Learning to play guitar is an exciting journey, and one of the first songs that many beginners try to learn is "Waiting on the World to Change" by John Mayer. This song is perfect for beginners, as it only has a few chords and a simple strumming pattern. In this article, we will go over the chords needed to play this song and give you some tips on how to improve your playing.
Chords Used in "Waiting on the World to Change"
The chords used in this song are G, D, Am, and C. If you are new to guitar, these chords may look intimidating at first, but with practice, you will be able to play them smoothly. Here's a breakdown of each chord:
- G - This is a basic open chord that uses all six strings. Place your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your index finger on the second fret of the low E string.
- D - This is another basic open chord that uses five strings. Place your index finger on the second fret of the G string, your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string.
- Am - This chord is similar to the G chord, but you move your ring finger to the second fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
- C - This chord uses four strings. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string.
Strumming Pattern
Once you have mastered the chords, the next step is to work on your strumming pattern. The strumming pattern for "Waiting on the World to Change" is relatively simple and consists of downstrokes and upstrokes. Here's how to play it:
- For the G and D chords, strum down on the first beat and up on the second beat.
- For the Am and C chords, strum down on the first beat, up on the second beat, and down again on the third beat.
Practice this strumming pattern slowly at first and gradually increase your speed. You can also experiment with different strumming patterns to make the song your own.
Tips for Improving Your Playing
Learning to play guitar takes time and practice, but there are a few things you can do to improve your playing:
- Practice regularly - Even if it's just for a few minutes a day, consistent practice is key to improving your skills.
- Use a metronome - A metronome can help you stay in time and develop your sense of rhythm.
- Play with others - Playing with other musicians can help you develop your ability to listen and play in sync with others.
- Listen to music - Listening to music can help you develop your ear and give you inspiration for new songs to learn.
Conclusion
"Waiting on the World to Change" is a great song for beginner guitarists to learn. With just a few chords and a simple strumming pattern, you can play along with the original recording or create your interpretation of the song. Remember to practice regularly and have fun with your playing!
