“Glycerine” by Bush is a timeless alternative rock anthem, renowned for its raw emotion and distinctive guitar work. For guitar players, learning to play “Glycerine” is a rewarding experience, allowing you to capture the essence of 90s grunge and showcase your chord skills. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the guitar chords for “Glycerine”, making it accessible for players of various levels. Get ready to dive into the chords and start playing this classic track!
Intro Chords
The intro of “Glycerine” immediately sets the mood with a powerful and recognizable chord progression. It utilizes power chords, which are fundamental in rock music and relatively easy to grasp, making it a great starting point for learning the song.
Chords: F5 C5 D5 Bb5
This sequence is played repeatedly to establish the intro’s signature sound.
Verse 1 Chords
Verse 1 delves into the heart of the song, with Gavin Rossdale’s evocative lyrics underpinned by a chord progression that mirrors the introspective nature of the words. The chords remain power chords, maintaining the song’s rock foundation.
Chords:
F5 C5 D5 It must be your skin I’m sinking in
Bb5 F5 must be for real ‘cuz now I can feel
C5 D5 and I didn’t mind it’s not my kind
Bb5 F5 It’s not my time to wonder why
C5 D5 Everything gone white and everything’s gray
Bb5 F5 Now you’re here now you’re away
C5 D5 I don’t want this–remember that
Bb5 F5 I’ll never forget where you’re at
C5 D5 Bb5 Don’t let the days go by
Chorus Chords: The Heart of “Glycerine”
The chorus is where “Glycerine” truly soars. The title of the song itself becomes a powerful refrain, emphasized by a slightly different chord structure that is both memorable and emotionally resonant.
Chords:
F5 | C5 – Bb5 – | Glycerine
F5 | C5 – Bb5 – | Glycerine
Notice the rhythm here. The C5 and Bb5 are played and sustained, creating a dynamic feel that builds the chorus’s intensity.
Verse 2 Chords
Verse 2 continues the lyrical narrative, and the chord progression largely mirrors Verse 1, ensuring a sense of familiarity while the story unfolds.
Chords:
F5 C5 D5 I’m never alone I’m alone all the time
Bb5 F5 are you at one or do you lie
C5 D5 we live in a wheel where everyone steals
Bb5 F5 but when we rise it’s like strawberry fields
C5 D5 If I treated you bad you bruise my face
Bb5 F5 couldn’t love you more you got a beautiful taste
C5 D5 Bb5 F5 C5 D5 Don’t let the days go by could have been easier on you
Bb5 F5 C5 D5 I couldn’t change though I wanted to Should have been easier by three
Bb5 F5 C5 (½) Bb5 (½) our old friend fear and you and me
In the latter part of Verse 2, there’s a slight rhythmic variation indicated by (½), suggesting a half beat duration for the C5 and Bb5 chords, adding a subtle rhythmic complexity.
Bridge Chords: Building Intensity
The bridge section of “Glycerine” acts as a dynamic build-up, both lyrically and musically. The chords here maintain the power chord structure while increasing the repetition of “Glycerine,” driving the emotional intensity before returning to the chorus.
Chords:
F5 C5 D5 Bb5 Glycerine Glycerine
F5 C5 D5 Bb5 Glycerine Glycerine
D5 Bb5 Bad moon white again
D5 Bb5 Bb5 Bb5 Bad moon white again As she falls around me
Verse 3 Chords
Verse 3 brings a slight shift in perspective, and the chords, while familiar, carry the weight of the song’s emotional journey.
Chords:
F5 C5 D5 I needed you more when we wanted us less
Bb5 F5 C5 I could not kiss just regress It might just be
D5 Bb5 F clear simple and plain That’s just fine, that’s just one of my names
C5 D5 Bb5 F5 C5 D5 Bb5 don’t let the days go by could’ve been easier on you, you, you
Note the final F chord in “That’s just fine, that’s just one of my names,” which adds a slight variation from the F5 power chord and provides a softer landing before the final choruses.
Outro Chorus Chords
The song concludes with a powerful repetition of the chorus, driving home the central theme of “Glycerine.”
Chords:
F5 | C5 – Bb5 – | Glycerine
F5 | C5 – Bb5 – | Glycerine
F5 | C5 – Bb5 – | Glycerine
F5 | C5 – Bb5 – | F (hold) Glycerine
The final chorus ends on an F chord held for a duration, providing a conclusive and resonating finish to the song.
Playing Tips for “Glycerine”
- Power Chords are Key: “Glycerine” is built around power chords. Ensure you are comfortable playing F5, C5, D5, and Bb5. If you’re new to power chords, focus on barring the root and fifth notes on the fretboard.
- Rhythm and Dynamics: Pay attention to the rhythm, especially in the chorus where C5 and Bb5 are sustained. Experiment with strumming patterns to match the song’s feel. Dynamics are also crucial; vary your strumming intensity to reflect the song’s emotional peaks and valleys.
- Listen to the Original: Constantly listen to the original track by Bush. This will help you internalize the timing, rhythm, and overall feel of the song, making your playing more authentic.
- Practice in Sections: Break down the song into sections (Intro, Verse 1, Chorus, etc.). Practice each section until you are comfortable before moving to the next. Gradually piece them together.
- Experiment with Tone: While power chords are straightforward, experiment with your guitar’s tone. A slightly overdriven or distorted tone will get you closer to the original Bush sound.
Conclusion
Learning “Glycerine” guitar chords is a fantastic way to expand your repertoire and tackle a classic alternative rock song. With its relatively simple chord structure based on power chords, it’s accessible for intermediate players while still being engaging and rewarding to master. By following this guide, practicing diligently, and listening to the original song, you’ll be playing “Glycerine” on your guitar in no time. Enjoy the process, and keep rocking!
