Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect” is a global anthem, loved for its romantic melody and heartfelt lyrics. For aspiring guitarists, it’s also a fantastic song to learn. The chords are relatively simple, making it perfect for beginners while still sounding beautiful and impressive. This guide will break down the guitar chords for “Perfect”, making it easy for you to play along and serenade your own special someone.
Verse Chords: Setting the Scene
The verses of “Perfect” use a repeating chord progression that’s both catchy and easy to master. You’ll be using four basic chords: G, Em, C, and D.
The verse chord progression is:
G Em C D
Let’s look at how these chords fit into the lyrics of the first verse:
G Em
I found a love for me
C D
Darling, just dive right in, and follow my lead
G Em
Well, I found a girl beautiful and sweet
C D
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
These chords create a gentle and flowing feel, perfect for the intimate storytelling in the verses. Practice transitioning smoothly between these four chords. A tip for beginners is to start slowly, focusing on clean chord changes before speeding up to the song’s tempo.
Chorus Chords: The Heart of “Perfect”
The chorus of “Perfect” is where the song truly soars. The chord progression is slightly different but still uses the same core chords, creating a familiar yet uplifting sound.
The chorus chord progression is:
Em C G D
Listen to how these chords match the emotional intensity of the chorus lyrics:
Em C G D Em
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
C G D Em
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
C G D Em
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
C G D
But you heard it, darling you look perfect tonight
Notice how the chorus starts on Em, giving it a slightly more melancholic yet passionate feel compared to the verse starting on G. The repetition of this progression is what makes the chorus so memorable and sing-along-able.
Pre-Chorus and Song Structure
The pre-chorus builds anticipation leading into the powerful chorus. It uses a variation of the chords you already know. While the provided original chords indicate variations and strumming patterns, for simplicity and beginner-friendliness, you can mostly use the same G, Em, C, D chord shapes throughout the pre-chorus and other sections, focusing on the rhythmic strumming to differentiate the parts.
The song follows a standard verse-pre-chorus-chorus structure:
- Intro: G
- Verse 1: G Em C D
- Pre-Chorus: G Em C G D
- Chorus: Em C G D
- Verse 2: G Em C D
- Pre-Chorus: G Em C G D
- Chorus: Em C G D
- Interlude: G Em C D
- Chorus: Em C G D
- Outro: G C D G
By following this structure and practicing the G, Em, C, and D chords, you’ll be able to play the entire song “Perfect” on your guitar.
Tips for Playing “Perfect”
- Strumming Pattern: For a simple strumming pattern, try “Down, Down-Up, Up-Down, Up”. Listen to the song to get a feel for the rhythm and adapt your strumming accordingly.
- Chord Transitions: Focus on smooth transitions between chords. Practice moving between G-Em, Em-C, C-D, and D-G repeatedly until they become fluid.
- Simplify if Needed: If you find the Em chord challenging initially, you can try a simplified version or practice transitioning to it slowly. The key is to keep practicing!
- Sing Along: Singing along as you play will help you with timing and rhythm. It also makes learning more fun!
“Perfect” is a rewarding song to learn on guitar. With its accessible chords and beautiful melody, you’ll be playing this Ed Sheeran hit in no time. Keep practicing, and enjoy making music!
