Introduction
Calling all guitar enthusiasts! Are you ready to embark on a musical journey and conquer the melodious strains of Blackbird by the Beatles? Whether you’re a seasoned strummer or a novice plucker, this comprehensive guide will lead you effortlessly through the intricacies of this iconic song.
Source ar.inspiredpencil.com
Getting Started
Materials You’ll Need
- Acoustic or electric guitar
- Tuner (optional, but recommended)
- Capo (optional)
Tuning and Setup
Before you dive into the chords, ensure your guitar is in tune. Use a tuner or follow these steps:
- Tune the low E string (6th string) to 82.41 Hz
- Tune the A string (5th string) to 110.00 Hz
- Tune the D string (4th string) to 146.83 Hz
- Tune the G string (3rd string) to 196.00 Hz
- Tune the B string (2nd string) to 246.94 Hz
- Tune the high E string (1st string) to 329.63 Hz
If you prefer, you can use a capo on the 7th fret to make playing the chords easier.
The Basic Chords
Am (A minor) Chord
- Index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B)
- Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D)
- Ring finger on the 1st fret of the 5th string (A)
G Chord
- Index finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string (E)
- Middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string (A)
- Ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D)
C Chord
- Index finger on the 1st fret of the 5th string (A)
- Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D)
- Ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string (B)
The Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for Blackbird is quite simple:
- Down on the 1st beat
- Up on the 2nd and 4th beats
Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Putting it All Together
Once you’ve mastered the chords and strumming pattern, it’s time to combine them. Here’s the chord progression for the intro and verse:
- Am | G | Am | G
- C | G | Am | G
Play the strumming pattern and sing the lyrics (if you wish):
"Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these broken wings and learn to fly
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to arise"
The Bridge
The bridge of Blackbird features a slightly different chord progression:
- F | C | Am | G
- Dm | G | C | Am
Play the strumming pattern and sing the lyrics:
"Blackbird singing in the dead of night
Take these sunken eyes and learn to see
All your life
You were only waiting for this moment to be free"
The Outro
The outro of the song repeats the intro and verse chords:
- Am | G | Am | G
- C | G | Am | G
Ending Riff:
- Am | G | Am | G
- Am | F | C | G
Tips for Success
- Practice regularly and consistently
- Use a metronome to improve your timing
- Don’t be afraid to slow down and focus on accuracy
- listen to the original recording for inspiration
- Don’t give up! Learning any instrument takes time and effort
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now unlocked the secrets of playing Blackbird on guitar. Remember, the journey of learning music is an ongoing one. Keep practicing, exploring new songs, and discovering the joy that only music can bring.
Check out our other articles for more guitar tips, tricks, and song tutorials.
FAQ about How to Play Blackbird on Guitar
1. What chords are used in Blackbird?
A: Am, Em, Dm, G, C
2. What is the strumming pattern for Blackbird?
A: Down, down, down-up, down-up
3. How do I play the fingerpicking pattern?
A: (Thumb) Bass note (Index) Middle string 1 (Middle) Index string 2 (Ring) Middle string 1 (Pinky) Index string 2
4. What is the time signature of Blackbird?
A: 4/4
5. What key is Blackbird in?
A: Am (A minor)
6. Can you play Blackbird with a capo?
A: Yes, on the 2nd fret
7. How do I get the same sound as the original recording?
A: Use a steel-string acoustic guitar with a pick and chorus effect
8. What are some tips for beginners?
A: Start by practicing the chords and strumming pattern separately. Use a metronome to improve your timing.
9. How long will it take me to learn Blackbird?
A: With consistent practice, you can learn the basic version in a few weeks.
10. Where can I find more resources to learn Blackbird?
A: Online guitar tutorials, books, and videos
