Learn How to Play Taylor Swift's 'Ours' on Guitar
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why Learn Taylor Swift Songs?
- Getting Started with "Ours"
- Preparing the Capo and Chords
- 4.1 The Altered G Chord
- 4.2 Transitioning to E Minor 7
- 4.3 The AD/F# Chord
- 4.4 Adding the F# Bass Note to A/D
- Playing the Bridge and the Chorus
- 5.1 The Regular E Chord
- 5.2 Returning to the Regular D Chord
- 5.3 The Speculated C Chord
- Understanding the Strumming Pattern
- Holding Notes and Counting Beats
- Making the Song Your Own
- Additional Resources
- Conclusion
🎸 How to Play "Ours" by Taylor Swift on Guitar
Welcome to this guitar tutorial on how to play "Ours" by Taylor Swift. In this video, I will guide you through the chords and techniques needed to perform this song on the acoustic guitar. Though I initially felt a bit silly singing Taylor Swift songs, I've come to realize that many of my female students are eager to learn her music. So, let's dive in and learn how to play "Ours" together!
1. Introduction
Before we start, let me introduce myself. I'm Ben Brown, a guitar instructor at More Than Guitar. In this tutorial, I will break down the song "Ours" and show you step by step how to play it. We'll begin by understanding the reasons why learning Taylor Swift songs can be beneficial for guitar players of all levels. So, let's get started!
2. Why Learn Taylor Swift Songs?
Taylor Swift has emerged as one of the most influential singer-songwriters of our time. Her songs are not only catchy and melodic but also showcase interesting chord progressions and guitar parts. By learning Taylor Swift's music, you'll not only have a great repertoire of songs to perform but also improve your guitar playing skills. Plus, it's always fun to play something that resonates with a broad audience!
3. Getting Started with "Ours"
"Ours" is a beautiful song that has a unique charm to it. To get started, let's ensure that you have the right capo placement and understand the chord progressions for the song. We'll be using a capo on the fifth fret to achieve the desired sound. All the chord names and finger positions mentioned will be relative to the capo. So, let's proceed to the next section and learn the chords!
4. Preparing the Capo and Chords
To play "Ours" accurately, we'll need to learn a few specific chords. Don't worry if they look complicated at first; with some practice, you'll soon get the hang of it. Let's start with the altered G chord, which is a variation of the regular G chord.
4.1 The Altered G Chord
Instead of using the usual three-finger G chord, we'll be playing a folk G. Place your first finger on the fifth string, second fret, your middle finger on the sixth string, third fret, your ring finger on the second string, third fret, and your pinky finger on the first string, third fret. Strum all the strings to achieve that high ringing sound typical in Taylor Swift's music.
4.2 Transitioning to E Minor 7
After playing the G chord, we'll transition to an E minor 7 without changing the position of our middle and pinky fingers. Simply lift your middle finger off the sixth string and move your first finger to the fourth string, second fret. The other fingers remain in the same place. Practice this transition to get comfortable with the chord change.
4.3 The AD/F# Chord
In the song, you'll come across an AD/F# chord. This chord combines a D chord with an F# bass note. To play it, place your first finger on the third string, second fret, your middle finger on the first string, second fret, and your ring finger on the second string, third fret. Additionally, use your thumb to press down on the sixth string, second fret. This adds the F# bass note to the chord.
4.4 Adding the F# Bass Note to A/D
If you prefer, you can play an A/D chord without the F# bass note. For the A/D chord, wrap your thumb over the neck and push down on the sixth string, second fret.
Now that we've covered the necessary chords for "Ours," let's move on to the next section and explore how to play the bridge and chorus.
5. Playing the Bridge and the Chorus
The bridge and chorus sections of "Ours" introduce a few more chords. Let's learn them one by one.
5.1 The Regular E Chord
In the bridge section, you'll need to play a regular E chord. Place your first finger on the second string, first fret, your little finger on the fourth string, second fret, and your ring finger on the fifth string, third fret. Strum all five strings to create a rich, full sound.
5.2 Returning to the Regular D Chord
After playing the E chord, you'll go back to the regular D chord. The finger positions for the D chord remain the same as in the earlier sections of the song.
5.3 The Speculated C Chord
Towards the end of the song, you'll encounter a C chord with a unique twist. Place your first finger on the second string, first fret, your little finger on the fourth string, second fret, and your ring finger on the fifth string, third fret. Strum five strings, leaving out the sixth string.
6. Understanding the Strumming Pattern
To play "Ours" convincingly, it's important to nail the strumming pattern. I like to use a pattern I call "Boom Diggy Diggy." Accent the root note of each chord on the downbeat to give the song a rhythmic drive. For example, on the G chord, strum all six strings, emphasizing the root note on the sixth string. Similarly, for the E minor chord, accent the root note on the fifth string, and for the A and D chords, accent the root note on the fourth string.
7. Holding Notes and Counting Beats
During the bridge section, you'll hold some notes for the entire duration of the measure. These are called whole notes and last for four beats. However, during the change to F# bass in the A/D chord, you'll only hold the F# bass note for two beats. Remember to count the beats while holding the notes to maintain a steady rhythm throughout the song.
8. Making the Song Your Own
Now that you know how to play "Ours" by Taylor Swift, it's time to make the song your own. Experiment with your strumming patterns, add embellishments, and sing along if you like. The goal is not just to replicate the song but to inject your own style and personality into it. With practice, you'll be able to give a unique touch to each performance.
9. Additional Resources
If you'd like a visual reference of the chord shapes and progressions, check out the chord chart for "Ours" and other popular Taylor Swift songs on our website. We have a dedicated section for guitar learners, where you can find useful resources to enhance your playing.
10. Conclusion
Congratulations! You've learned how to play "Ours" by Taylor Swift on the guitar. By mastering this song, you've expanded your repertoire and honed your guitar skills. Remember to practice regularly, explore other Taylor Swift songs, and most importantly, enjoy the journey of playing music. Thank you for watching, and if you have any questions or feel like you missed something, please use the comments section below to reach out. Keep strumming and have fun!"
Highlights:
- Learn how to play Taylor Swift's "Ours" on the guitar.
- Understand the capo placement and modified chord shapes.
- Master the strumming pattern and counting beats.
- Add your unique touch to make the song your own.
FAQ
Q: How long does it take to learn "Ours" on the guitar?
A: The time it takes to learn "Ours" depends on your current skill level and practice routine. With consistent practice, you can expect to become proficient within a few weeks.
Q: Can I play "Ours" without a capo?
A: The capo placement on the fifth fret is essential to match the original key of the song. It's recommended to use a capo to achieve the desired sound.
Q: Are there any alternative chord voicings I can use?
A: While the chord shapes provided are the most common voicings for "Ours," you can experiment with different variations to add your personal touch. Feel free to try out different fingerings and find what works best for you.
Q: Is this tutorial suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, this tutorial is designed to cater to guitar players of all levels, including beginners. With practice and patience, you'll be able to play "Ours" comfortably.
Q: Where can I find the chord chart and resources mentioned in the tutorial?
A: You can find the chord chart and additional resources for "Ours" and other Taylor Swift songs on our website www.morethanguitar.com/resources.
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