You know that feeling. You’re sitting in your living room, strumming your guitar, and you hear that iconic opening riff. A sense of nostalgia washes over you as you start playing along. The song? “Here Again” by Counting Crows. It’s an absolute classic, and its timeless melody has captivated listeners for decades. There’s a reason why it’s a popular choice for guitarists of all skill levels, and it’s a perfect gateway song to dive deeper into the world of fingerstyle playing.
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Since I started learning guitar, I remember struggling to navigate the chords in “Here Again,” but once I deciphered them, it all clicked. There’s something incredibly rewarding about mastering a challenging song. Today, I’m going to share a breakdown of the guitar chords in “Here Again,” and equip you with the knowledge to play this iconic song with confidence. Let’s dive in!
Mastering the “Here Again” Guitar Chords
The beauty of “Here Again” lies in its relatively simple chord progression, making it accessible to guitarists of all levels. The entire song revolves around just a few basic chords, namely G, D, Em, and C, all of which are common in popular music. But there’s a catch! While the chords themselves are easy to understand, the song’s fingerpicking style adds a layer of complexity that requires a bit of practice to master.
At the core of “Here Again’s” fingerpicking style is a pattern known as the “Travis Picking” technique, named after the legendary guitarist Merle Travis. This technique involves using your thumb and fingers to pluck the strings in a rhythmic sequence. The key here is to practice the basic pattern before tackling the entire song. Once you get comfortable with this pattern, you can start incorporating it into the song’s chord changes.
Breaking Down the Chords
Let’s break down each chord in “Here Again” and go through the finger positioning for each:
- G Chord: This is played using your index, middle, and ring finger to fret the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings on the third fret, respectively. Your thumb should be supporting the bass note on the 6th string.
- D Chord: This chord involves placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the second string and your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the first string. Your thumb should be supporting the bass note on the 5th string.
- Em Chord: To play Em, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the second string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the 1st fret of the third string. Your thumb should be supporting the bass note on the 6th string.
- C Chord: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the second string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the fifth string. Your thumb should be supporting the bass note on the 5th string.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Spend some time mastering these chords individually before putting them together. You can also experiment with different finger combinations to find what feels most comfortable for you.
Tips for Mastering “Here Again”
Here are some tips to help you master the chords and fingerpicking technique in “Here Again”:
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1. Slow Down and Focus on Accuracy
One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is trying to play too fast. Start with a very slow tempo and focus on getting the finger positions and picking pattern correct. As you improve, gradually increase the tempo.
2. Practice with a Metronome
A metronome is a crucial tool for developing rhythm and timing. It helps you avoid rushing and provides a consistent beat to practice with. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you gain confidence.
3. Use Online Resources
There are countless learning resources available online, including videos, tutorials, and online guitar lessons. Feel free to explore these options to gain insights and tips from experienced guitarists. There are also websites that offer interactive chord charts and tablature for different songs.
4. Break Down the Song
Instead of trying to learn the entire song at once, break it down into smaller sections. Start with the first two or three lines and practice them until they feel comfortable. Then move on to the next section, and so on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about “Here Again” guitar chords:
Q: What tuning should I use for “Here Again”?
A: “Here Again” is played in standard tuning (E A D G B E).
Q: How do I get the right picking pattern?
A: The Travis Picking pattern is basically a rhythmic sequence of plucking with your thumb and fingers. It’s typically described as thumb, i-m-a, thumb, i-m-a, where ‘i’ is index, ‘m’ is the middle finger, and ‘a’ is the ring finger.
Q: What are some good resources for learning fingerpicking techniques?
A: There are a ton! YouTube is great for learning fingerstyle, and search for ‘Travis Picking tutorial’ for tons of amazing lessons.
Here Again Guitar Chords
Conclusion
Learning to play “Here Again” on guitar can be a rewarding experience that opens the door to a whole world of fingerstyle playing. By following these tips, you’ll be able to master the chords and the iconic fingerpicking pattern, and enjoy playing this timeless classic. Remember, practice regularly, and don’t be discouraged if you encounter challenges along the way. Everyone has to start somewhere. Now, are you ready to start playing “Here Again” on your guitar?