Master the Melodies- A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing Taylor Swift’s ’15’ on the Guitar
How to Play “15” by Taylor Swift on Guitar
Taylor Swift’s “15” is a beautiful and emotionally charged song that has captivated fans worldwide. Its haunting melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a favorite among guitarists looking to master a challenging piece. In this article, we will guide you through the process of learning how to play “15” by Taylor Swift on guitar, covering the necessary chords, strumming patterns, and tips to help you nail this iconic track.
Understanding the Chords
Before diving into the song, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the chords used in “15.” The song primarily revolves around the following chords:
– G major
– D major
– C major
– A minor
– E minor
To play these chords, position your fingers as follows:
– G major: Place your first finger on the third fret of the sixth string, your second finger on the third fret of the fifth string, your third finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your fourth finger on the first fret of the third string.
– D major: Place your first finger on the second fret of the sixth string, your second finger on the third fret of the fifth string, your third finger on the third fret of the fourth string, and your fourth finger on the first fret of the third string.
– C major: Place your first finger on the second fret of the sixth string, your second finger on the third fret of the fifth string, your third finger on the first fret of the fourth string, and your fourth finger on the first fret of the third string.
– A minor: Place your first finger on the second fret of the sixth string, your second finger on the third fret of the fifth string, your third finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your fourth finger on the first fret of the third string.
– E minor: Place your first finger on the second fret of the sixth string, your second finger on the third fret of the fifth string, your third finger on the first fret of the fourth string, and your fourth finger on the first fret of the third string.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “15” is a mix of downstrokes and upstrokes, with a focus on the downstrokes. Here’s a suggested strumming pattern for each chord:
– G major: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down
– D major: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down
– C major: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down
– A minor: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down
– E minor: Down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down
Practice Tips
To master “15” by Taylor Swift on guitar, follow these practice tips:
1. Start by learning the chords individually, focusing on proper finger placement and hand position.
2. Once you’re comfortable with the chords, practice the strumming pattern while playing the chords.
3. Record yourself playing the song to identify areas that need improvement.
4. Listen to the original song and try to match the dynamics and emotions of the artist.
5. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and chord transitions to find what works best for you.
Conclusion
Playing “15” by Taylor Swift on guitar is a rewarding experience that will challenge your skills and help you grow as a musician. By following this guide and practicing consistently, you’ll be able to capture the essence of this beautiful song on your guitar. Happy practicing!