Ed Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” is a timeless ballad that’s captivated audiences worldwide. Its simple yet elegant melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a guitar staple, but mastering the chords can feel like navigating a love song’s rollercoaster. Fear not, aspiring troubadours! This blog post is your roadmap to unlocking the “Thinking Out Loud” chords and serenading your loved one (or the showerhead) with Sheeran-esque swagger.
Basic Building Blocks:
Let’s start with the foundation: the verse chords. You’ll need to cozy up with four familiar friends: D, D/F#, G, and A. That’s right, just four chords can paint the emotional landscape of this love song. But don’t underestimate their power! The magic lies in the transitions and subtle variations Sheeran employs.
Verse Rhythms and Variations:
Here’s where things get interesting. Sheeran uses a rhythmic strumming pattern in the verses, often with downstrokes on the beat and muted strums in between. To add extra flavor, try a “hammer-on” on the second fret of the D chord – it’s a simple technique that adds a percussive punch. And listen closely to the chord changes! He sometimes throws in a Bm instead of an A in the third line, and throws in an A7 before the chorus for a dramatic build-up.
Chorus Confidence:
The chorus throws in a few new faces: Bm, G, C, and D. It might seem like a jump, but these chords naturally flow from the verse progression. Practice transitioning smoothly between them, and remember – confidence is key! Strum with conviction, let your voice soar, and feel the emotional power of the chords wash over you.
Beyond the Basics:
Once you’ve mastered the foundation, don’t hesitate to explore! Experiment with different strumming patterns, try fingerpicking the intro, or add embellishments like arpeggios or fills. Remember, music is about expressing yourself, so make “Thinking Out Loud” your own.
Resources and Inspiration:
There are countless online resources to help you along the way. Guitar tutorials, chord diagrams, and even full song breakdowns are just a click away. And don’t forget to listen to the original! Pay attention to Sheeran’s subtle nuances and phrasing – they’re gold mines for inspiration.
So, grab your guitar, tune in to your inner romantic, and let the chords of “Thinking Out Loud” guide you. With a little practice and passion, you’ll be serenading your loved one (or at least your reflection in the bathroom mirror) in no time. Remember, music is a journey, not a destination. Enjoy the ride, and keep thinking out loud – your guitar is listening.
Bonus Tip: For a real challenge, try learning the bridge section, which uses some trickier chords like F and Em. But hey, pushing your boundaries is how you grow as a musician, right?
Chord Progression:
“Thinking Out Loud” primarily uses a set of common chords that blend seamlessly to create the warm and romantic atmosphere of the song. The key of the song is D major, and the chords you’ll need are D, G, Em, A, Bm, and F#m.
Here’s the basic chord progression for the verse and chorus:
[Verse 1]
D G Em A
When your legs don't work like they used to before
D G Em A
And I can't sweep you off of your feet
D G Em A
Will your mouth still remember the taste of my love
D G Em A
Will your eyes still smile from your cheeks
[Chorus]
G A Bm G
And, darling, I will be loving you 'til we're 70
G A Bm G
And, baby, my heart could still fall as hard at 23
G A Bm A
And I'm thinking 'bout how people fall in love in mysterious ways
G A Bm G
Maybe just the touch of a hand
G A Bm A
Well, me—I fall in love with you every single day
G A Bm G A
And I just wanna tell you I am
Chord Chart:
Here’s a chord chart to help you visualize the chord positions
D G Em A Bm F#m
e|--2-----3-----0-----0-----2-----2--|
B|--3-----3-----0-----2-----3-----2--|
G|--2-----0-----0-----2-----4-----2--|
D|--0-----0-----2-----2-----4-----4--|
A|--x-----2-----2-----0-----2-----4--|
E|--x-----3-----0-----x-----x-----2--|
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