Mastering “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” – An Acoustic Guitar Tutorial

Introduction: Welcome, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, we embark on a journey through one of the most iconic tunes in the indie music scene – “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” by The Smiths. This hauntingly beautiful song, with its melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics, has captured the hearts of listeners for decades. And what better way to pay homage to this masterpiece than by learning how to play it on acoustic guitar?

In this tutorial, we’ll break down the chords, strumming patterns, and techniques needed to master this timeless classic. Whether you’re a beginner picking up the guitar for the first time or a seasoned player looking to expand your repertoire, this tutorial will guide you through every step of the way.

Mastering "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" - An Acoustic Guitar Tutorial

Let’s dive in!

Chords: The beauty of “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” lies in its simplicity. The song primarily revolves around four basic chords: D, A, Bm, and G. Here’s how to play them:

  1. D – Place your index finger on the second fret of the G string, your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string.
  2. A – Place your index finger on the second fret of the D string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the B string.
  3. Bm – Bar the second fret with your index finger across all six strings, then place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the D string, and your pinky on the fourth fret of the G string.
  4. G – Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string.

Strumming Pattern: The strumming pattern for “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want” is gentle and flowing, perfectly complementing the song’s somber mood. Here’s a basic pattern to get you started:

D – Down strum U – Up strum

D D U D U

Practice strumming this pattern slowly at first, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm and emphasizing the downbeat on each chord change.

Techniques: To truly capture the essence of the song, incorporate dynamics into your playing. Experiment with subtle variations in volume and intensity to convey the song’s emotional depth. Additionally, don’t be afraid to add your own embellishments and flourishes to make the song your own.

Conclusion: As you immerse yourself in the delicate melodies and poignant lyrics of “Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want,” remember to enjoy the journey of learning and playing. Whether you’re strumming along in your bedroom or performing for a crowd, let the music speak to your soul and evoke the same raw emotion that resonates throughout this timeless classic.

So, grab your guitar, tune into the melancholic vibes of The Smiths, and let the music take you on a journey of longing and introspection. Happy strumming!

Key Insights –

🎸 The tutorial focuses on the original recording and Johnny Marr’s live performances for accurate chord placement. – 🎶 The Cmaj7 chord is played with the capo on the second fret in the key of C major. – 🎵 The G chord can be played in various positions, but the video recommends a specific fingering for easy transitions to C. – 🎶 The strumming pattern for the song is consistent throughout, with down, down, up, down, up, down, down, up, down, up per bar. – 🎵 Muting the sixth string with the thumb and letting the fifth string ring out is recommended for the Fmaj7 chord. – 🎵 The outro of the song repeats the chords from the chorus and ends on a G chord. – 🎸 Simplifying the strumming pattern to match the beat or doing single strums can make it easier for beginners.

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