Learn 'Never Grow Up' On Guitar: A Taylor Swift Tutorial
Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn how to play one of Taylor Swift's most heartfelt songs? Well, you're in luck! Today, we're diving into a Taylor Swift Never Grow Up guitar tutorial. This song, from her Fearless album, is a beautiful and simple tune perfect for beginner to intermediate guitar players. It’s got a sweet melody, easy chords, and a message that hits right in the feels. Whether you're a Swiftie or just a fan of acoustic songs, this tutorial will guide you through everything you need to know. We’ll cover the chords, strumming patterns, and some tips and tricks to make your playing sound just like Taylor's. So grab your guitar, and let's get started!
Understanding the Basics: Chords You'll Need
Alright, before we get into the nitty-gritty of playing, let's talk about the chords you'll need. "Never Grow Up" is pretty accessible because it primarily uses a few basic chords. Knowing these chords is your first step to mastering this song. The main chords are: G major, C major, D major, and Em (E minor). Don't worry if you're a beginner; these are some of the most common chords out there, and with a little practice, you'll have them down in no time. Let's break them down:
- G Major: This chord can be a bit tricky for beginners because it requires some finger stretching. Place your second finger on the E string (6th string) at the 2nd fret, your first finger on the A string (5th string) at the 2nd fret, and your third finger on the high E string (1st string) at the 3rd fret. Strum all six strings.
- C Major: This one is a bit easier. Put your third finger on the A string (5th string) at the 3rd fret, your second finger on the D string (4th string) at the 2nd fret, and your first finger on the B string (2nd string) at the 1st fret. Strum from the A string (5th string) down.
- D Major: Place your first finger on the G string (3rd string) at the 2nd fret, your third finger on the high E string (1st string) at the 3rd fret, and your second finger on the E string (6th string) at the 2nd fret. Strum all six strings.
- E Minor (Em): This is one of the easiest chords. Place your second finger on the A string (5th string) at the 2nd fret, and your first finger on the D string (4th string) at the 2nd fret. Strum all six strings.
Practice these chords individually first. Make sure each note rings out clearly without any buzzing. Once you're comfortable with the finger placements, try switching between the chords. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed. Remember, it's all about practice and consistency. Don’t get discouraged if it takes a while! It's totally normal to feel awkward at first, but with practice, your fingers will build muscle memory, and chord changes will become smoother. Focus on clean transitions and try to keep a steady rhythm. These chords form the foundation of the song, so getting them right is super important. We will move on to the actual strumming and song structure.
Strumming Patterns and Song Structure
Now that you've got the chords down, let’s move on to the strumming patterns and song structure. "Never Grow Up" has a simple, yet effective, strumming pattern that's perfect for beginners. The basic strumming pattern is down, down, up, up, down, up (D D U U D U). This is a very common pattern and can be adapted to suit the song's feel. For most of the song, you'll stick with this pattern, but pay attention to the lyrics. Sometimes, Taylor uses variations, particularly during the transitions or to emphasize certain words or phrases. Listen carefully to the original song to get a feel for these subtle changes.
The song follows a relatively straightforward structure: Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus. Understanding the structure will help you keep track of where you are in the song and anticipate the chord changes.
- Verses: The verses typically use the chords G, C, and D. You'll cycle through these chords, following the strumming pattern.
- Chorus: The chorus often introduces the Em chord, which adds a bit of emotional depth. The chord progression usually goes G, C, Em, and D. Again, stick to your strumming pattern.
- Bridge: The bridge might introduce some variations, but generally, it follows the same chord progression. Keep your ears open for any changes. The bridge is often a good place to add a bit of your own personality to the song, but stick to the chords.
As you practice, focus on transitioning smoothly between chords and keeping a steady rhythm. Remember to listen to the original song and try to match your playing to it. The key here is consistency. Start slow, and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. It is also a great idea to record yourself playing and listen back. This helps you identify areas for improvement and lets you track your progress. Don't be afraid to experiment with your strumming. You can try muting strings, adding a slight pause, or using different strumming techniques to add your own personal touch. Most of all, enjoy the process and have fun playing!