The One That Got Away: Guitar Chords Tutorial

by Jhon Lennon 46 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into Katy Perry's heart-wrenching ballad, "The One That Got Away." This song is a favorite for many, not just because of its emotional lyrics but also because it’s super fun to play on the guitar. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, we'll break down the chords, strumming patterns, and everything you need to nail this tune. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Understanding the Chords

First things first, let's talk about the chords you'll need to play "The One That Got Away." The song primarily revolves around a few key chords that are relatively easy to learn, making it accessible for beginner guitarists. The main chords you'll be using are G Major, D Major, Em (E minor), and C Major. These chords form the backbone of the song and create its signature sound. Mastering these chords is essential, not just for this song, but for a huge number of other popular tunes as well!

  • G Major: To play G Major, place your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret; your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all six strings. This chord has a bright, full sound that brings a sense of warmth to the song.
  • D Major: For D Major, place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret; your middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Strum everything but the 6th and 5th strings. D Major adds a vibrant and uplifting feel, contrasting nicely with some of the more melancholic elements of the song.
  • Em (E minor): To play E minor, place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings. E minor brings a touch of sadness and introspection, perfectly capturing the song's emotional depth.
  • C Major: For C Major, place your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret; your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret. Strum everything but the 6th string. C Major offers a sense of resolution and balance, rounding out the chord progression beautifully.

Once you're comfortable with these basic chords, you can start practicing the chord transitions. Smooth transitions are key to making the song sound fluid and polished. Try switching between G, D, Em, and C slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and clean finger placement. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase your speed. Practice makes perfect, so don't get discouraged if it feels awkward at first. Keep at it, and you'll be switching chords like a pro in no time!

Strumming Patterns

Now that we've got the chords down, let's move on to the strumming patterns. The strumming pattern you choose can greatly influence the overall feel of the song. For "The One That Got Away," a simple yet effective strumming pattern is Down, Down, Up, Down, Up. This pattern provides a steady rhythm that complements the song's tempo and emotional tone. However, feel free to experiment with different strumming patterns to find what sounds best to you. Music is all about personal expression, so don't be afraid to get creative!

To master this strumming pattern, start by practicing it slowly and deliberately. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and ensuring that each strum is clear and distinct. You can use a metronome to help you keep time. Once you're comfortable with the basic pattern, try adding some variations to make it more interesting. For example, you could try emphasizing certain strums or adding a slight pause between strums. The key is to find a balance between maintaining the song's structure and adding your own personal flair.

Another popular strumming pattern that works well with "The One That Got Away" is Down, Up, Down, Up. This pattern is a bit faster and more energetic than the previous one, making it a good choice if you want to give the song a bit more pep. To play this pattern, simply alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes on each beat. Again, start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. Pay attention to the dynamics of your strumming, varying the intensity of your strokes to create a more expressive performance.

Remember, the best strumming pattern is the one that feels most natural and comfortable to you. Don't be afraid to experiment and find your own unique style. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to music, so have fun and let your creativity shine!

Song Structure

Understanding the song structure of "The One That Got Away" is crucial for playing it accurately and confidently. The song follows a fairly standard pop structure, consisting of verses, a pre-chorus, a chorus, and a bridge. Knowing how these sections fit together will help you navigate the song and anticipate chord changes.

  • Verse: The verses typically use a chord progression of G - D - Em - C. This progression creates a sense of longing and reflection, setting the stage for the more emotionally charged chorus.
  • Pre-Chorus: The pre-chorus builds anticipation and leads into the chorus. The chord progression may vary slightly, but it often includes chords like Em and C to create tension.
  • Chorus: The chorus is the most memorable and emotionally impactful part of the song. It usually features a more upbeat and powerful chord progression, such as G - D - Em - C, repeated for emphasis. The chorus is where the song's main message is delivered, so make sure to play it with passion and conviction.
  • Bridge: The bridge provides a break from the main structure of the song and often introduces new chords or melodies. It's a chance to add contrast and depth to the song before returning to the chorus for a final repetition.

By understanding the song structure, you can create a more dynamic and engaging performance. Pay attention to the transitions between sections and use your strumming and dynamics to emphasize the different moods and emotions of the song. With practice and attention to detail, you'll be able to play "The One That Got Away" with confidence and skill.

Tips for Beginners

If you're new to playing guitar, don't worry! "The One That Got Away" is a great song to learn, and with a little practice, you'll be playing it in no time. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

  • Start Slow: Don't try to rush things. Take your time to learn the chords and strumming patterns at a comfortable pace. Accuracy is more important than speed, especially when you're just starting out.
  • Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to improving your guitar skills. Try to practice for at least 15-30 minutes each day. Even short, regular practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
  • Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you develop your timing and rhythm. Start by practicing with the metronome set to a slow tempo, and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.
  • Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a great way to identify areas where you need to improve. Listen back to your recordings and pay attention to your chord transitions, strumming, and timing.
  • Be Patient: Learning guitar takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually reach your goals.

Adding Your Own Style

Once you've mastered the basic chords and strumming patterns, feel free to add your own personal style to "The One That Got Away." Music is all about self-expression, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Vary Your Strumming: Try different strumming patterns to create a more dynamic and interesting performance. You can also experiment with different dynamics, varying the intensity of your strums to create emphasis and contrast.
  • Add Embellishments: Add little fills or flourishes between chords to add some extra flair to your playing. You can use hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides to create these embellishments.
  • Change the Tempo: Experiment with playing the song at different tempos. A slower tempo can create a more intimate and emotional feel, while a faster tempo can make the song more upbeat and energetic.
  • Sing Along: Singing along while you play can add a whole new dimension to your performance. Practice your vocal delivery and try to capture the emotion of the song.

By adding your own personal touches, you can transform "The One That Got Away" into something truly unique and special. So don't be afraid to let your creativity shine and make the song your own!

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Playing "The One That Got Away" on guitar is totally achievable with a bit of practice and patience. Focus on getting those chords down, experiment with different strumming patterns, and don't be afraid to add your own personal touch. Remember, music is all about having fun and expressing yourself, so enjoy the process and let your passion shine through. Keep strumming, and you'll be rocking this song in no time! Happy playing!