Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours” is a song that has resonated with millions, and while famously popular on the ukulele, it translates beautifully to the guitar. Written originally on electric guitar by Mraz, this guide will show you how to easily play “I’m Yours” on your guitar using simple chords and a catchy strumming pattern.
The Essential Guitar Chords
You only need four basic guitar chords to play a simplified version of “I’m Yours”: C, Am, F, and G. These are foundational chords that are perfect for beginners and will get you through the entire song.
- C Major: A cornerstone chord, easy to grasp and sounds bright and cheerful.
- Am (A minor): Adds a touch of melancholy and contrast to the major chords.
- F Major: Might be slightly trickier for absolute beginners, but essential for countless songs.
- G Major: Another fundamental chord, often used as a turnaround or to build energy.
The original song is in the key of B, which can be less accessible for guitar beginners. Playing in the key of C simplifies things significantly, making it easier to learn and play along. If you want to play along with the original recording, you would need to tune your guitar down half a step or tackle the song in the key of B, which uses barre chords. For this tutorial, we’ll stick to the easier key of C.
Strumming Pattern for Guitar
The strumming pattern is key to capturing the relaxed and groovy vibe of “I’m Yours.” It’s upbeat and fun, perfectly suited for guitar and gives the song its distinctive feel.
Easy Guitar Strumming
The core strumming pattern is a simple Down-Up-Down-Up-Down-Up (DUDUDU). However, to get closer to the song’s feel, you’ll want to incorporate a slight swing and emphasize beats 2 and 4, much like the rhythmic emphasis in reggae or ska music.
To start, try practicing the DUDUDU pattern while lightly resting your fretting hand fingers across the strings to mute them. This helps you focus on the rhythm without worrying about chord changes. Aim for a relaxed, swinging feel.
Guitar Strumming Pattern
Listen to the example rhythm. Notice the stronger emphasis on the 2nd and 4th up strums (the backbeat). This emphasis is crucial for the song’s groove.
Adding Muted Strums (Chunks) on Guitar
To add more rhythmic texture, you can incorporate muted or “chunk” strums, particularly on beats 2 and 4. This technique involves muting the strings with your fretting hand while still strumming. It creates a percussive, chunking sound that enhances the rhythmic feel.
Muted Guitar Strumming
Experiment with muting different strums to find what sounds best to you. Many guitarists interpret the strumming of this song in their own way, and a little personal variation is perfectly fine. The most important thing is to capture the overall feel and rhythm of “I’m Yours.”
Song Structure for Guitar
The song structure of “I’m Yours” is wonderfully repetitive and easy to follow, which makes it great for practicing chord changes and strumming. The basic structure revolves around a simple chord progression that repeats throughout most of the song: C – G – Am – F.
This chord sequence forms the verse and chorus of the song. You’ll find this progression repeated extensively, making it easy to memorize and play along.
While there might be slight variations in different versions, the core structure remains consistent. You can easily find guitar tabs and chord charts online that outline the song’s structure in detail if you want to follow along more precisely.
Strum Like a Pro on Guitar
Improving your guitar strumming is a continuous journey. Exploring different strumming patterns and techniques will significantly enhance your playing and make songs like “I’m Yours” even more enjoyable. Consider delving deeper into various strumming techniques to expand your rhythmic vocabulary and bring more flair to your guitar playing.
