“The Only Exception,” a power ballad by Paramore, resonates deeply with listeners thanks to its raw emotion and relatable lyrics about overcoming fear and embracing love. For guitar players, it’s a fantastic song to learn, offering a blend of simple yet expressive chords that capture the song’s poignant mood. Whether you’re a beginner guitarist or looking to expand your repertoire with emotionally charged songs, mastering the guitar chords for “The Only Exception” is a rewarding endeavor. This guide provides you with everything you need to strum along to this Paramore classic.
Delving into “The Only Exception”: A Song of Love and Reservations
Released in 2010 as part of Paramore’s album Brand New Eyes, “The Only Exception” stands out for its acoustic-driven sound and Hayley Williams’s vulnerable vocal performance. The song explores the theme of a person who, due to past experiences, has built walls around their heart and their initial reluctance to believe in love. However, it beautifully portrays the turning point when someone special becomes “the only exception” to their preconceived notions. This emotional narrative, combined with its melodic structure, has made it a fan favorite and a staple in Paramore’s discography.
Guitar Chords Breakdown for “The Only Exception”
The song primarily utilizes a set of beginner-friendly chords, making it accessible for guitarists of varying skill levels. The main chords you’ll need to know are G, Dm, and C. During the bridge and solo sections, Am and D chords are also introduced, adding a bit more harmonic color.
Verse Chords: Setting the Scene
The verses of “The Only Exception” are built upon a simple and repeating chord progression that creates a melancholic yet reflective atmosphere. The chords are:
G Dm C G
G Dm C
This progression repeats throughout the verses, providing a solid harmonic foundation for the storytelling lyrics. The G, Dm, and C chords are common and fundamental chords for anyone starting out on guitar.
Chorus Chords: The Heart of the Song
The chorus is where the emotional intensity of “The Only Exception” truly shines. The chord progression remains very similar to the verse, emphasizing the recurring theme of the lyrics:
G Dm C
G Dm C G
The repetition of “You are the only exception” in the lyrics is mirrored in the consistent chord progression, driving home the central message of the song.
Solo Chords: Instrumental Interlude
The guitar solo provides a melodic break and uses a slightly different chord progression to create a dynamic shift:
Am Am G D (Repeated 2x)
These chords, Am and D, introduce a minor tonality and a sense of movement, enhancing the emotional arc of the song before returning to the familiar chorus.
Bridge Chords: A Moment of Vulnerability
The bridge section builds upon the solo’s chord progression, further intensifying the emotional build-up:
Am G D
Am G D C C
The bridge is a crucial part of the song where the lyrics express a turning point, and the chords reflect this shift with a blend of minor and major sounds, finally resolving back to the C chord before the final choruses.
Outro Chords: Fading to Believing
The outro brings a sense of resolution and hope, fading out with a simple and repeated progression:
Dm C G (Repeated and faded)
These final chords leave the listener with a feeling of gentle optimism, reflecting the lyric “And I’m on my way to believing.”
Tips for Playing “The Only Exception” Guitar Chords
- Strumming Pattern: For most of the song, a simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern in 4/4 time works beautifully. Experiment with variations to match your style.
- Fingerpicking: “The Only Exception” also sounds great when fingerpicked. Try arpeggiating the chords for a softer, more intimate feel, especially during the verses.
- Capo: While the chords provided are in the original key, you can use a capo to adjust the key to better suit your vocal range. Placing a capo on the 2nd fret will raise the key by a whole step.
- Chord Transitions: Focus on smooth transitions between G, Dm, and C chords. Practice these transitions slowly at first, gradually increasing speed as you become more comfortable.
- Listen to the Original: Pay close attention to the original Paramore recording to capture the nuances of the song’s dynamics and rhythm.
Conclusion: Embrace the Exception and Start Playing
“The Only Exception” by Paramore is a powerful song that is both emotionally resonant and musically rewarding to play on guitar. With its accessible chord progression and heartfelt lyrics, it’s a perfect choice for guitarists looking to learn a popular song and connect with its message of vulnerability and love. So, grab your guitar, learn these chords, and start playing “The Only Exception” today. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can bring this beautiful song to life!
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