The Ultimate Guide to Playing and Mastering 4 Chord Songs
Learning to play the guitar can be a challenging endeavor, especially when progress feels slow and elusive. The myriad chords and complex melodies can leave even the most enthusiastic beginners feeling stuck.
Luckily, there's an easy and effective way to break through this barrier. Enter 4 chord songs.
Strum away your guitar woes. This guide will teach you how to play the I-V-vi-IV progression. It will also provide you a list of 4 chord songs to help get you started.
Why Are 4 Chord Songs So Popular?
Right in the core of countless 4-chord hits is the I-V-vi-IV progression. This formula is the secret sauce behind pop songs and rock band classics that have become favorites across generations.
This progression is catchy and effortlessly tugs at our emotions. It's easy to see why most songwriters use them to connect with their audience on a profound level. Plus they're a breeze to learn, making music accessible to beginners and seasoned musicians alike.
I-V-vi-IV: What 4 Chords Are In Every Pop Song?
So, how many pop songs share the same 4 chords? The answer: loads!
Learning these chords can open up a world of music for you. The only things that tend to change are the tempo and strumming patterns, but it gets easier with practice. Here's how to play it.
I (Tonic). This chord is the home base, often represented by C major. Place your fingers on the second string 1st fret. Then the fourth string 2nd fret, and the fifth string's 3rd fret.
V (Dominant). This progression's powerhouse is G major. Set your fingers on the 2nd fret of the fifth and sixth strings. Then the 3rd fret of the first and second strings.
vi (Relative Minor). vi chords, represented as A minor (Am), infuse depth into the musical sequence. Your fingers here should be on the second string 2nd fret. Also set your fingers on the 1st frets of the third and fourth strings.
IV (Subdominant). F major rounds out the progression. F major: Bar the first fret with your index finger across all strings. Then, add the 2nd fret's third string and the 3rd fret's fourth and fifth strings.
Major chords, minor chords—now that you have the know-how, let's put these instructions into practice. Explore some famous 4-chord songs below.
10 Beginner-Friendly Songs With 4 Chords
We've curated a list of 4-chord songs for you. With expert tips and advice, these songs are great starting points for those learning to play the guitar.
1. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
Experiment with island-style strumming and add percussive slaps on the guitar's body. Play I'm Yours >
2. Where Is the Love by Black Eyed Peas
For this socially conscious hit, follow a funky, rhythmic strumming pattern. Don't forget your capo on the 5th fret. Play Where Is the Love >
3. Save Tonight by Eagle Eye Cherry
Here's a nostalgic favorite. Adjust your strumming tempo for an emotional feel, and consider a capo on the 2nd fret for a brighter tone. Play Save Tonight >
4. You're Beautiful by James Blunt
This intimate ballad is known for its emotional lyrics and gentle melody. To capture the mood, play softly and place your capo on the 3rd fret. Play You're Beautiful >
5. Photograph by Ed Sheeran
Add depth to the verses with a fingerpicking style, then transition to strumming during the chorus for an emotional build-up. Capo on the 4th fret. Play Photograph >
6. Californication by Red Hot Chili Peppers
This RHCP classic known for its captivating melody also utilizes the I-V-vi-IV progression. Try out a mix of strumming and picking to add texture to your rendition. Play Photograph >
7. Always by Bon Jovi
This timeless Bon Jovi ballad is known for its powerful lyrics and melody. For a dramatic build-up, use open strumming for the verses and strong, open chords for the chorus. Play Always >
8. 21 Guns by Green Day
Known for its anthemic quality, 21 Guns offers a unique blend of rock and emotional depth through the 4-chord progression. Use a capo on the 5th fret or find the perfect vocal range for your rendition. Play 21 Guns >
9. Fooled Me Again (Honest Eyes) by Lady Gaga
Lady Gaga's original recording doesn't use a capo. But feel free to experiment with capo placement to find the right key for your voice. Play Fooled Me Again (Honest Eyes) >
10. Love Yourself by Justin Bieber
This hit's production and arrangement choices stand out despite the same chord progression. Lightly rest your palm on the strings while strumming, to create its iconic muted or "choppy" effect. Play Love Yourself >
You'll have a solid foundation to build on once you've mastered these 4 chord songs. But why stop there? Take your music to the next level with Bison Disc's full radio tune-up services.
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