Music theory can provide insight into many aspects of a song, but only its listener can truly determine its worth.
This open chord shape of D is an ideal starting point for beginning guitarists and can be moved up and down the neck to produce different sounds. This song prominently uses it.
Verse 1
George Harrison’s acoustic guitar part is relatively straightforward: he adds little lead riffs as they arise while strumming his instrument loosely throughout.
This song utilizes chords built upon its tonic or root note (D Major), providing it with an emotionally grounded soundscape to support lyrics of satisfaction and renewed optimism.
E Minor chord shapes provide beginners with an entryway into guitar chord playing and are easily moved around the fretboard for maximum creative expression. Give it a go and discover all its possibilities!
Verse 2
The next guitar chords in this song offer a fun variation on the familiar E minor shape, making for an easy guitar chord to learn while offering a great sounding unique voicing that sounds fantastic.
This chord allows you to explore moving one finger around on the fretboard a bit, which provides great ear training when finding what does and doesn’t work in music. It is an ideal chord choice when trying to add extra color or variation into songs.
Verse 3
George Harrison used an open E minor chord shape in this verse for a more vibrant sound, as this chord can be moved around freely on the fretboard to find what sounds best with all open strings.
Download this lesson for a comprehensive note-for-note breakdown of George’s acoustic guitar part, including video lessons, performance play-thru videos and full tabs.
Verse 4
The verse begins with an E minor chord, an ideal starting point for newcomers to the guitar who want to explore its possibilities. Experiment and see what surprises lie within; you could be amazed!
George Harrison was not formally trained in music but used his ears and vocal expertise to craft this beautiful composition. He was adept at making chords sound good together.
Verse 5
The B7 chord works here due to a cadential extension harmony which resolves to E two bars later, creating a dramatic effect and adding some additional color. You can use this technique on any chord for added flair!
This beginner guitar chord shape can be moved around on the fretboard to produce different tones and give a wide range of tonality options. Experimentation will help you discover what sounds best and which options cause too much dissonance.
Verse 6
George Harrison utilizes an interesting chord structure in this verse: an open D chord shape is rarely encountered by beginners but works beautifully here.
This chord is the second inversion of an E major shape and produces a pleasing sound which falls somewhere between an A major and A minor – not as high-pitched but not too subdued either.
Verse 7
Verse 7 specifically refers to an army that is advancing with strength, power and discipline – conveying both power and unity in an army formation.
This chord may seem challenging at first glance, but once you master open chords you should have no problems playing it. What makes this chord shape unique is its mobility: it can move all over the fretboard creating different tones and sounds that allow for great ear training as well as discovering new chord voicings!
Verse 8
Here Comes the Sun is an ideal song to introduce new guitar players to open chords and E minor voicing. Most beginners begin their musical journey learning this chord shape; additionally, this chord shows how different sounds can be achieved through moving its shapes around on the fretboard.
This variation on an open E chord may not sound as vibrant, but it works beautifully here, creating cadential-extending harmonies. Just be sure to use a capo!
Verse 9
Learn Here Comes the Sun note-for-note with this acoustic guitar lesson, featuring 3 lessons videos, a performance play through video and full tabs.
An open E minor shape can add extra flair and color to your chord progressions. Its adaptable nature enables it to move around the fretboard with each new move, giving you an opportunity to practice your ear and hear what works and doesn’t.