How to Play “Waiting” on Guitar: A Step-by-Step Guide
Guitarists often find themselves searching for new songs to add to their repertoire, and “Waiting” by Kodaline is a fantastic choice for those looking to expand their skills. With its heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody, “Waiting” is a song that can enhance your guitar playing abilities while providing a sense of accomplishment. In this article, we will walk you through the process of learning how to play “Waiting” on guitar, step by step.
Understanding the Song Structure
Before diving into the guitar tabs, it’s essential to understand the song’s structure. “Waiting” is a three-chord song, with a repeating pattern of G, Em, and C. The song follows a simple verse-chorus structure, with the verse consisting of the G, Em, and C chords, and the chorus featuring the G, Em, and D chords. Familiarizing yourself with this structure will help you better understand the transitions between chords.
Step 1: Learn the Chords
The first step in learning “Waiting” on guitar is to master the chords. Here’s a breakdown of the chords you’ll need:
– G Major: Play this chord by placing your first finger on the third fret of the low E string, your second finger on the third fret of the A string, your third finger on the second fret of the D string, and your fourth finger on the first fret of the G string.
– Em Minor: To play this chord, place your first finger on the second fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, your third finger on the second fret of the D string, and your fourth finger on the first fret of the G string.
– C Major: To play this chord, place your first finger on the third fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, your third finger on the first fret of the D string, and your fourth finger on the first fret of the G string.
– D Major: To play this chord, place your first finger on the second fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, your third finger on the first fret of the D string, and your fourth finger on the first fret of the G string.
Step 2: Practice the Chord Progression
Once you’ve learned the chords, it’s time to practice the chord progression. Start by playing the G chord, then quickly switch to the Em chord, followed by the C chord. Continue this pattern for several repetitions, ensuring that you can switch between the chords smoothly. Remember to keep a steady tempo and maintain a consistent strumming pattern.
Step 3: Add the Rhythm
Now that you can play the chord progression, it’s time to add the rhythm. “Waiting” features a simple strumming pattern that involves downstrokes on the first and third beats of each measure, and upstrokes on the second and fourth beats. To achieve this pattern, use a pick or your fingers to strum down on the first and third beats, and up on the second and fourth beats.
Step 4: Practice the Chorus
The chorus of “Waiting” introduces the D Major chord, which is a bit more challenging than the other chords. Practice playing the G, Em, and C chords as you did before, but add the D Major chord when the chorus comes around. Focus on playing the D Major chord with confidence and transitioning smoothly back to the G chord.
Step 5: Put It All Together
With the chords and rhythm down, it’s time to put it all together. Start by playing the verse, then transition into the chorus. Continue this pattern, ensuring that you maintain a steady tempo and keep the strumming pattern consistent. As you become more comfortable with the song, you can add in extra details, such as palm muting or using a capo to change the key.
Conclusion
Learning how to play “Waiting” on guitar can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to improve your guitar skills while enjoying a beautiful song. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this popular track. Happy playing!
