1000 Years Chords: A Beginner's Guide to Playing this Romantic Ballad
[Intro]
"1000 Years" by Christina Perri is a beautiful and romantic ballad that has become a favorite among music lovers. The song's emotional lyrics and soaring melody make it a popular choice for acoustic guitar players. In this article, we'll break down the chords and strumming pattern of "1000 Years" to help beginners easily learn and play this lovely song.
Chord Progression
The chord progression of "1000 Years" is relatively simple and consists of the following chords:
- G Major (G)
- Em7 (E minor 7)
- C Major (C)
- D Major (D)
These chords are played in a repeating pattern throughout the song. Don't worry if you're not familiar with the Em7 chord; we'll cover it in more detail later.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for "1000 Years" is a gentle, pulsing rhythm that complements the song's emotional feel. Here's a basic pattern to get you started:
Down, down, up, down, up, down, up
Focus on playing with a steady, gentle tempo, and don't worry too much about the exact rhythm. You can always adjust the pattern to fit your personal style as you become more comfortable with the song.
Chord Shapes and Fingering
Here are the chord shapes and fingering for each chord:
G Major (G)
e|---3--- B|---0--- G|---0--- D|---0--- A|---2--- E|---3---
Em7 (E minor 7)
e|---0--- B|---2--- G|---2--- D|---2--- A|---0--- E|---0---
C Major (C)
e|---3--- B|---0--- G|---0--- D|---2--- A|---3--- E|---3---
D Major (D)
e|---2--- B|---3--- G|---2--- D|---0--- A|---3--- E|---2---
Tips and Variations
- To add some flavor to the song, try adding a few fingerpicks or arpeggios to the chord progression.
- Experiment with different strumming patterns to create a more dynamic feel.
- Consider adding a capo to the 2nd or 3rd fret to brighten up the sound and make the chords easier to play.
Conclusion
With these chords and strumming pattern, you should be able to play a beautiful version of "1000 Years". Remember to practice slowly and carefully, and don't be afraid to experiment with different variations and embellishments. Happy playing!
