Learn How to Play Bruno Mars' 'When I Was Your Man' on Guitar
Table of Contents:
- Introduction
- Background of the Song
- How to Play "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars
3.1. The Chords
3.2. Strumming Pattern
3.3. Lead Guitar Melody
- Tips for Playing the Song
- Variations and Improvisations
- Chord Progressions Analysis
- Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Recommended Equipment
- Conclusion
- Resources
🎸 How to Play "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars
Introduction:
🎵 Welcome back to Let's Play Guitar! In this lesson, we will be learning how to play "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars. This fingerstyle version of the song is a compilation of both the chords and lead guitar parts, making it an interesting arrangement to learn. So grab your guitar and let's dive right into it!
Background of the Song:
🎵 "When I Was Your Man" is a song by Bruno Mars, released in 2012 as the second single from his album "Unorthodox Jukebox." The song became a huge hit, topping the charts in several countries and showcasing Bruno Mars' emotional and soulful vocals. The song is a deeply personal and reflective ballad about regretting a lost love and realizing the mistakes made in a past relationship.
How to Play "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars:
3.1 The Chords:
🎵 To start off, we will be using the following chords for this song: D, Dsus4, Dsus2, G, A, Bm, and Em. The song is played in standard tuning, and no capo is required. Let's break down the chords and their finger placements:
- D: Place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string, 3rd fret of the 2nd string, and 2nd fret of the 1st string.
- Dsus4: Move your finger from the 2nd fret of the 3rd string to the 3rd fret of the 3rd string while keeping the rest of the fingers in the D chord formation.
- Dsus2: Move your finger from the 3rd fret of the 2nd string to the 2nd fret of the 2nd string while keeping the rest of the fingers in the D chord formation.
- G: Place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the 5th and 1st strings, and 3rd fret of the 6th string.
- A: Place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the 4th, 3rd, and 2nd strings.
- Bm: Place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the 5th and 2nd strings, and 3rd fret of the 4th and 3rd strings.
- Em: Place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the 5th and 4th strings.
3.2 Strumming Pattern:
🎵 For the strumming pattern, we will be using a fingerstyle technique that combines both picking and strumming. Start by picking the bass notes of the chords with your thumb and then pluck the higher strings with your index, middle, and ring fingers in a pattern that suits the song's rhythm.
3.3 Lead Guitar Melody:
🎵 The lead guitar melody of the song can be played using a combination of hammer-ons, slides, and fingerpicking techniques. Pay attention to the timing and note duration to capture the original melody accurately.
Tips for Playing the Song:
🎸 Here are some tips to help you with playing "When I Was Your Man" smoothly:
- Start by practicing the chord changes slowly and gradually increase your speed as you get comfortable with the transitions.
- Pay attention to the dynamics and emotions in the song. Try to replicate the soulful and heartfelt feeling conveyed by Bruno Mars in your playing.
- Experiment with variations and improvisations to make the song your own. Add your personal touch to the arrangement while staying true to the original melody.
Variations and Improvisations:
🎸 Feel free to add your own variations and improvisations to the song. You can try different fingerpicking patterns, incorporate harmonics, or experiment with different chord voicings. Remember to explore the song's possibilities and make it unique to your style of playing.
Chord Progressions Analysis:
🎵 The chord progressions used in "When I Was Your Man" follow a typical pop ballad structure. The song primarily revolves around the chords D, G, A, Bm, and Em, creating a sense of emotional tension and resolution. The harmonies in the song beautifully complement the heartfelt lyrics and captivating melody.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
❌ When learning to play "When I Was Your Man," watch out for these common mistakes:
- Rushing through the chord changes: Take your time and make sure to execute each chord change smoothly.
- Neglecting dynamics: Pay attention to the dynamics in the song and vary the volume and intensity of your playing accordingly.
- Overcomplicating the fingerstyle patterns: Start with a simple fingerstyle pattern and gradually add complexity as you become more comfortable with the song.
Recommended Equipment:
🎸 To achieve the best sound quality while playing "When I Was Your Man," consider using the following equipment:
- Acoustic Guitar: A good quality acoustic guitar will provide a warm and balanced tone, enhancing the overall musical experience.
- Capo: Depending on your vocal range and preference, you may want to try using a capo to transpose the song to a more comfortable key.
- Fingerpicks: Fingerpicks can enhance your fingerpicking technique and provide a brighter and more defined sound.
Conclusion:
🎵 Congratulations! You have learned how to play "When I Was Your Man" by Bruno Mars in a fingerstyle arrangement. Remember to practice regularly and listen to the original song for reference. Enjoy playing this beautiful ballad and let its heartfelt melody resonate through your guitar strings. Keep practicing and exploring new songs to expand your musical repertoire. Happy playing!
Resources:
- YouTube Tutorial: [Insert Link to Tutorial]
- Original Song: [Insert Link to "When I Was Your Man" on a music streaming platform]
