What He’s Done Chords – Unlocking the Song’s Heart

Music has an uncanny way of capturing emotions and experiences, transporting us to different places and times. One song that has resonated with many is “What He’s Done” by the rock band, The Killers. Its powerful lyrics, combined with its driving melody, have made it a fan favorite. But it’s the chords that truly give the song its emotional depth and signature sound. Learning these chords can not only help you play the song, but also unlock a deeper understanding of its musical construction.

Image: www.sheetmusicdirect.com

For me, learning the “What He’s Done” chords was a gateway to understanding the power of music theory. As a beginner guitar player, I was intimidated by the seemingly complex chord progressions. But once I mastered the chords and played along with the song, it felt like I’d discovered a secret language. The song took on a new meaning, and I felt a sense of accomplishment and connection to the music.

Deconstructing “What He’s Done”: Exploring the Chords

“What He’s Done” is an excellent example of how a seemingly simple chord progression can create a powerful and memorable song. The foundation of the song is built on just a few main chords: **G, D, Em, and C**. These chords, combined with the use of the **G7** chord, provide the song with its driving and energetic feel.

Let’s break down each of these chords and their role in the song:

G Major (G)

The G Major chord is the root chord of the song and establishes the key of the song. It is a major chord with a bright and happy sound, which contrasts against the darker themes in the lyrics. The G chord acts as the anchor point for the entire progression.

D Major (D)

D Major is a dominant chord, providing a sense of movement and resolution. It sets up a strong expectation for the G chord, creating a sense of tension and release. The D chord is often used in the bridge section of the song, creating a change in the emotional landscape.

Image: www.praisecharts.com

E Minor (Em)

E Minor is a minor chord, adding a melancholic and introspective element to the song. It contrasts with the brighter major chords, creating a dynamic interplay of emotion. The Em chord often appears in the verses, highlighting the melancholic tone of the lyrics.

C Major (C)

C Major is a major chord and acts as a resolution or a “rest” in the progression. It provides a sense of stability and completion after the more intense sections of the song. The C chord is often used in the chorus, creating a sense of uplift and hope.

G7 (G Dominant 7th)

The G7 chord is a dominant seventh chord, adding more complexity and depth to the progression. It’s essentially the G major chord with an added flatted seventh (F), creating a feeling of anticipation and tension. The G7 chord often acts as a bridge between the G major chord and the D major chord, providing a smooth transition between these two chords.

Learning the Chords

Now that we’ve explored the individual chords, let’s put them together to play “What He’s Done.” The main chord progression of the song is relatively simple:

G – D – Em – C – G – D – Em – C

This basic progression is repeated throughout the song, with slight variations in the chorus and bridge sections. The key to mastering these chords is breaking them down into individual components.

For beginners, it’s helpful to start with the basic forms of the chords, playing them on the guitar. You can find plenty of chord diagrams and tutorials available online and in guitar books. Once you’re comfortable with the basic form, you can start exploring variations and voicings. Experiment with different fingerings and positions on the fretboard to find what feels most comfortable and natural for you.

Adding Your Own Flavor

Learning the chords is just the first step. Once you’ve mastered the basic progressions, you can start playing around with different rhythms and styles. You can experiment with strumming patterns, picking techniques, and even add your own improvisation.

Here are some tips for adding your own flavor to “What He’s Done”:

• Vary your strumming patterns: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns, adding variations to the basic downstroke-upstroke pattern. You can try using eighth notes, sixteenths, or even accented downstrokes to add more dynamism to your playing.
• Include a capo: Clamping a capo on your guitar can change the key of the song and create a whole new sonic landscape. Experiment with different capo positions to find a sound that you enjoy.
• Embrace improvisation: Once you’re comfortable with the chords, you can start adding your own improvisation to the song. Play around with different scales and melodic ideas, allowing your own creativity to shine through.

The beauty of learning an instrument is discovering the endless possibilities of musical expression. “What He’s Done” is a great song to start with because it provides a solid foundation for exploring your own creativity.

FAQ: “What He’s Done” Chords

Q: What is the key signature of “What He’s Done”?

A: The song is in the key of G major.

Q: Are there any other chords used in the song besides those mentioned?

A: Yes, the song also features the A minor (Am) chord and the D7 (D dominant 7th) chord in certain sections. However, the main chords that drive the song’s feel remain G, D, Em, and C.

Q: Is it difficult to learn these chords?

A: The chords in “What He’s Done” are generally considered beginner-friendly. With practice and dedication, you can master them.

Q: How long does it take to learn the chords?

A: The time it takes to learn the chords depends on your prior experience and practice dedication. Some people may be able to learn them within days, while others may need a few weeks or even months.

Q: Are there any resources available online to help me learn the chords?

A: Absolutely! There are numerous online resources, including video tutorials, chord diagrams, and even interactive lessons that can help you learn the chords for “What He’s Done” and other songs.

What He’S Done Chords

Conclusion

Learning the chords for “What He’s Done” can be a rewarding experience, unlocking a deeper understanding of the song’s musical structure and providing a foundation for exploring your own creativity. So, are you ready to start your journey? Pick up your guitar, explore the chords, and let the music flow!