Learn How to Play Charles Wesley Godwin's 'All Again' on Guitar

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Playing "All Again" in Standard Tuning
3. Overview of Chords and Capo Position
4. Understanding the Rhythm Pattern
5. Chord Progressions for the Verse
6. Breakdown of the Intro Riff
7. Transition to the Chorus
8. Chorus Chord Progression
9. Variation in the Second Verse
10. Conclusion

Playing "All Again" in Standard Tuning

In this tutorial, we will learn how to play "All Again" by Charles Wesley Godwin on guitar in standard tuning. Please note that the song requires a capo on the first fret, and for convenience, we will refer to chords and frets as if the capo is the nut. The main rhythm pattern for this song is a persistent down, down, up, down, up strumming. The chords you will need to know are E minor, C, G major, and D. Let's dive into the details of each section and the specific chord shapes used.

Introduction

"All Again" is a beautiful acoustic song by Charles Wesley Godwin. In this tutorial, we will break down the song's structure, chords, and the intricacies of its rhythm pattern. By the end of this guide, you'll be able to play this captivating song with ease. So, let's get started and learn how to play "All Again" on the guitar.

Playing "All Again" in Standard Tuning

To play "All Again" accurately, you'll need to tune your guitar to standard tuning. The song is capoed on the first fret, which means the capo acts as the new nut, and all the chords and frets will be relative to the capo position. Throughout this tutorial, we'll refer to the chords and frets based on this configuration.

Overview of Chords and Capo Position

To play "All Again," you'll need to know four main chords: E minor, C, G major, and D. With the capo on the first fret, these chords will produce the correct sound when played along with the song. Here's a breakdown of each chord:

1. E minor: Position your second finger on the fifth string, second fret, and your ring finger on the fourth string, second fret.
2. C: Place your ring finger on the sixth string, third fret, your pinky finger on the fifth string, third fret, and your second finger on the fourth string, second fret. Keep the third string open.
3. G major: Use your second finger to press down the sixth string, third fret. Your ring finger should be on the fifth string, third fret, and your pinky finger on the first string, third fret. You can let your second finger lightly touch the fifth string for muting.
4. D: Place your first finger on the third string, second fret, your ring finger on the second string, third fret, and your third finger on the first string, third fret. You can also let the fourth string ring open.

With these chord shapes and the capo accurately positioned, you're ready to play "All Again."

Understanding the Rhythm Pattern

Before we dive into the chord progressions, let's focus on mastering the rhythm pattern of "All Again." The song features a persistent down, down, up, down, up strumming pattern. While there may be variations throughout the song, maintaining this consistent rhythm will keep you in sync. Let's practice this pattern together:

Down, down, up, down, up, down, down, up, down, up, down, down, up, down, up, down, down, up, down, up, down, down, up, down, up.

Great! Now that you have a grasp of the rhythm, let's explore the chord progressions for the verse.

Chord Progressions for the Verse

The verse chord progression in "All Again" follows a simple pattern: E minor, C, G, and D. Each chord gets two beats in the rhythm pattern. Here's how the progression unfolds:

1. E minor (2 beats)
2. C (2 beats)
3. G (2 beats)
4. D (2 beats)

Repeat the above progression four times before moving on to the next section. This straightforward pattern is the backbone of the verse, creating a soothing ambiance for the song.

Breakdown of the Intro Riff

In the song's introduction, there's a distinctive riff that adds a melodic touch to the overall composition. While the original recording may have multiple guitars, we'll focus on replicating the main rhythm guitar part. Here's a breakdown of the intro riff:

1. Start with an E minor chord shape (relative to the capo).
2. Pick the second fret of the fourth string and then lift your ring finger off to play the open fourth string.
3. Transition into a C chord shape by placing your ring finger on the third fret of the sixth string and your pinky finger on the third fret of the fifth string.
4. Strum the C chord and let it ring out.

The intro utilizes this riff to set the tone for the song and serves as a lead-in to the verse chord progression.

Transition to the Chorus

Transitioning from the verse to the chorus in "All Again" requires a smooth movement. As the last D chord in the verse ends, you'll change the chord progression slightly to reach the chorus. Here's how the transition unfolds:

1. After the last D chord, pull off your first finger from the second fret of the third string.
2. Quickly hammer on to the second fret of the fifth string (D note) with your first finger.
3. Transition to a C chord by strumming the open fifth string and letting it ring out.
4. Finally, you're ready to enter the chorus.

With this smooth transition, you'll seamlessly move from the verse to the chorus section.

Chorus Chord Progression

The chorus in "All Again" maintains a lively energy by incorporating a modified chord progression. Here's how it goes:

1. C (2 beats)
2. C (2 beats)
3. G (2 beats)
4. G (2 beats)
5. E minor (2 beats)
6. E minor (2 beats)
7. D (2 beats)
8. C (2 beats)

This progression deviates slightly from the verse, introducing repetition for a catchy chorus that captures the essence of the song.

Variation in the Second Verse

In the song's second verse, a variation is introduced to add excitement and freshness to the composition. The chord progression remains the same, but there is a slight change in the rhythm. It follows the same pattern as the first verse, but you'll notice a more vibrant strumming. This variation keeps the song engaging and allows for dynamic expression.

Conclusion

Congratulations! By following this tutorial, you have learned how to play "All Again" by Charles Wesley Godwin on the guitar. From the intro riff to the verse and chorus progressions, you now have all the tools to perform this captivating song. Keep practicing and experimenting with your own interpretation to infuse your unique style into the music. Enjoy playing "All Again" and embrace the evocative atmosphere of this beautiful acoustic piece.

Highlights

• Learn to play "All Again" by Charles Wesley Godwin on guitar
• Explanation of chords and capo position
• Master the rhythm pattern of the song
• Breakdown of the intro riff and transitions
• Step-by-step guide for the verse and chorus progressions
• Variation in the second verse for added dynamics

FAQs

Q: Can I play "All Again" without using a capo?

A: While it is possible to play the song without a capo, using a capo on the first fret allows you to match the exact sound of the original recording.

Q: How can I add my own touch to the song?

A: Experiment with different strumming patterns and embellishments. Feel free to adapt the song to your playing style and add your personal flair to make it unique.

Q: Is this song suitable for beginners?

A: "All Again" is accessible to beginners, as it primarily uses basic open chords and a consistent rhythm pattern. With practice, you'll be able to master the song in no time.

Q: Can I play this song on an electric guitar?

A: Absolutely! While the original recording is acoustic, you can play "All Again" on an electric guitar by following the same chord progressions and strumming patterns.

Resources

• Tutorial Video: Playing "All Again" by Charles Wesley Godwin
• Official Website of Charles Wesley Godwin