Want to learn how to play the beautiful Ed Sheeran song, “Photograph” on guitar? This guide is designed to make learning the “Photograph” chords easy and accessible for beginners.
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In This Free Lesson, You Will Learn:
- How to use a capo to simplify chords.
- Easy-to-learn shapes for the “Photograph” guitar chords.
- The technique of palm muting for a percussive sound.
- How to play along with “Photograph” using these chords.
Let’s Learn to Play “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran on Guitar!
Ed Sheeran has become a global music icon, known for his incredible songwriting and catchy tunes. From upbeat tracks to heartfelt ballads, his music resonates with millions.
“Photograph” is one of Ed Sheeran’s most loved songs, a beautiful and emotive ballad. The good news for beginner guitarists is that the “Guitar Chords For Ed Sheeran Photograph” are relatively simple to learn.
In this lesson, we’ll break down how to play “Photograph” on guitar step-by-step. We’ll cover capo placement, the specific chord shapes you’ll need, and how to approach the different parts of the song.
Ready to get started? Let’s dive in and learn the “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph”!
Ed Sheeran Photograph Chords 1
Many popular songs, including “Photograph,” use a limited number of chords to create a powerful and memorable sound. It’s not about complex guitar parts, but about clever arrangement and emotional delivery.
The beauty of “Photograph” lies not just in the guitar chords themselves, but in how they are arranged and how they support the vocals and melody.
Before we start learning the chords, take a listen to the song to get a feel for the rhythm and dynamics.
Click here to listen to “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran.
Ed Sheeran Photograph Guitar Chords Diagram 2
Photograph Chords Part 1: Capo Position for Easy Playing
You might find different versions of these chords online, especially regarding capo use. To make learning the “Photograph” chords as easy as possible, we’ll use a capo on the 2nd fret.
Using a capo at the 2nd fret means two key things for playing “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph”:
- “Open” strings change: The capo acts as our new nut, effectively shortening the strings and changing the open string notes.
- Chord Shapes vs. Chord Names: We’ll refer to chords by both the shape you make on the fretboard and the actual chord name that shape produces with the capo.
For example, the first chord uses a D major shape, but because of the capo, the actual chord you’re playing is an E major.
Guitar Capo for Photograph Chords 3
Capos are incredibly useful tools for guitarists. They simplify playing in different keys and help you learn chord shapes in various positions on the neck.
If you’re new to capos, it’s simple to use. Just open the clamp and attach it straight across the strings at the 2nd fret. Make sure it’s positioned evenly and applies firm pressure to all strings.
Capos are a great way to explore the CAGED system, a method for mastering chord shapes across the fretboard in different keys. If you want to learn more about the CAGED system, check out our lesson here.
Ready to learn the specific “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph”? Let’s move on to the chord shapes.
Photograph Guitar Chords Diagram 4
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Photograph Chords Part 2: Palm Muting and the E Major Chord (D Shape)
Ed Sheeran often uses percussive elements in his guitar playing. One key technique in “Photograph” is palm muting.
Palm muting is achieved by lightly resting the edge of your picking hand on the bridge of the guitar, near the strings. This dampens the strings slightly, creating a muted, percussive tone.
This technique adds a rhythmic drive to the “Photograph” chords. If you want to learn more about palm muting, we have a detailed lesson here.
If you’re comfortable with palm muting, let’s learn the first chord shape – the D major shape, which becomes an E major chord with the capo.
E MAJOR (D Shape)
(If you’re unsure how to read chord diagrams, check out our article: “How To Read Guitar Chordboxes In 60 Seconds“.)
With your capo on the 2nd fret, start with the D major shape. You’ll only need the thinnest four strings (D, G, B, E) for this voicing.
- Start with the open D string.
- Place your index finger on the G string, 4th fret.
- Add your ring finger to the B string, 5th fret.
- Finally, place your middle finger on the E string, 4th fret.
Strum these four strings clearly while palm muting, and you’ve played your first of the “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph”!
Pro Tip: Use arpeggios (playing notes of the chord individually) to check each string and ensure you’re not accidentally muting any notes.
Photograph Chords Part 3: C#sus4 Chord (Bsus4 Shape) – An Easier Alternative to Bm
For beginner guitarists, we’re simplifying the second chord. You might see “Photograph” chords transcribed online as a full B minor chord.
However, barre chords can be challenging for beginners. So, we’re using an easier alternative: a Bsus4 shape, which becomes a C#sus4 chord with the capo.
This C#sus4 provides a similar harmonic color to B minor but is much simpler to play.
To play the C#sus4 (Bsus4 shape): Make a power chord shape on the 4th fret of the A string, letting the B and high E strings ring open.
C#sus4 (Bsus4 Shape)
[ 
Bsus4 Chord Diagram for Photograph Guitar Lesson
Pro Tip: Use your index, ring, and pinky fingers as shown in the diagram. This fingering provides stability and makes switching chords easier.
The slight challenge with this shape is ensuring the open B and E strings ring clearly. You might need to adjust your wrist angle slightly to avoid muting them with your fret hand.
Pro Tip #2: Take time to practice each chord shape individually before moving on. Clear sounding chords are essential, and mastering them now will make learning the song much smoother.
Now, let’s practice transitioning between the first two “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph.” Practice switching between the E major (D shape) and C#sus4 (Bsus4 shape) while palm muting.
E MAJOR (D Shape)
C#sus4 (Bsus4 Shape)
[ Bsus4 Chord Diagram for Photograph Guitar Lesson
Photograph Chords Part 4: B Major Chord (A Shape)
The next chord is another relatively easy shape: A major. With the capo, this A major shape becomes a B major chord, perfectly fitting the “Photograph” progression.
This chord shape requires stacking your fingers on the same fret. Here’s how to play the B major (A shape):
- E String: Open
- B String: Ring finger, 4th fret
- G String: Middle finger, 4th fret
- D String: Index finger, 4th fret
- A String: Open
- Low E String: Muted (you don’t play this string)
Again, adjust your wrist to allow the open strings to ring clearly.
B MAJOR (A Shape)
Once you get the finger placement right, this B major (A shape) will be one of the easiest “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph” to play.
Although we haven’t covered the song structure yet, it’s beneficial to practice all the chords we’ve learned so far together. This helps your hand get used to the shapes and transitions.
Before moving to the last chord, practice transitioning between these three chords: E major (D shape), C#sus4 (Bsus4 shape), and B major (A shape).
Pro Tip: Use your index finger as a guide when switching chords. Try to keep it anchored or move it efficiently to the next chord shape.
E MAJOR (D Shape)
C#sus4 (Bsus4 Shape)
B MAJOR (A Shape)
[ Bsus4 Chord Diagram for Photograph Guitar Lesson
Photograph Chords Part 5: A Major Chord (G Shape)
The last of the four “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph” is a G major shape, which becomes an A major chord with the capo.
This is the only chord in the progression that uses all six strings, requiring a slightly wider finger stretch.
To play the A major (G shape):
- Place your middle finger on the low E string, 5th fret.
- Add your index finger on the A string, 4th fret.
- Leave the D and G strings open.
- Place your ring finger on the B string, 5th fret.
- Finally, place your pinky finger on the high E string, 5th fret.
A MAJOR (G Shape)
Strum all six strings, arpeggiate to check each note, adjust your wrist for clear sound, and let this chord ring!
Congratulations! You’ve now learned all four “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph”! That’s a fantastic achievement. Now, let’s look at the rhythmic aspect: beat accents and song structure.
In the next section, we’ll discuss accented beats and their importance in “Photograph.” Then, we’ll put all the “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph” together in the song structure.
You’ve come this far – keep going! Practice playing the four chords in sequence as you read on.
E MAJOR (D Shape)
C#sus4 (Bsus4 Shape)
B MAJOR (A Shape)
A MAJOR (G Shape)
Photograph Chords Part 6: Beat Accents & Palm Muting Rhythm
“Photograph” has a distinct rhythmic feel, a definite pulse. Understanding this pulse is crucial for playing along correctly.
As mentioned, Ed Sheeran uses palm muting throughout the song. Rest your picking hand’s edge on the bridge for that dampened tone. We’ll also primarily use downstrokes to play the “Photograph” chords.
The key to the rhythm is the accented beats. The song uses accented and non-accented beats to create its groove.
Here’s the beat pattern with accented beats in bold/underline:
1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8
Ed Sheeran Photograph Guitar Palm Muting 5
An accented beat simply means you emphasize or stress that beat more than the others.
In practice, with palm muting, you just dig in slightly harder with your pick on the accented beats (beats 1 and 4 in this 8-beat pattern). This creates the rhythmic pulse of “Photograph.”
That’s all you need to know about the rhythm to start playing the song sections. Now, let’s structure the “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph” into the song’s sections.
Ed Sheeran Guitar Lesson Photograph Chords 6
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Photograph Chords Part 7: Song Section Chord Progressions
Now that we know the chords and rhythm fundamentals, let’s put it all together!
With your “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph” ready and the beat structure in mind, here are the chord progressions for each section.
Each chord lasts for 8 beats, following the accented beat pattern we just learned. Remember, we’re listing the chords by their shapes (D, Bsus4, A, G), not their actual names (E, C#sus4, B, A).
Photograph Chord Lesson Diagram 7
-
Intro:
D shape – Bsus4 shape – A shape – G shape
-
Verse (chords start at the end of “Loving can hurt”):
D shape – Bsus4 shape – A shape – G shape
D shape – Bsus4 shape – A shape – G shape
-
Pre-Chorus:
Bsus4 shape – G shape – D shape – A shape
Bsus4 shape – G shape – D shape – A shape (hold last chord)
-
Chorus (chords start at the end of “So you can keep”):
D shape – A shape – Bsus4 shape – G shape – D shape
-
Bridge: (chords start at the end of “And if you hurt”)
D shape – A shape – Bsus4 shape – G shape
-
Interlude:
Bsus4 shape – G shape – D shape – A shape
-
Outro:
D shape – A shape – Bsus4 shape – G shape
D shape – A shape – Bsus4 shape – G shape – G shape (hold until the end)
Photograph Chord Tutorial Diagram 8
Notice how Ed Sheeran creates variety in “Photograph” using just these four “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph”?
One of the great things about this song is that it shows how you can rearrange a few chords to create different sections and dynamics within a song.
Photograph Chords Part 8: Song Structure Breakdown
Let’s quickly outline the song structure by sections, so you know where each chord progression fits in “Photograph.”
Use the chord progressions above as your reference for each section!
Here is the song structure:
- Intro
- Verse
- Pre-Chorus
- Chorus
- Verse
- Pre-Chorus
- Chorus
- Bridge
- Interlude
Photograph Song Lesson Diagram 9
Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of this lesson on how to play “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph”!
Remember to focus on downstrokes, palm muting, and those accented beats to capture the feel of the song.
The only thing left is practice! So, pick up your guitar and start playing!
Pro Tip: Singing along while you learn is incredibly helpful for timing and feel. If singing isn’t your thing, even humming along will help you place the chords in the right spots.
Ed Sheeran Guitar Photograph Performance 10
Take These Photograph Chords and Use Them Everywhere!
You’ll soon realize that these “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph” shapes are incredibly common in popular music. Mastering them is a valuable skill for any guitarist.
Make it a habit to practice these chords and transitions regularly.
Like anything on guitar, the more you practice, the easier it becomes! Keep up the guitar practice!
Recommended Resources
If you enjoyed learning the “guitar chords for Ed Sheeran Photograph,” check out these other resources:
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