“Creep” by Stone Temple Pilots is a timeless song, and its unplugged version is particularly beloved for its raw emotion and beautiful acoustic arrangement. If you’re looking to learn how to play “Creep” on acoustic guitar, you’ve come to the right place. This lesson will break down the “Creep” acoustic guitar chords and song structure, making it easy for you to learn and play along.
Unpacking the Intro Chords
The intro to “Creep” acoustic is instantly recognizable and sets the mood for the entire song. It features a delicate fingerpicking pattern over a series of evocative chords. Let’s break down each chord and the picking pattern.
The intro starts with a C major chord. For this, you’ll be picking strings in this order: 5, 4, 3, and then 1, 2, 3. This arpeggiated approach creates a gentle, flowing sound.
Next, we move to a B7 chord. Maintain a similar picking pattern: 5, 4, 3, then 2 and 1. The B7 adds a touch of tension and prepares for the minor chords to come.
Following the B7, we have an E minor 7 chord (Em7). For this voicing of Em7, strum strings 6, 5, and 4 together, and then follow with a strum of strings 4, 3, 2, and 1. This strumming pattern offers a slight variation from the intro’s fingerpicking, adding dynamic texture.
Finally, the intro includes an A minor 7 chord (Am7). This is played as a regular Am chord, but with an added note. You’ll fret the 3rd fret of the 1st and 2nd strings. A common way to play this is by using your first two fingers for the standard Am shape and your fourth finger to fret the 1st and 2nd strings at the 3rd fret. You could also use your third and fourth fingers if that feels more comfortable. The picking pattern here is the same as the C and B7: 5, 4, 3, then 1, 2, 3.
Alt text: Close-up view of a guitarist’s hand accurately forming an Am7 chord on an acoustic guitar, emphasizing finger placement and string clarity.
The fourth measure of the intro is marked with ‘x’s in tabs, indicating muted strums. To achieve this percussive sound, strum the indicated chord and then immediately mute the strings. You can do this by lightly laying your strumming hand fingers across the strings or by using a finger from your fretting hand to dampen the strings, like bringing your ring finger across as demonstrated in the original lesson. This muted strum provides a rhythmic element before returning to the C chord and repeating the intro sequence. The last measure of the intro is a rest, mimicking the drum pickup in the original song, leading into the verse.
Verse Chord Progression and Rhythm
The verse section of “Creep” acoustic guitar is built upon a repeating chord progression and a distinct rhythmic feel. The primary chord in the verse is E minor 7 (Em7).
The rhythm in the verse is crucial. It’s based on a combination of quarter notes and eighth notes. Think of it as “long, short, long, long, short, long, short, short, short, short.” While counting precisely isn’t essential, understanding the relative durations of the notes will help you nail the feel. The E minor 7 chord starts with a quarter note, followed by an eighth note, then two quarter notes, an eighth note, a quarter note, and finally, four eighth notes.
This rhythmic pattern on Em7 is followed by a C major chord and then a B7 chord. The entire sequence of Em7, C, and B7 repeats four times throughout the verse.
After these four repetitions, the verse transitions to three measures solely on E minor 7 (Em7). These measures include some muted strums, similar to the intro, adding rhythmic variation and texture. These muted strums are marked in the tabs and contribute to the song’s dynamic. This section concludes the verse, and the song moves to the pre-chorus.
Alt text: Illustrated chord diagrams for Em7, C, and B7 chords, specifically arranged for the verse section of the acoustic guitar rendition of “Creep”.
Pre-Chorus Chord Sequence
The pre-chorus provides a change of pace and builds anticipation for the chorus. It introduces a new set of chords: G major, Asus2, and Am7.
First, we have a standard G major chord. This familiar chord provides a lift from the minor feel of the verse.
Next is Asus2 (A suspended 2). To play Asus2, start with an A minor chord and simply remove your first finger. This leaves the 5th string open, and the 2nd fret on the 4th, 3rd, and open 2nd and 1st strings. The Asus2 creates a suspended, unresolved sound that leads nicely into the Am7.
Finally, the pre-chorus resolves to an A minor 7 (Am7) chord, the same voicing used in the intro. This Am7 acts as a transition chord, smoothly leading into the chorus. The pre-chorus section ends on this Am7 chord, flowing directly into the chorus.
Chorus Picking Pattern and Chords
The chorus of “Creep” acoustic shifts back to a fingerpicking style, similar to the intro, but with a different chord progression and feel. This section is relatively straightforward once you understand the picking pattern and chord changes.
The chorus begins with a chord that can be referred to as E5 (E power chord) in this context, although played in a more open, acoustic style. You’ll be playing the 6th, 4th, and 3rd strings open, and fretting the 2nd fret of the 5th string. A good way to approach this is by using your second finger to fret the 5th string, as if you were starting an E minor chord but only playing these bass notes. The picking pattern here is eighth notes, creating a faster, more driving feel than the intro or verse. Strum strings 6, 5, 4, 3 in eighth notes.
Next, move your second finger from the 5th string, 2nd fret, to the 6th string, 2nd fret. This creates an F5 (F power chord) shape, again played in this open acoustic style. Maintain the eighth-note strumming pattern on strings 6, 5, 4, 3.
Then, move to the 3rd fret of the 6th string, using your third finger. Keep the 5th string open and fret the 2nd fret of the 4th string. This creates a G5 (G power chord) shape. Continue the eighth-note strumming pattern on strings 6, 5, 4, 3.
The next chord is Fsus2 (F suspended 2). To play Fsus2, fret the 5th string at the 1st fret with your first finger and the 4th string at the 2nd fret with your second finger. Strum strings 6, 5, 4, 3 in eighth notes.
This four-chord sequence (E5, F5, G5, Fsus2) forms the first measure of the chorus. The second measure of the chorus is almost identical to the first. It starts again with the E5 shape (2nd fret of the 5th string), then F5 (2nd fret of the 6th string), then G5 (3rd fret of the 6th string). The difference in the second measure is the final chord. Instead of Fsus2, the chorus ends the second measure with a variation that includes the open 5th string, 1st fret of the 4th string (with your first finger), and 2nd fret of the 3rd string (with your second finger). This chord acts as a slight variation and resolution within the chorus progression.
This entire two-measure chorus sequence repeats four times. After the chorus, the song typically returns to another verse, maintaining the verse-chorus structure.
Alt text: Detailed shot of a hand strumming an acoustic guitar with a focus on the wrist and hand motion required for consistent eighth note rhythm, suitable for “Creep” chorus.
Song Structure and Repetition
“Creep” acoustic guitar version follows a fairly standard song structure, making it easier to learn and memorize. The song primarily revolves around verses and choruses, with a pre-chorus section to build dynamics.
You’ll find the song structure to be:
- Intro
- Verse 1
- Pre-Chorus
- Chorus
- Verse 2
- Pre-Chorus
- Chorus
- (Bridge or Instrumental – Check the original song for details)
- Chorus
- Outro (often fades out on a verse or chorus chord)
The song is quite repetitive in its structure and chord progressions, which, once you learn the basic parts, makes the whole song accessible. This repetition is part of what makes “Creep” so memorable and satisfying to play.
Conclusion
Learning “Creep” acoustic guitar chords is a rewarding experience. The song’s emotional depth combined with its relatively accessible chord structures makes it a great choice for acoustic guitarists of various levels. By understanding the intro, verse, pre-chorus, and chorus chord progressions and rhythms, you can piece together the entire song. Remember to listen to the original unplugged version of “Creep” to internalize the timing and feel. Practice each section slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable. With a bit of practice, you’ll be playing this iconic acoustic song in no time. For more guitar lessons and song tutorials, be sure to explore guitarplayers.net!
