Chords are collections of notes played simultaneously, serving as the backdrop to any melody that exists on top of them. Without chords present in a song’s composition, its melody would likely sound quite lifeless and disinteresting.
Beginners should begin by learning basic open chords (C, G, D and A). Dedicate some time practicing these open chords until switching among them becomes natural and seamless.
The Chords
As you learn a song, it is crucial that you interpret its chord progression and melody in your own way – this will enable you to develop your own style while adding your personal stamp to it.
McCartney employs F major chords throughout “Yesterday”, yet uses secondary dominants and non-diatonic chords to add tension. For instance, in the first section that opens with an F major chord it quickly resolves into Em7, A7, then D minor – creating an emotionally intense soundscape. This harmonic ambiguity further heightens emotional intensity within this song.
“Yesterday” features an instantly memorable melody, easy to sing along to and instantly timeless appeal. McCartney’s use of melodic contour – a gradual increase in pitch that highlights emotional moments – was key to its success; especially effective when played acoustically guitar.
The Melody
Paul McCartney’s use of melodic contour – beginning each phrase lower in pitch before rising back up – makes “Yesterday” one of the most enduring and memorably melodies in popular music, making it simple and straightforward for audiences to sing along and remember the melody.
McCartney also uses various chord substitutions and modulations techniques to keep his song harmonically interesting, for example starting the chorus out in F major before switching abruptly to G major for an emotional altering moment that changes its emotional direction.
Memorizing guitar chords may initially seem daunting. Using effective practice techniques, applying music theory, and practicing regularly, you can speed up the process. Be patient as you make progress; and enjoy every step along the way! The benefits of memorization will become evident over time: as more you learn, the more likely you’ll want to keep playing! Eventually, once mastered, any song – including ones you were learning yesterday! – will become accessible effortlessly.
The Rhythm
Acoustic guitar chords provide us with a soft and emotional sound that complements lyrics perfectly. To play such songs effectively, pay close attention to how dynamically each song changes during performance and adjust your fingerstyle pattern accordingly; for instance, during verses use light fingerstyle patterns while intensify them during choruses.
McCartney’s use of chord progressions adds tension and drama to his song. Although written primarily in F major, the song incorporates various secondary dominants and non-diatonic chords to keep things interesting – for instance, its opening chords move from F major to Em7 before finally resolving to A7 before moving on to D minor.
One reason the song has become such an icon is due to its simple melodic line, yet chords and harmonic shifts give it a richness that elevates it beyond being just another pop song.
The Fingerstyle
Fingerstyle guitar refers to using one’s fingertips rather than a pick for plucking strings, and can be used to simultaneously perform several distinct musical parts such as bass-lines, chords and melodies.
Typically, the thumb will sound the chord’s root note before other fingers add melodies on top of that. Some players use an alternative picking technique whereby their pointer finger serves as the chord or strumming finger, while middle and ring fingers pick melody notes.
Merle Travis, Chet Atkins and Mississippi John Hurt are notable musicians who pioneered fingerstyle techniques for country music. Later they also had an influence on guitarists of other genres.
Explore different fingerstyle patterns until you find one that resonates best with you. Practice until the pattern becomes second nature to ensure it produces an emotional sound for any song and chord progression, ready to be applied across other styles of playing.