Want to master Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” chords on your guitar? This guide is designed to make learning this beautiful song simple and enjoyable, even if you’re just starting your guitar journey.
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What You Will Learn in This Free Lesson:
- The secret to playing with palm muting for that signature sound.
- Understanding and using accents to bring rhythm to life.
- A beginner-friendly alternative to the tricky Bm guitar chord.
- How to play all the Ed Sheeran Photograph chords step-by-step.
Dive Into Ed Sheeran’s Photograph Chords
Ed Sheeran has cemented his place as a pop music icon. His incredible talent is undeniable, with countless chart-topping hits that span various musical styles. From the rock-infused energy of “Blow” to the folk-inspired melodies of “I See Fire,” Sheeran’s songwriting versatility is truly impressive.
“Photograph” stands out as a particularly beautiful and accessible ballad. The Photograph chords are surprisingly easy to learn, even for beginner guitarists. In this lesson, we’ll provide a comprehensive walkthrough, breaking down each step to playing this emotionally resonant song.
We’ll cover everything from capo placement to mastering each chord and navigating the song’s structure.
Ready to begin? Let’s get started!
Ed Sheeran Photograph chords guitar lesson introduction
Many popular songs are built on a foundation of simple chord progressions, and “Photograph” is a perfect example. While it sounds rich and full, the magic lies in its arrangement rather than complex guitar parts.
The power of “Photograph” comes from its arrangement, proving that even simple chord progressions can sound massive.
Before we dive into the chords, let’s listen to the arrangement to get a feel for the song.
Click here to listen to “Photograph” before we continue.
Photograph chords diagram with capo on 2nd fret
Photograph Chords Part 1: Capo Positioning
You might find different ways to play these chords online, often varying due to capo usage.
To simplify learning the Photograph chords, we will use a capo on the 2nd fret.
This capo placement has two key implications:
- “Open” notes change: The capo acts as our new nut, changing the open string notes.
- Chord shapes vs. chord names: We’ll refer to chords by both their shape and their actual chord name when played with the capo.
For instance, the song’s first chord uses a D major shape. However, because of the capo at the 2nd fret, the actual chord we are playing is an E major. The capo effectively transposes everything up two frets.
Guitar capo on the second fret
Capos might seem a bit unusual at first, but they are incredibly helpful tools for guitarists. They allow us to play songs in different keys using familiar chord shapes and can aid in understanding chord shapes across the fretboard.
If you’re new to capos, simply open the clamp and secure it straight across the middle of the second fret.
Using a capo effectively brings the CAGED system into play. This system teaches you how to utilize key chord shapes in different positions across the guitar neck.
If you’re interested in learning more about the CAGED system before proceeding, click here for a detailed lesson.
Ready to continue with the Photograph chords? Let’s look at the chords themselves and how we’ll approach them.
Guitar chords for beginners advertisement
Photograph Chords Part 2: Palm Muting and the E Major Chord (D Shape)
Ed Sheeran’s music is known for its rhythmic elements, and palm muting is a key technique he uses.
Palm muting involves resting the edge of your picking hand lightly on the guitar bridge, dampening the strings. This creates a percussive, muted tone that adds depth to the Photograph chords.
If you’re unfamiliar with palm muting, you can learn more in our dedicated lesson here.
If you’re comfortable with palm muting, let’s get into the first chord: the E major chord, which we’ll play using a D major shape with the capo.
E MAJOR (D Shape)
(If the chord diagram above looks confusing, check out our article: “How To Read Guitar Chordboxes In 60 Seconds” for a quick guide!)
With your capo on the 2nd fret, let’s start with the E major chord (D shape). We will only use the thinnest four strings (D, G, B, E) for this chord.
- Start with the open D string.
- Place your index finger on the G string at the 4th fret.
- Add your ring finger to the B string at the 5th fret.
- Finally, place your middle finger on the E string at the 4th fret.
Strum these four strings clearly, and you’ve played the first of the Photograph chords!
Pro Tip: Use arpeggios (playing notes of the chord individually) to check if each string rings clearly and isn’t unintentionally muted.
Photograph Chords Part 3: C#sus4 Chord (Bsus4 Shape)
For this beginner-focused lesson, we’re simplifying a chord that is often written as a B minor.
In many transcriptions of the Photograph chords, you’ll likely see a full B minor chord. However, barre chords can be challenging for beginners. Therefore, we’re using a simpler alternative: a C#sus4 chord, played using a Bsus4 shape.
To play the C#sus4 (Bsus4 shape), simply form a power chord shape at the 4th fret on the A string. Let the B and E strings ring open.
C#sus4 (Bsus4 Shape)
Bsus4 chord diagram for Photograph guitar chords
Pro Tip: Follow the finger placement in the diagram: index, ring, and pinky fingers.
The trick with this shape is to slightly rotate your wrist to ensure the open B and E strings ring clearly without being muted by your fretting hand.
Pro Tip #2: Spend some time practicing each of the Photograph chords individually. Getting a clean sound from each chord is crucial before moving on.
Now is a perfect time to practice transitioning between the E major (D shape) and C#sus4 (Bsus4 shape) chords while palm muting.
E MAJOR (D Shape)
C#sus4 (Bsus4 Shape)
Bsus4 chord diagram for Photograph guitar chords
Photograph Chords Part 4: B Major Chord (A Shape)
Our next chord is another relatively easy one, the B major chord, which we’ll play using an A major shape.
Thanks to the capo, we can use the familiar A major shape and achieve a B major sound.
Here’s how to form the B major chord (A shape):
- E String: Open
- B String: Ring finger, 4th fret
- G String: Middle finger, 4th fret
- D String: Index finger, 4th fret
- A String: Open
- E String: Muted (avoid strumming this string)
Again, adjust your wrist to allow the open strings to resonate freely. With correct finger placement, this will be one of the easiest Photograph chords to play.
B MAJOR (A Shape)
Although we haven’t discussed song structure yet, practicing these chords together now will help your hand adapt as we learn more.
Before moving to the last of the Photograph chords, let’s practice transitioning through these three: E major, C#sus4, and B major.
Pro Tip: Use your index finger as a guide when switching between chords for smoother transitions.
E MAJOR (D Shape)
C#sus4 (Bsus4 Shape)
Bsus4 chord diagram for Photograph guitar chords
B MAJOR (A Shape)
Photograph Chords Part 5: A Major Chord (G Shape)
The last of our four Photograph chords is an A major chord, played using a G major shape with the capo.
This chord is unique as it uses all six guitar strings. You’ll need to stretch your fretting hand a bit more for this one.
- Start with your middle finger on the low E string at the 5th fret.
- Place your index finger on the A string at the 4th fret.
- Leave the D and G strings open.
- Add your ring finger on the B string at the 5th fret and your pinky finger on the high E string at the 5th fret.
A MAJOR (G Shape)
Arpeggiate the chord, adjust your wrist for clarity, and let it ring!
Congratulations! You’ve learned all four Photograph chords – that’s fantastic progress! Now, let’s dive into the rhythmic aspects: beat structure and song structure.
In the next section, we’ll discuss accented beats and their importance in playing “Photograph” accurately. Then, we’ll combine our newly learned Photograph chords and piece the entire song together section by section.
You’ve come this far – keep going! Try playing all four chords in sequence as you continue reading.
E MAJOR (D Shape)
C#sus4 (Bsus4 Shape)
Bsus4 chord diagram for Photograph guitar chords
B MAJOR (A Shape)
A MAJOR (G Shape)
Photograph Chords Part 6: Beat Accents and Palm Muting
“Photograph” has a distinct rhythmic pulse, which is essential to capture to play along accurately.
As mentioned, Ed Sheeran uses palm muting throughout the song. We’ll rest the side of our picking hand on the bridge to create that dampened tone. We’ll also primarily use downstrokes to play the Photograph chords.
Paying attention to the beat pacing is crucial. “Photograph” uses accented and non-accented beats. Let’s identify where the accents fall:
Accented beats are bolded and underlined:
1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8 – 1 – 2 – 3 – 4 – 5 – 6 – 7 – 8
Beat accents in Photograph guitar rhythm
Accented beats are simply beats that are emphasized more than others. In practice, this means strumming the strings slightly harder on the accented beats.
When palm muting, just dig in a bit more with your pick on beats 1 and 4 to emphasize them. You’ll quickly find yourself syncing with the song’s groove.
That’s all you need to know about rhythm to start putting the song together. Now, let’s structure the Photograph chords into song sections.
Ed Sheeran Photograph chords guitar lesson preparation
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Photograph Chords Part 7: Section Progressions
Now that we’ve covered the fundamentals, it’s time to assemble the song.
With your Photograph chords ready and the beat structure in mind, let’s look at each section. Play each chord for a count of 8 beats, as we discussed with the accented rhythm.
Remember, the chords below are listed by their shapes, not their actual chord names with the capo.
Photograph chords song sections breakdown
Intro:
D major – Bsus4 – A major – G major
Verse (first chord starts at the end of “Loving can hurt”):
D major – Bsus4 – A major – G major
D major – Bsus4 – A major – G major
Pre-Chorus:
Bsus4 – G major – D major – A major
Bsus4 – G major – D major – A major (hold last chord)
Chorus (first chord starts at the end of “So you can keep”):
D major – A major – Bsus4 – G major – D major
Bridge: (first chord starts at the end of “And if you hurt”)
D major – A major – Bsus4 – G major
Interlude:
Bsus4 – G major – D major – A major
Outro:
D major – A major – Bsus4 – G major
D major – A major – Bsus4 – G major – G major (hold until the end)
Ed Sheeran Photograph chord tutorial visual guide
Notice how Ed Sheeran uses variations of these four Photograph chords throughout the song? This song is a great example of how to create different song sections by creatively rearranging just four chords.
Photograph Chords Part 8: Song Structure
Let’s quickly outline the overall song structure, so you know which chord progressions to repeat and when.
Refer to the section above to see the Photograph chords for each part!
Here’s the complete song structure:
Intro
Verse
Pre-Chorus
Chorus
Verse
Pre-Chorus
Chorus
Bridge
Interlude
Photograph song structure lesson visual aid
Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of our lesson on playing Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” chords!
Remember to focus on downstrokes, palm muting, and emphasizing the accented beats to truly capture the feel of the song.
The only thing left is practice, so pick up your guitar and start playing!
Pro Tip: Singing along while learning a song is incredibly helpful for timing and chord placement. If singing isn’t your thing, humming works just as well.
Ed Sheeran playing guitar during a live Photograph performance
Take These Photograph Chords Further
You’ll soon realize these chord shapes are incredibly common in popular music, making them valuable additions to your guitar vocabulary.
Make it a point to practice these Photograph chords regularly to smooth out your chord transitions. Consistent practice is key to mastery on the guitar!
Recommended Resources
If you enjoyed learning Ed Sheeran’s Photograph chords, explore more of our resources below:
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