“The Only Exception” by Paramore is a timeless ballad that resonates with listeners worldwide thanks to its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody. For guitar players, it’s also a fantastic song to learn, offering a chance to practice essential chords and strumming patterns. If you’re looking to play “The Only Exception” on your guitar, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide you with the complete guitar chords, song structure, and helpful tips to master this Paramore classic.
Understanding the Chords for “The Only Exception”
This song primarily uses a set of beginner-friendly chords, making it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. The main chords you’ll need are:
- G Major (G)
- D minor (Dm)
- C Major (C)
- A minor (Am)
- D Major (D)
These chords are fundamental in guitar playing and mastering them through a song like “The Only Exception” is a great way to solidify your chord vocabulary.
Let’s break down the song section by section with the corresponding guitar chords.
“The Only Exception” Guitar Chords Breakdown
Intro Chords
The song begins with a simple and repeating intro progression:
[G] [G] [Dm] [C] (x2)This gentle intro sets the emotional tone of the song right from the start.
Verse 1 Chords
The verses tell the story of the singer’s past experiences with love and relationships. The chord progression for the verse is as follows:
[G] [Dm]
When I was younger I saw my daddy cry
[C] [G]
and curse at the wind.
[G] [Dm]
He broke his own heart
[C]
and I watched as he tried to re-assemble it.
[G] [Dm]
And my mamma swore she would
[C]
never let herself forget.
[G] [Dm]
And that was the day that I promised
[C]
I'd never sing of love if does not exist.Chorus Chords
The chorus is the heart of the song, where the central theme of finding an exception to past beliefs about love is declared. The chords are repetitive and catchy:
[G] [Dm]
But darling, you are the only exception
[C] [G]
You are the only exception
[G] [Dm]
You are the only exception
[C] [G]
You are the only exceptionVerse 2 Chords
The second verse continues to explore the singer’s vulnerability and changing perspective:
[G] [Dm]
Maybe I know somewhere deep in my soul
[C] [G]
that love never lasts.
[G] [Dm]
And we've got to find other ways
[C]
to make it alone or keep a straight face.
[G] [Dm]
And I've always lived like this
[C]
keeping a comfortable, distance.
[G] [Dm]
And up until now I swore to myself
[C] [G]
that I'm content with loneliness, 'cause none of it was ever worth the risk.Solo Chords
The solo section provides a musical interlude, maintaining the song’s emotional intensity. The chords for the solo are:
[Am] [Am] [G] [D] (x2)Bridge Chords
The bridge introduces a slight shift in chord progression and lyrical perspective, adding depth to the narrative:
[Am] [G]
I've got a tight grip on reality,
[D]
But I can't let go of whats part of me here.
[Am] [G]
I know you're leaving tomorrow, when you wake up,
[D]
Leave me with some kind of proof it's not a dream,
[C] [C]
whoaOutro Chords
The outro brings the song to a gentle close, with a hopeful outlook:
[Dm] [C] [G]
And I'm on my way to believing
[Dm] [C] [G]
And I'm on my way to believingStrumming Pattern and Playing Tips
For “The Only Exception”, a simple strumming pattern often works best, especially for beginners. You can try a down-down-up-down-up pattern for each chord, or experiment with variations to find what sounds best to you.
Tips for Playing:
- Smooth Chord Transitions: Practice switching between G, Dm, and C smoothly. This is crucial for the song’s flow.
- Listen to the Song: Play along with the original Paramore track to get a feel for the timing and rhythm.
- Start Slow: Begin practicing at a slower tempo to ensure accuracy, and gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.
- Acoustic Guitar Focus: “The Only Exception” sounds beautiful on acoustic guitar, which is highly recommended for learning this song.
Conclusion
“The Only Exception” is a rewarding song to learn on guitar. With its relatively simple chord progression and emotional depth, it’s perfect for practicing your skills and adding a popular ballad to your repertoire. By following this chord guide and practicing regularly, you’ll be playing “The Only Exception” by Paramore in no time. Happy playing!
