How to Play Blackbird by The Beatles on Guitar: Chords and Tutorial

“Blackbird” is a timeless piece by The Beatles, specifically written and performed by Paul McCartney. It first graced the world on the band’s 1968 album, “The White Album”. The song, with its gentle guitar picking and meaningful lyrics, has since become an iconic tune in the music world.

The allure of “Blackbird” lies in its simplicity and depth. For guitarists, it’s more than just a song; it’s a rite of passage. This piece is often used as a benchmark in the journey of learning guitar, helping players master the art of fingerpicking and chord transitions.

Its popularity among beginners and seasoned players alike testifies to its enduring appeal and musical charm. Now, let’s embark on the journey to learn how to play this classic tune.

Understanding the Basics

Before diving into the strumming of “Blackbird”, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some basics about the song.

“Blackbird” is originally played in the key of G Major, which gives it its distinctive warm and uplifting sound.

The tuning used in the song is standard tuning, which means from the lowest (thickest) string to the highest (thinnest) string, the notes should be E A D G B E. This is the most common tuning for guitars and allows for a wide range of chords and notes to be played.

The song incorporates several basic chords, including G, A, C, D, and E. However, unlike many songs, “Blackbird” doesn’t use these chords in their standard forms. Instead, McCartney employs unique fingerings and chord shapes that are integral to the song’s signature sound.

The fingerpicking style used in “Blackbird” is a crucial aspect of the song. The pattern involves using the thumb and index finger in an alternating picking style, creating a melodic line that intertwines with the chords. This style is not only a signature of “Blackbird”, but it’s also a fundamental technique in many acoustic guitar pieces.

Learning the Intro

The intro of “Blackbird” sets the tone for the entire song, so it’s crucial to get it right. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to play it:

1. The First Chord (G): Start with your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string. At the same time, place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string. You’ll be picking these two strings together, followed by an open G string.
2. Second Chord (A): Slide your ring finger up to the 5th fret of the E string, and your index finger to the 3rd fret of the B string. Repeat the same picking pattern.
3. Third Chord (G over B): Now, move your index finger down one fret to the 2nd fret of the B string, and your ring finger down to the 4th fret of the E string. Again, repeat the same picking pattern.

Do note that the picking pattern remains consistent throughout the song: you’re always plucking the E and B strings together, followed by the G string.

To achieve the right sound, make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly enough on the strings to avoid buzzing, but not so hard that the notes sound strained or muted. Also, try to keep a relaxed wrist and hand as you move through the chords to maintain smooth transitions.

Practice this intro slowly at first, focusing on accuracy rather than speed. As you become more comfortable with the chord shapes and picking pattern, gradually increase your speed until you can play along with the original song.

Mastering the Verse

The verse of “Blackbird” is where the heart of the song lies. It’s a little more complex than the intro, but breaking it down into smaller sections can make it more manageable.

1. First Section (C – D – Em – F – G – A – B): The first section of the verse follows a chord progression that starts with C and ascends up to B. These aren’t your typical open chords, but rather unique chord shapes that McCartney uses throughout the song.
2. Second Section (C – D – Em – F – G – Am – Bm): The second section is very similar to the first, but instead of ending on a B major chord, it ends on an A minor to B minor progression.

Each of these chords involves a picking pattern similar to the one used in the intro: plucking the E and B strings together, followed by the G string.

Transitioning smoothly between these chords may take some practice. Here are a few techniques to help:

• Keep Your Movements Minimal: The less you have to move your fingers, the smoother your transitions will be. Try to find the most efficient fingerings for each chord shape.
• Practice Slowly: Start by practicing the transitions slowly, focusing on accuracy. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase your speed.
• Use a Metronome: Practicing with a metronome can help you maintain a steady tempo and ensure that your transitions are happening in time with the music.

Playing the Chorus

The chorus of “Blackbird” offers a change in rhythm and introduces new chord shapes, adding depth to the song. Here’s a guide on how to play it:

1. First Chord (C): Start with your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. The picking pattern remains consistent: pluck the A and B strings together, followed by the G string.
2. Second Chord (D): Slide your ring finger up to the 4th fret of the A string and your index finger to the 3rd fret of the B string. Repeat the same picking pattern.
3. Third Chord (Em): Move your ring finger to the 2nd fret of the D string and your index finger to the 1st fret of the B string. This time, you’ll pluck the D and B strings together, followed by the G string.
4. Fourth Chord (D#dim): Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the D string and your middle finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Continue with the same picking pattern.
5. Fifth Chord (C#m): Slide your index finger up to the 2nd fret of the D string and your ring finger to the 4th fret of the A string. Now, pick the A and B strings together, followed by the G string.
6. Sixth Chord (C): Return to the first chord shape of the chorus, with your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.

Maintaining the rhythm during the chorus can be a bit challenging due to the quick chord changes. However, practicing slowly and steadily, and gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable, can help. Also, remember to keep your picking hand relaxed and fluid to ensure a smooth, even rhythm.

Nailing the Bridge

The bridge in “Blackbird” provides a beautiful contrast to the verse and chorus. It’s a crucial part of the song and requires careful attention. Here’s how to play it:

1. First Chord (F): Start with your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D string. The picking pattern remains the same: pluck the D and B strings together, followed by the G string.
2. Second Chord (Em7): Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the E string. Now, pick the E and B strings together, followed by the G string.
3. Third Chord (Dm6): Move your index finger to the 1st fret of the E string and keep the B string open. Continue with the same picking pattern.
4. Fourth Chord (C#dim): Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the D string and your middle finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Now, return to picking the D and B strings together, followed by the G string.
5. Fifth Chord (C): Slide your index finger up to the 2nd fret of the D string and your ring finger to the 3rd fret of the A string. Now, pick the A and B strings together, followed by the G string.

The fingerpicking pattern for the bridge is similar to the one used throughout the rest of the song, but the chords and the strings you’re picking change more frequently.

To master the bridge, practice each chord transition slowly, focusing on accuracy before speed. Once you can play each transition smoothly, start to increase your speed gradually. Additionally, practicing the bridge separately from the rest of the song can help you focus on the unique aspects of this section. Once you feel comfortable with it, try integrating it back into the full song.

Putting It All Together

Once you’ve mastered each section of “Blackbird”, the next step is to put it all together.

1. Seamless Transitions: The key to transitioning smoothly from one part of the song to another is practice. Start by playing two sections back-to-back at a slow tempo, focusing on the transition between them. Once you’re comfortable with that, add another section, and so on. Remember, the goal is not speed, but fluidity and precision.
2. Practicing the Whole Song: When practicing the entire song, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller parts first. Practice each section individually until you feel confident, then start stringing them together. Also, don’t rush through the song. Take your time to ensure that each note and chord transition is clean and precise.
3. Maintaining Tempo and Rhythm: A metronome can be an invaluable tool for maintaining a steady tempo throughout the song. Start at a slower tempo, and as you become more comfortable, gradually increase the speed until you reach the original tempo of the song.

Conclusion

Learning to play “Blackbird” on the guitar is no small feat. It’s a beautiful and complex piece of music that requires patience, dedication, and most importantly, continuous practice. But remember, every time you pick up your guitar and work on this song, you’re not just learning to play a series of chords and notes, you’re learning to express a story and evoke emotions through music.

“Blackbird” is a testament to the power of simplicity in songwriting. While it may seem intricate at first, breaking it down into smaller sections and practicing each one diligently can make the learning process more manageable and enjoyable.

Mastering “Blackbird” is a journey. There may be moments of frustration, but there will also be moments of triumph when you can play a section perfectly or when you finally string the whole song together. Embrace the process, celebrate your progress, and remember that every great guitarist started from scratch.

So keep practicing, stay patient, and soon, you’ll be able to play “Blackbird” beautifully, adding your own touch to this timeless piece. Happy strumming!

FAQs About How to Play “Blackbird” on Guitar