Discover how to play “Norwegian Wood” by The Beatles note-for-note on guitar with this comprehensive lesson that includes full performance video playthrough, tabs and chords.
Rubber Soul was the first album to feature sitar music as an integral part of western rock recordings, with this track featuring an eye-catching and exotic track featuring simple yet exotic guitar riffs, melodies and strumming patterns on an exotic sitar instrument.
1. D Suspended 2
A Dsus2 chord is a suspended chord, consisting of only root and fifth note with no major or minor third chord in between. This adds some variation and tension to a progression.
Dsus2 chords are similar to standard D chords but differ by substituting the third degree (F#) with the fourth degree of the scale (G). This simple change makes playing D chords even simpler!
Suspended chords play an integral part in creating harmony across all genres of music, and taking time to learn them will make you a more proficient guitarist. Their distinctive sound can add immense interest and add something truly beautiful to your compositions.
2. D Major
D Major is an ideal chord for novice musicians to start out on their musical journey with. This versatile triad chord can be used to produce diatonic harmonies of various diatonic scales; additionally, it sounds wonderful when combined with other triads.
Scale degree chords work particularly well when applied to D minor seventh (Dm7) and D minor sixth chords, both of which can be extended with additional notes using scale degree chords.
Learning these triads is essential, as they’ll serve as the basis of more advanced chord structures in any key. Furthermore, it is wise to practice all possible inversions of each triad in order to develop an understanding of how they sound when played in various contexts.
3. C Major
C Major is one of the first chords you should learn to play and should become part of your repertoire. Comprised of notes C-E-G it is one of the essential chords.
As is true with other major scales, C chord can also be played up an octave from its starting point without changing either its name or sound; this simply requires shifting your fingers up the neck more than in 4th position and using barre chords which involve pressing down multiple strings with one finger – this adds challenge but makes for easier strumming when needed quickly.
4. G Major
Beginners typically begin learning this chord early, yet it can be one of the trickier ones to master. Your thumb must stretch across the width of the neck in order to press both strings at once.
It consists of the root note G, major third and perfect fifth (steps one, three and five of the G major scale). You may add additional notes like sixths or sevenths if desired to further complicate it.
This four-finger variation of an open chord shape and variation is one of the most frequent. If the three-finger version proves too challenging for you, try this four-finger variation instead.
5. C Minor
C minor is an expressive chord used across various music genres. No matter if you play guitar, tenor banjo, or piano; learning this chord will allow you to express yourself more fully through your instrument and discover its capabilities.
This chord’s distinctive feature is its flattened third, creating a melancholic sound. To play it, begin on C and use your fingers to reach Eb, before tucking your thumb under and reaching G – one octave below C.
Practice playing these inversions regularly to increase finger dexterity and add depth and emotion to your guitar playing. Soon enough, this will become second nature, adding new depth and emotion.
6. D Suspended 2
Sus2 chords offer a neutral sound and can serve as an ideal replacement for major and minor triads in any key. In particular, they work exceptionally well in the IV position because their major 3rd is suspended like that found in V chords (please refer to table above for further information).
Addition of a minor 7th can destabilise a sus2 chord and add tension – something commonly heard in blues and rock music.
Norwegian Wood by The Beatles features an incredible sequence of Dsus2 chords that is ideal for practicing Dsus2 strumming, but also works wonderfully when used with Gsus2.