How to Play “I Will Wait” on Guitar
Playing “I Will Wait” by Mumford & Sons on the guitar can be a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced players. This popular song features a catchy melody and a memorable strumming pattern that can be easily learned and mastered. In this article, we will guide you through the process of playing “I Will Wait” on the guitar, starting with the basics and progressing to more advanced techniques.
Understanding the Song Structure
Before diving into the guitar tabs and chords, it’s essential to understand the song structure of “I Will Wait.” The song consists of a verse, a pre-chorus, a chorus, and a bridge. The structure repeats throughout the song, with slight variations in the pre-chorus and bridge sections. Familiarizing yourself with this structure will help you practice and play the song more effectively.
Setting Up Your Guitar
Ensure that your guitar is in tune and properly set up before you start playing. Adjust the saddle height and string tension if necessary, and make sure that the neck is straight. This will help you play the song more comfortably and with better intonation.
Learning the Chords
The chords used in “I Will Wait” are relatively simple and include G, C, D, and A minor. To play these chords, position your fingers on the fretboard as follows:
– G chord: Place your index finger on the third fret of the first string, your middle finger on the third fret of the second string, your ring finger on the third fret of the third string, and your pinky on the first fret of the fourth string.
– C chord: Place your index finger on the second fret of the first string, your middle finger on the third fret of the second string, your ring finger on the third fret of the third string, and your pinky on the first fret of the fourth string.
– D chord: Place your index finger on the second fret of the first string, your middle finger on the third fret of the second string, your ring finger on the second fret of the third string, and your pinky on the first fret of the fourth string.
– A minor chord: Place your index finger on the second fret of the first string, your middle finger on the second fret of the second string, your ring finger on the second fret of the third string, and your pinky on the first fret of the fourth string.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “I Will Wait” is a straightforward one, consisting of downstrokes on the first and third beats of each measure, with an upstroke on the second beat. Practice this pattern by strumming the chords in time with a metronome, starting at a slow tempo and gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable.
Playing the Verses
The verses of “I Will Wait” are played using the G, C, and D chords. Begin by playing the G chord for the first two measures, then switch to the C chord for the next two measures. Repeat this pattern, alternating between G and C, for the duration of the verse. To add interest, you can try playing the D chord during the second measure of each set, or experiment with fingerpicking patterns.
Playing the Pre-Chorus and Chorus
The pre-chorus and chorus sections of “I Will Wait” feature a slight variation in the chord progression. To play the pre-chorus, switch from the G chord to the A minor chord on the second beat of each measure. For the chorus, switch from the G chord to the C chord on the second beat of each measure. Continue strumming the chords in the same pattern as the verses.
Playing the Bridge
The bridge of “I Will Wait” introduces a new chord progression, which includes the D and A minor chords. To play the bridge, switch from the G chord to the D chord on the first beat of each measure, then switch to the A minor chord on the second beat. Repeat this pattern for the duration of the bridge.
Conclusion
Playing “I Will Wait” on the guitar can be a fun and challenging experience. By following these step-by-step instructions, you’ll be able to master the song’s chords, strumming pattern, and overall structure. With practice and persistence, you’ll soon be able to play this beautiful song with confidence and pride. Happy strumming!
