“Yesterday” by The Beatles remains one of the most iconic and beloved songs worldwide. Its simple yet poignant melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate across generations. For guitar players, “Yesterday” is also a fantastic song to learn, offering a gateway to fingerpicking and chord progression practice. If you’re looking to learn the “Chord Guitar Yesterday,” you’ve come to the right place. This guide will break down the essential chords for playing “Yesterday” on your guitar, making it accessible for beginners and a rewarding experience for seasoned players.
Basic Chords for “Yesterday”
The beauty of “Yesterday” lies in its relatively straightforward chord structure. You’ll be using a selection of common guitar chords, making it a great song to expand your chord vocabulary. Here are the primary chords you’ll need to know to play “Yesterday”:
- G Major (G): A foundational chord, often one of the first learned by guitarists.
- F sharp minor (F#m): A minor chord adding a touch of melancholy.
- B dominant 7th (B7): A 7th chord that creates a nice tension and resolution.
- E minor (Em): Another essential minor chord, contributing to the song’s emotional depth.
- C Major (C): A bright and cheerful major chord, providing contrast.
- D dominant 7th (D7): Another 7th chord, used to transition smoothly back to G.
- E minor 7th (Em7): A slightly jazzy variation of Em, adding sophistication.
- A dominant 7th (A7): Used for a brief but effective chord change.
- G Major with F sharp in the bass (G/F#): A passing chord that creates a smooth bass line movement.
- E minor with D in the bass (Em/D): Another bass line movement chord, adding melodic interest.
- E minor with C in the bass (Em/C): Continuing the descending bass line, creating a smooth transition.
- E minor with B in the bass (Em/B): Completing the descending bass line before returning to the root.
- A minor (Am): A standard minor chord, adding a touch of sadness.
- G Major with C in the bass (G/C): A chord variation used in the outro.
- G Major with D in the bass (G/D): Another variation in the outro.
While this list might seem extensive, many of these chords are variations built upon basic shapes, and the chord progression itself is quite repetitive and easy to memorize.
Playing the Verse and Chorus Chords
The song structure of “Yesterday” is fairly traditional, alternating between verses and choruses. Here’s a breakdown of the chord progression for each section:
Verse:
The verse sections of “Yesterday” follow a similar and repeating chord pattern:
G F#m B7 Em Em/D
C D7 G G/F#
Em7 A7 C G
This sequence forms the melodic and harmonic foundation of the verses, creating the signature melancholic feel of the song.
Chorus:
The chorus provides a slight variation and emotional build-up:
F#m B7 Em Em/D Em/C Em/B
Am D7 G
Notice how the chorus uses a descending bass line in the Em variations (Em/D, Em/C, Em/B), adding a subtle complexity and movement.
Strumming and Fingerpicking “Yesterday”
“Yesterday” is famously played with fingerpicking, but it can also sound beautiful strummed on the guitar.
Fingerpicking:
For fingerpicking, try a simple pattern focusing on the bass notes with your thumb and arpeggiating the higher strings with your fingers. A common pattern would be:
- Thumb on the root note of the chord (usually the lowest string).
- Index finger on the G string.
- Middle finger on the B string.
- Ring finger on the high E string.
Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to find what sounds best to you and fits your playing style.
Strumming:
If you prefer strumming, a simple down-down-up-down-up pattern in 4/4 time works well. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and smooth chord changes. You can also experiment with adding dynamics, strumming softer on the verses and slightly louder on the choruses to enhance the emotional impact.
Tips for Learning “Yesterday” Chords
- Start Slow: Don’t rush. Practice chord changes slowly and deliberately at first. Speed will come with repetition and muscle memory.
- Focus on Clean Chord Changes: Smooth transitions between chords are crucial for a polished sound. Practice moving between each chord pair in the song progression.
- Use Chord Diagrams: If you’re unfamiliar with any of these chords, use online chord diagrams to visualize finger placement.
- Listen to the Original Song: Pay close attention to the timing, rhythm, and feel of the original Beatles recording. This will help you internalize the song’s essence.
- Break It Down: Practice each section (verse, chorus) separately until you are comfortable before putting the whole song together.
- Practice Regularly: Consistent practice, even for short periods each day, is more effective than long, infrequent sessions.
Conclusion
Learning “Yesterday” on guitar is a rewarding journey for any guitarist. By mastering these “chord guitar yesterday,” you’ll not only be able to play a timeless classic but also enhance your guitar skills and musicality. Whether you choose to fingerpick or strum, take your time, practice consistently, and enjoy the process of bringing this beautiful song to life on your guitar. Start practicing your “chord guitar yesterday” and you’ll be playing this iconic song in no time!
