“Counting Stars” by OneRepublic is a massive hit, and it’s also a fantastic song to learn on guitar. Its catchy melody and relatively simple chord progression make it a favorite for guitarists of all levels. If you’ve been wanting to play this popular song, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will break down the guitar chords for “Counting Stars”, making it easy for you to start playing along.
Basic Chords You’ll Need for Counting Stars
The song primarily uses four basic guitar chords, making it quite accessible, especially for beginner guitarists. These chords are:
- Am (A minor): A fundamental minor chord, often one of the first chords learned by guitar players.
- C (C major): A bright and common major chord, essential in countless songs.
- G (G major): Another essential major chord, providing a strong and resonant sound.
- F (F major): While F major can be slightly trickier for beginners, especially the barre chord version, simplified versions exist and are perfectly suitable for playing “Counting Stars”.
These four chords create the foundation for the entire song. Mastering these shapes will not only allow you to play “Counting Stars” but also open up a vast library of other songs that use similar chord progressions.
OneRepublic Counting Stars guitar chords lesson – learn to play the song on guitar
“Counting Stars” Chord Progression and Song Structure
The song follows a repeating chord progression throughout most of its verses and choruses. The progression is: Am – C – G – F. This sequence is repeated multiple times in each verse and chorus, making it easy to memorize and follow.
Here’s a breakdown of the chord structure as seen in the original chord sheet, which you can use as a guide while listening to the song:
(Verse 1)
(Am) Lately I’ve been, (C) I’ve been losing sleep
(G) Dreaming about the things that (F) we could be
But, (Am) baby I’ve been, (C) I’ve been praying hard
(G) Said no more counting dollars, (F) we’ll be counting stars
Yeah, (F) we’ll be counting stars
(Chorus)
I see this (Am) life like a swinging vine,(C) Swing my heart across the line
(G) In my face is flashing signs,(F) Seek it out and ye shall find.
…and so on, following the Am – C – G – F progression for the majority of the song.
Capo on the 4th Fret: Simplifying the Key
The original chord sheet indicates a Capo on the 4th Fret. Using a capo at the 4th fret effectively changes the key of the guitar without changing the chord shapes you play. In the case of “Counting Stars”, using a capo allows you to play the song using these simpler chord shapes (Am, C, G, F) while still sounding in the correct key as the original recording.
If you don’t have a capo, you can still play the song without it. However, the key might be slightly different, and it could be a little more challenging to sing along with the original recording. For learning purposes and ease of playing, especially for beginners, using a capo on the 4th fret is highly recommended.
Tips for Playing “Counting Stars” Guitar Chords
- Strumming Pattern: For “Counting Stars”, a simple strumming pattern works perfectly. You can start with a basic Down-Down-Up-Down-Up pattern for each chord. As you get comfortable, you can experiment with more complex rhythms.
- Smooth Chord Transitions: Focus on practicing smooth transitions between the chords. The key to a seamless sound is to change chords quickly and cleanly. Practice moving between Am to C, C to G, G to F, and F back to Am repeatedly until the changes become fluid.
- Listen to the Song: The best way to learn the rhythm and feel of “Counting Stars” is to listen to the song frequently while practicing the chords. Pay attention to how the chords change with the melody and Ryan Tedder’s vocal phrasing.
- Start Slow: Don’t try to play at full speed right away. Begin slowly and gradually increase your tempo as you become more comfortable with the chord changes and strumming.
Conclusion: Start Counting Stars on Your Guitar!
“Counting Stars” is an excellent song to add to your guitar repertoire. Its catchy tune and repetitive chord structure make it fun and rewarding to learn. By mastering the Am, C, G, and F chords and practicing the provided progression, you’ll be playing “Counting Stars” on your guitar in no time. So grab your guitar, put on your capo, and start counting stars!
