Learn the chord progression to Ed Sheeran’s hit song Perfect to practice chord changing techniques and string together multiple stepping stone chords.
To play this chord, press your ring finger onto the first fret of A string while your middle finger and pinky rest at 5th and 3rd fret respectively, while strumming all four strings simultaneously.
1. G-D-Em-G
There is an incredible variety of songs written with G-D-Em-G chords that are instantly recognisable as great music, and this list illustrates this perfectly. These 24 songs demonstrate that great composition doesn’t necessarily require complex chord structures – these iconic musicians managed to convey an array of emotions with just three open chords!
Green Day’s “Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)” uses five simple chords and is an enjoyable song to play. This progression serves as an excellent example of how minor chords can work well in both happy and sad songs alike, with the ii chord often serving as a substitute for major ones.
Weezer’s timeless rock classic “Island in the Sun” also uses a G-D-Em-G progression, making it a straightforward song for beginner guitarists to learn. This chord progression provides excellent practice opportunities to practice chord transitions and strumming patterns while the memorable melodic chorus remains captivating throughout its performance.
2. C-D-Em-C
Though there are many chords to learn on their musical journey, beginners often start off by mastering just the fundamentals. G, C and D chord progression is one of the most commonly found across genres – classic hits as well as modern songs use these simple chords which allow beginner musicians to play guitar songs easily while simultaneously singing along.
“Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd features a classic three-chord progression ideal for beginner guitarists to practice playing and singing. Additionally, beginners can use this song to practice strumming as its chords are played over four beat bars that require only one strumming pattern per chord.
“Hey Jude” by The Beatles is an ideal song to start learning if you’re just getting started on guitar. With its catchy melody and memorable “na-na-na” chorus, its catchy tune and iconic chorus will keep you wanting more playing time. Additionally, this tune gives beginners an opportunity to develop palm muting techniques which will give your sound more authenticity.
3. D-Em-D
Beginners should learn a D chord as soon as possible. While its predecessors G and Em chords may be easier, this one requires additional flexibility from your fingers as well as strength in your ring finger. Furthermore, it may take time before your fingertips get used to pressing down on strings comfortably – so don’t panic if it feels awkward at first!
This version of D is a bar chord at the fifth fret, so to play it correctly you will need to bar all strings except A and low E strings, starting by placing your first finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string; second finger at 4th fret on 2nd string, third finger on 1st string etc.
Below is a diagram that illustrates how this chord can be played. Note the Xs on some strings indicating you do not strum those strings and Os indicating you should play or strum that string.
4. G-D-Em-G
The I – V – Em – G chord progression is one of the most versatile in all of music, as its semitone pattern can be applied in any key. Furthermore, once your fingers become familiar with its use and can replicate it without even looking, muscle memory takes over and produces chords without your input!
John Denver’s timeless classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads” serves as an exemplary example. The song employs a G, C and D progression with an additional II VI IV iii sequence for an engaging sound that falls somewhere between happy and sad; just perfect.
Eric Clapton’s acoustic classic “Wonderful Tonight” provides another excellent example. Here, Clapton substitutes C chord for V chord to create a different feel; yet still retains G, C and D progression with added edge! You can use this same method on any chord progression such as G – D – Em – G. Give any song an added layer!