Here Comes The Sun: Chords, Key Of A, And Guitar Tutorial

Hey music lovers! Ready to dive into one of the most beloved songs ever written? We're talking about "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles. This iconic tune, a ray of sunshine in musical form, is perfect for guitar players of all levels. In this article, we'll break down the chords, talk about the key of A, and even give you some tips and tricks to play it yourself. So grab your guitar, and let's get started! Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this guide will help you understand and play this timeless classic. We'll explore the song's structure, the specific chords used, and how they all fit together to create that unforgettable Beatles sound. Get ready to strum along and feel the good vibes!

The Power of "Here Comes the Sun": A Song for Everyone

"Here Comes the Sun" is more than just a song; it's an experience. Released in 1969 on the album Abbey Road, it quickly became a fan favorite and remains one of The Beatles' most recognizable and cherished compositions. Written primarily by George Harrison, the song is a beautiful blend of hope, optimism, and a touch of melancholy, reflecting the joy of emerging from a difficult period. Its simple yet effective structure and the warm, inviting melody make it accessible to listeners of all ages and backgrounds. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its universal themes and Harrison's masterful songwriting. The song's simplicity is one of its greatest strengths. It's easy to learn and play, making it a great choice for beginners looking to expand their chord vocabulary. At the same time, the song's depth and emotional resonance ensure that it continues to captivate experienced musicians. The song's gentle tempo and straightforward strumming patterns are also ideal for learning and practicing different techniques. So, if you're looking for a song that's both fun to play and deeply rewarding, "Here Comes the Sun" is the perfect choice. You'll not only learn a classic tune but also gain valuable skills that will enhance your overall guitar playing.

Why Learn "Here Comes the Sun"?

Learning to play "Here Comes the Sun" offers several benefits. Firstly, it's a fantastic song to add to your repertoire. It's a crowd-pleaser and a joy to play. Secondly, it helps you understand chord progressions. The song uses a relatively simple set of chords, which makes it an excellent choice for learning how different chords work together. You'll become familiar with the transitions between chords and how they create the song's overall feel. Thirdly, it's a great exercise in rhythm and strumming. The song's steady tempo and straightforward strumming patterns help you develop your timing and coordination. Lastly, it's simply fun! There's something incredibly satisfying about playing a song you love and sharing it with others. The act of learning and playing music is incredibly rewarding. It allows for self-expression, creative exploration, and personal growth. Playing guitar can also be a great stress reliever. When you play guitar, you can focus on the present moment and forget about any worries or concerns. It's also a great way to socialize and connect with other people who share your love of music. Whether you're playing alone in your room or with a group of friends, playing guitar is a truly fulfilling and enjoyable experience.

Understanding the Key of A

Before we dive into the chords, let's talk about the key of A. "Here Comes the Sun" is primarily in the key of A major. This means the song's melody and harmonies are based on the A major scale. In the key of A major, the basic chords commonly used are A major, D major, and E major. You'll find these chords prominently featured in "Here Comes the Sun". Understanding the key helps you predict and anticipate which chords will be used, and it also makes it easier to improvise or experiment with your own variations. Understanding the key is fundamental to understanding the song's musical structure. It's like having a map that guides you through the musical landscape. By knowing the key, you'll be able to identify the important chords and the relationships between them. This knowledge will also help you to develop your ear training skills, allowing you to recognize musical patterns and predict how the song will progress. The ability to identify the key will also make it easier for you to learn other songs in the same key. When you know the key, you can quickly determine which chords are likely to be used, which can save you time and effort when learning new songs. This will make you a more versatile musician. Additionally, understanding the key can open up new creative possibilities. You can experiment with different chord voicings and improvisational ideas. You can also explore different genres of music that use the same key.

Common Chords in the Key of A

In the key of A major, the most common chords include:

• A major (A): This is the tonic chord, the foundation of the song.
• D major (D): The IV chord, creating a sense of movement.
• E major (E): The V chord, leading back to the A and creating a strong sense of resolution.

"Here Comes the Sun" primarily uses these chords, making it a great song for beginners to learn and master these foundational elements of music theory. Remember, learning these chords is just the beginning. The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with them. You'll also start to recognize how they relate to each other and how they're used in other songs. As you gain more experience, you can start to experiment with different chord voicings and variations. This will help you to develop your own unique playing style and further enhance your musical creativity. Exploring different chord voicings can add a new dimension to your playing. By changing the way you play the chords, you can alter the sound and feel of the song. You might, for example, choose to play a more mellow version of a chord or use a different finger placement to create a brighter sound. With enough practice, you'll be able to make informed decisions about how to play the chords in a way that best expresses your musical intentions.

"Here Comes the Sun" Chord Chart

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here's the chord chart for "Here Comes the Sun." Remember, the key is A major, so these are the primary chords you'll be using. This simplified version is perfect for beginners, but we'll also offer some variations later on. It's important to keep in mind that music notation can vary, so you might see slightly different versions online. However, the core chords and structure generally remain the same. The chord chart is a fundamental tool for learning a song. It provides a visual representation of the chords and how they are arranged throughout the song. By studying the chart, you'll be able to quickly grasp the song's structure and identify the transitions between chords. This will make it easier for you to learn the song and memorize the chord progression. You will then feel more confident when playing. It will also serve as a reference guide. Whenever you encounter a chord you're unfamiliar with, you can easily look it up and find the finger placement. Once you have a handle on the chart, you can start practicing the transitions between chords. This will improve your coordination and your ability to play the song smoothly.

The Basic Chords

Here are the chords you'll need, with easy-to-follow diagrams:

• A major (A): x02220
• D major (D): xx0232
• E major (E): 022100

The Verse Progression

The verse typically follows this pattern:

• A - D - A - E

Strum each chord slowly at first, focusing on clean transitions and a steady rhythm. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. A metronome is your friend here! When you're first learning, focus on accuracy. Take your time to make sure you're playing each chord correctly. This will prevent bad habits from forming. Try practicing the chord changes slowly at first and then gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. It's also helpful to use a metronome to keep a steady beat. Focus on smooth transitions between chords. This will help the song flow well. Also, pay attention to your strumming pattern. Try to keep it consistent. This will make the music sound more professional. Learning the correct strumming pattern is also an essential part of playing a song. The strumming pattern provides the rhythm and groove of the song. You can practice strumming patterns by themselves, even without the chords. This will help you to build up your muscle memory and coordination.

The Chorus Progression

The chorus generally uses:

• A - D - A - E

Notice that the chorus uses the same progression as the verse! This makes it easy to remember. Practice transitioning between these chords until you can do so smoothly and quickly. When practicing, listen to the original recording to get the feel of the song. Try to match the rhythm and strumming pattern of the song. This will help you to improve your timing and coordination. You can also experiment with different strumming patterns. Try different variations to create your own unique version of the song. By experimenting, you will also be able to develop your own unique playing style and further enhance your musical creativity. The more you practice, the more comfortable you will become with the chord changes.

Guitar Tutorial Tips and Tricks

Alright, let's take a look at some guitar tips and tricks to make playing "Here Comes the Sun" even easier and more enjoyable!

Strumming Pattern: The Heartbeat of the Song

The strumming pattern is crucial. A simple down-down-up-up-down-up works well. Practice this rhythm consistently. Pay attention to the song's tempo and try to match it. Listen to the original recording of the song to get a feel for the rhythm and pace. One of the best ways to learn the strumming pattern is to listen to the song and try to play along with it. This will help you to internalize the rhythm and feel of the song. You can also use a metronome to practice the strumming pattern. A metronome will help you to keep a steady beat and improve your timing. Remember, the goal is to develop a smooth and consistent strumming pattern that complements the song's melody. Another tip is to practice slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and clean transitions between chords. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can gradually increase the tempo.

Smooth Chord Transitions

Practice switching between the A, D, and E chords. The faster you can switch, the better. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed. Focus on clean transitions with minimal buzzing. Practice slowly and deliberately at first. This will help you to develop the muscle memory needed for smooth transitions. Pay attention to your finger placement on each chord. Make sure your fingers are positioned correctly to produce a clear and distinct sound. The key is to avoid lifting your fingers too far off the fretboard and to keep your fingers close to the strings. Focus on your wrist movement. The wrist is responsible for the transition from one chord to another. Try to keep your wrist relaxed and fluid. This will prevent unnecessary tension and make the transitions smoother.

Practice Regularly!

Consistency is key. Even 15-20 minutes of practice a day can make a big difference. Set aside a specific time each day for practice. This will help you to develop a consistent practice routine. You will want to stay focused on your goals. Divide your practice time into smaller chunks. This will make your practice sessions more manageable and less overwhelming. Also, celebrate your accomplishments. Acknowledge your progress and celebrate your successes. This will motivate you to keep practicing. Learning a song is a journey. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the process. Remember, the more you practice, the better you'll become, so get that guitar and start playing!

Beyond the Basics: Adding Flavor

Once you're comfortable with the basic chords, you can add some extra flavor to your playing!

Variations and Embellishments

Experiment with different chord voicings. The A chord can be played in different positions on the fretboard. Try using a barre chord version of A or an A7 chord for a slightly different sound. Add embellishments like hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides to make the song more dynamic. These techniques can add some extra expression and flair to your playing. Try incorporating some fingerpicking techniques. These can add depth and complexity to your playing, making the song more interesting. Experiment with different strumming patterns. Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to the song.

The Bridge (Optional)

In some versions, there's a bridge section. This often uses the same chords as the verse and chorus. Listen carefully to the original recording to identify the bridge and its chords. The bridge is a good way to add some variety to the song. It often provides a different mood or perspective. It can also act as a transition between the verse and chorus. If you can play the bridge, the song will be even more fulfilling. You will have a greater understanding of the song's structure and how the different parts work together.

Final Thoughts: Keep on Strumming!

Congratulations, guys! You've taken your first steps towards playing "Here Comes the Sun." Remember to practice consistently, have fun, and enjoy the journey. Playing guitar is all about practice, patience, and perseverance. Don't get discouraged if it takes some time to master the song. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there. Celebrate your progress and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment. Every time you play the song, you'll feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. And most importantly, keep enjoying the process of learning and playing music. Playing guitar can be a fun and rewarding experience that enhances your life. Keep strumming, and the sun will always shine on your musical journey!