mendes's biggest hits: "Treat You Better." This song is not only catchy but also a fantastic choice for guitar players of all levels. We’re going to break down the chords, strumming patterns, and some tips to help you nail this song. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, there's something here for everyone. So grab your guitar, and let’s get started!

Understanding the Chords

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the "Treat You Better" chords. This song primarily revolves around a few essential chords that make it relatively easy to learn. The main chords you’ll need are Am (A minor), G (G major), C (C major), and F (F major). These chords are common in many pop songs, making them a great addition to your guitar vocabulary.

  • Am (A minor): Place your index finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 1st fret. Place your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 2nd fret. Strum all strings except the low E string.
  • G (G major): Place your middle finger on the 6th string (low E string) at the 3rd fret. Place your index finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 1st string (high E string) at the 3rd fret. Strum all strings.
  • C (C major): Place your index finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 1st fret. Place your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 3rd fret. Strum all strings except the low E string.
  • F (F major): There are a couple of ways to play this chord. The first is the full barre chord where you barre your index finger across all strings at the 1st fret. Then, place your middle finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 2nd fret, your ring finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 3rd fret, and your pinky on the 4th string (D string) at the 3rd fret. If the barre chord is too tricky, you can play an easier version by only barring the 1st and 2nd strings at the 1st fret and adding your middle finger on the 3rd string at the 2nd fret. Strum all strings except the low E string.

These chords form the backbone of the song. Practicing these transitions will help you play "Treat You Better" smoothly and confidently. Don't worry if it feels awkward at first; with a bit of practice, you'll be switching between these chords like a pro. Remember, consistency is key. Try spending a few minutes each day just practicing these chord changes. Over time, your fingers will get more comfortable, and you'll find it easier to play along with the song.

Mastering the Strumming Pattern

Now that we've got the chords down, let's talk about the strumming pattern. The strumming pattern in "Treat You Better" is relatively straightforward, but getting it right is crucial for capturing the song’s vibe. A common strumming pattern used is Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up (DDUUDU). This pattern provides a good rhythmic foundation for the song.

To break it down further:

  • Down: Strum downwards across the strings.
  • Up: Strum upwards across the strings.

Try practicing this pattern slowly at first. Once you feel comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. Pay attention to the accents in the song – some strums should be emphasized more than others. This will give your playing more dynamics and make it sound more like the original. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what works best for you. You can also watch live performances of Shawn Mendes to see how he strums the song and try to emulate his style.

Another variation you might want to try is adding a slight palm mute on some of the down strums. This involves resting the edge of your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge of the guitar to create a dampened sound. This can add a cool percussive element to your playing.

Remember, the key to mastering the strumming pattern is practice. Don't get discouraged if it sounds a bit off at first. Keep practicing, and eventually, you'll get it down. And most importantly, have fun with it! Music is all about expressing yourself, so don't be afraid to put your own spin on the strumming pattern and make it your own.

Song Structure and Chord Progression

Understanding the song structure and chord progression of "Treat You Better" will help you play the song more accurately and confidently. The song generally follows a verse-chorus structure, with a bridge section adding some variety. Here's a breakdown of the chord progression in each section:

  • Verse: Am - G - C - F
  • Chorus: C - G - Am - F
  • Bridge: Am - G - F - C

In the verse, the chord progression creates a melancholic and reflective mood, which fits the lyrical content of the song. The progression moves from Am to G, then to C, and finally to F, creating a sense of resolution before looping back to the beginning. During the chorus, the chord progression shifts to C - G - Am - F, which is more uplifting and anthemic, reflecting the singer's plea to treat the subject of the song better. This progression is catchy and memorable, making the chorus the most recognizable part of the song.

The bridge provides a change of pace and adds emotional depth to the song. The progression moves from Am to G, then to F, and finally to C, creating a sense of longing and vulnerability. This section often features a more stripped-down arrangement, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. Understanding these chord progressions will enable you to anticipate the changes and play along more smoothly. Pay attention to how the chords flow from one to another, and try to feel the emotion behind each progression. By internalizing the song structure, you'll be able to perform "Treat You Better" with greater expression and musicality.

Tips for Beginners

If you’re just starting out with guitar, learning "Treat You Better" can be a great way to build your skills. Here are a few tips to help beginners:

  1. Start Slow: Don’t rush. Focus on getting the chords right before speeding up the tempo. Use a metronome to keep a steady beat and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
  2. Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth chord changes are essential. Practice switching between Am, G, C, and F until you can do it without hesitation. Use online resources and videos to visualize the finger placements and practice the transitions.
  3. Use a Capo: If the chords feel too difficult, try using a capo on the 2nd fret. This will transpose the song to a different key, making the chords easier to play. Experiment with different capo positions to find the one that works best for you.
  4. Break It Down: If the full strumming pattern is too challenging, simplify it. Start with just down strums on each beat and gradually add in the up strums as you improve.
  5. Listen and Play Along: Listen to the song frequently and try to play along with it. This will help you internalize the rhythm and timing of the song.

Advanced Techniques

For more experienced players, there are several ways to add your own flair to "Treat You Better."

  1. Fingerpicking: Try fingerpicking the song instead of strumming. This can add a delicate and intricate texture to the song. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to find the one that suits your style.
  2. Adding Embellishments: Incorporate hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to add interest to the melody. These techniques can add a dynamic and expressive element to your playing.
  3. Alternate Tunings: Experiment with alternate tunings to create a unique sound. Try tuning your guitar to DADGAD or Open G and see how it changes the feel of the song.
  4. Improvisation: Improvise over the chords using the A minor pentatonic scale. This will allow you to create your own solos and fills, adding a personal touch to the song.

Conclusion

"Treat You Better" by Shawn Mendes is a fantastic song to learn on guitar. With its catchy melody and relatively simple chords, it’s accessible to players of all skill levels. By mastering the chords, strumming pattern, and song structure, you’ll be able to play this song with confidence and style. So keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun! Now go grab your guitar and start playing! You've got this!