“The Only Exception” by Paramore is a beloved song for its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody. For guitar players, it’s also a fantastic song to learn, whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your repertoire. This guide will provide you with the guitar chords for “The Only Exception”, making it easy for you to play along and enjoy this popular track.
Understanding the Chords and Song Structure
This song primarily uses a simple and common chord progression, making it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. The main chords you’ll need to know are G, Dm, and C. There’s also a section that introduces Am and D chords during the solo and bridge. Let’s break down the song structure and the chords used in each section:
Verse Chords
The verses of “The Only Exception” follow a repeating pattern that is easy to memorize. The chord progression for the verse is:
G – Dm – C
This sequence creates a gentle and melancholic feel that perfectly matches the lyrical content of the verses, which talk about childhood experiences and a vow to avoid love.
[G]When I was younger I saw my daddy cry
[Dm]and curse at the wind.
[C]He broke his own heart
[G]He broke his own heart
[Dm]and I watched as he tried to re-assemble it.
[C]and I watched as he tried to re-assemble it.
[G]And my mamma swore she would never let herself forget.
[Dm]And my mamma swore she would never let herself forget.
[C]And that was the day that I promised
[G]And that was the day that I promised
[Dm]I'd never sing of love if does not exist.
[C]I'd never sing of love if does not exist.Chorus Chords
The chorus is where the emotional peak of the song resides, and the chord progression remains the same as the verse, emphasizing the central theme of the song:
G – Dm – C
The repetition of “You are the only exception” is powerfully underscored by these familiar chords.
[G]But darling, you are the only exception
[Dm]You are the only exception
[C]You are the only exception
[G]You are the only exception
[Dm]You are the only exception
[C]You are the only exception
[G]You are the only exceptionSolo Chords
The solo section introduces a slight variation, adding Am and D chords to create a bit more movement and dynamic. The progression here is:
Am – Am – G – D (repeated twice)
This section provides a nice instrumental break while still maintaining the song’s emotional tone.
[Am] [Am] [G] [D]
[Am] [Am] [G] [D]Bridge Chords
The bridge section continues with the chords introduced in the solo, building intensity before returning to the chorus. The bridge chords are:
Am – G – D
And then leading back to the chorus with a C chord.
[Am]I've got a tight grip on reality,
[G]But I can't let go of
[D]whats part of me here.
[Am]I know you're leaving tomorrow, when you wake up,
[G]Leave me with some kind
[D]of proof it's not a dream,
[C] [C]~ whoaOutro Chords
The outro brings the song to a gentle close, using a variation of the main chords and ending on a hopeful note. The outro progression is:
Dm – C – G
Repeated with slight lyrical changes towards the end.
[Dm] [C] [G]And I'm on my way to believing
[Dm]~ [C]~ [G]~And I'm on my way to believingChord Diagrams for Beginners
For those who are new to guitar or need a visual reminder, here are the basic chord diagrams for the chords used in “The Only Exception”:
G Chord
Image of G chord diagram for guitar
Dm Chord
Image of Dm chord diagram for guitar
C Chord
Image of C chord diagram for guitar
Am Chord
Image of Am chord diagram for guitar
D Chord
Image of D chord diagram for guitar
Playing Tips for “The Only Exception”
- Strumming Pattern: A simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern works well for most of the song. You can vary the rhythm slightly to match the song’s dynamics. Experiment and find what feels natural.
- Chord Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between G, Dm, and C chords. These are fundamental chords, and mastering these changes will be beneficial for many songs.
- Fingerpicking: While the chords are often strummed, you can also try fingerpicking the verses for a softer, more intimate feel.
- Capo: The original key of the song might be slightly high for some singers. Experiment with using a capo on different frets to find a key that suits your vocal range.
- Listen to the Song: The best way to learn the rhythm and feel of “The Only Exception” is to listen to Paramore’s recording repeatedly. Pay attention to the song’s dynamics and how the guitar part fits in.
Conclusion
“The Only Exception” is a beautiful and emotionally resonant song that is also a great choice for guitarists to learn. With its straightforward chord progression and memorable melody, you’ll be playing along in no time. Practice the chords, listen to the song, and enjoy bringing this Paramore hit to life on your guitar.
