I have always been fascinated by music and the way it can transport us to different places and evoke various emotions. As a beginner guitarist, I am always on the lookout for simple and fun songs to learn. One song that has caught my attention recently is “Coffee” by Beabadoobee. Its soothing melody and heartfelt lyrics have instantly struck a chord with me. In this article, I will guide you through a step-by-step process on how to play ‘Coffee’ on the guitar, even if you are a beginner.
Finding the Right Chords
The first step in learning any song on the guitar is to figure out the chords used. In the case of “Coffee” by Beabadoobee, we will be using four basic chords: G, C, D, and Em. These chords are commonly used in many popular songs, so learning them will not only help you play this song but also open doors to countless other tunes.
G Chord
The G chord is one of the first chords that most guitarists learn. Here’s how you can play it:
1. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string.
2. Position your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the 6th string.
3. Lastly, put your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 1st string.
Strum only the first four strings when playing the G chord.
C Chord
The C chord is another basic chord that is commonly used. Follow these steps to play it:
1. Position your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
3. Lastly, put your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string.
Remember to strum all the strings while playing the C chord.
D Chord
Moving on to the D chord, follow these steps to play it correctly:
1. Position your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 1st string.
3. Lastly, put your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 2nd string.
Similar to the G chord, strum only the first four strings when playing D.
Em Chord
The Em chord is the last chord we need to learn for playing “Coffee.” Follow these steps to play it:
1. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string.
2. Position your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string.
3. Lastly, put your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd string.
Strum all the strings while playing the Em chord.
Mastering the Strumming Pattern
Once you have familiarized yourself with the chords, the next step is to work on the strumming pattern. The strumming pattern for “Coffee” is relatively simple and consists of downstrokes. Start by strumming downwards on the strings, ensuring that you maintain a steady rhythm. As you get comfortable, try adding a slight emphasis on certain beats to give the song more dynamics.
Putting It All Together
Now that you have a good grasp of the chords and the strumming pattern, it’s time to put it all together and play “Coffee” by Beabadoobee. Here are the chord progressions for the verses and the chorus:
Verse
The verse of the song follows a chord progression of G, C, D, C. Strum each chord for four beats before transitioning to the next one. Repeat this chord progression throughout the verse.
Chorus
The chorus follows a pattern of Em, D, C, G. Similar to the verse, strum each chord for four beats before moving on to the next one. Repeat this progression for the duration of the chorus.
Adding Your Personal Touch
While it is essential to learn the song as the artist plays it, it is also fun to add your personal touch and make it your own. Experiment with different strumming patterns, try fingerpicking, or add some simple embellishments to the chords. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make the song uniquely yours.
Practice, Patience, and Persistence
Learning any new song on the guitar requires practice, patience, and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Take your time to practice each chord transition and the strumming pattern. Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Remember, the joy of playing music comes from the journey of learning and improving.
Conclusion
Playing “Coffee” by Beabadoobee on the guitar is a great way for beginners to start their musical journey. By learning and mastering four basic chords and a simple strumming pattern, you can play this beautiful song and develop your guitar skills. Remember to take it one step at a time, enjoy the process, and keep practicing. So, grab your guitar, start strumming, and let the soothing melodies of “Coffee” carry you away to a world of musical bliss.