Fire Away Guitar Chords by Chris Stapleton: Your Guide to Playing This Heartfelt Ballad

“Fire Away” by Chris Stapleton is a powerful and emotionally resonant song that has captivated audiences worldwide. For guitar players looking to learn this modern classic, mastering the chords is your first step to unlocking its soulful sound. This guide provides you with everything you need to play “Fire Away” on your guitar, from chord diagrams to song structure and playing tips. Let’s dive into the world of Chris Stapleton and learn how to play this incredible track.

Understanding the Chords in “Fire Away”

“Fire Away” primarily uses a set of common and beginner-friendly guitar chords, making it accessible for players of various skill levels. The main chords you’ll encounter are G, D, Em, and C, along with a few variations that add depth and richness to the song. Let’s break down each chord with easy-to-understand diagrams and finger positions.

Essential Chords for “Fire Away”

• G Major (G):

  This is a fundamental chord in guitar playing and forms the foundation of many songs, including “Fire Away.”

  E|--3--|
  B|--0--|
  G|--0--|
  D|--0--|
  A|--2--|
  E|--3--|

  • Fingering:
    • Index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
    • Middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string.
    • Ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string.

• D Major (D):

  Another essential open chord, D major brings a bright and uplifting quality to the song.

  E|--x--|
  B|--3--|
  G|--2--|
  D|--0--|
  A|--x--|
  E|--x--|

  • Fingering:
    • Index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
    • Middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
    • Ring finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string.

• E minor (Em):

  E minor provides a contrasting melancholic feel, adding emotional depth to the verses and chorus.

  E|--0--|
  B|--0--|
  G|--0--|
  D|--2--|
  A|--2--|
  E|--0--|

  • Fingering:
    • Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
    • Ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.

• C Major (C):

  C major offers a smooth and resolving sound, often used in transitions and to create a sense of completion.

  E|--x--|
  B|--1--|
  G|--0--|
  D|--2--|
  A|--3--|
  E|--x--|

  • Fingering:
    • Index finger on the 1st fret of the B string.
    • Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
    • Ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string.

Advanced Chords and Variations

While the core of “Fire Away” relies on the chords above, Chris Stapleton’s arrangement includes some subtle chord variations that enhance the song’s texture.

• A minor (Am):

  A minor adds a touch of minor tonality, often used to create a sense of vulnerability or introspection.

  E|--x--|
  B|--1--|
  G|--2--|
  D|--2--|
  A|--0--|
  E|--x--|

  • Fingering:
    • Index finger on the 1st fret of the B string.
    • Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
    • Ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.

• C/B:

  This is a C Major chord with a B note in the bass. It’s a walking bass line that creates a smooth transition, particularly in the verses. This can be a bit trickier for beginners as it requires barring or thumb wrapping depending on your hand size and guitar. For simplicity, you can play a standard C chord if C/B is challenging initially.

  E|--x--|
  B|--1--|
  G|--0--|
  D|--2--|
  A|--2--|
  E|--x--|

  • Fingering (One way):
    • Index finger on the 1st fret of the B string.
    • Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
    • Ring finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.

• Em/F# (Em/F Sharp):

  This chord acts as a passing chord, creating a smooth transition from Em to G in the chorus, adding a subtle lift and forward motion. Similar to C/B, if this is difficult, you can simplify to just Em or Em7.

  E|--2--|
  B|--0--|
  G|--0--|
  D|--2--|
  A|--2--|
  E|--2--|

  • Fingering (One way – Barre Chord):
    • Barre your index finger across the 2nd fret.
    • Middle finger on the 3rd fret of the A string (optional, can be part of the barre).
    • Ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string (optional, can be part of the barre or pinky).
    • Pinky finger on the 4th fret of the G string (optional, can be part of the barre or ring).

“Fire Away” Song Structure and Chord Progression

“Fire Away” follows a classic verse-chorus structure, making it easy to follow and learn. The song begins with a simple and recognizable intro that sets the emotional tone.

Intro: G – D – Em – C – G – D – C – G – D

The intro progression establishes the main harmonic movement of the song and is repeated throughout various sections. Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords to get the feel of the song.

Verse 1:

G D
Honey load up your questions
Em C G D C
And pick up your sticks and your stones
G D
And pretend I’m a shelter
Em C G
for heartaches that don’t have a home
Am Em
Choose the words that cut like a razor
Am C/B D

And all that I’ll say is

Chorus:

Em Em/F# G C D
Fi-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ire away
Em Em/F# G
Take your best shot, show me what you got
C D
Honey, I’m not afraid
C G D
Rear back and take aim and
Em C G D C
fire away

Verse 2:

G D
Well, I wish I could say
Em C G D C
That I’ve never been here before
G D
But you know and I know
Em C G
That I’ll always come back for more
Am Em
Your love might be my damnation
Am C/B D
But I’ll cry to my grave

Chorus:

Em Em/F# G C D
Fi-i-i-i-i-i-i-i-ire away
Em Em/F# G
Take your best shot, show me what you got
C D
Honey, I’m not afraid
C G D
Rear back and take aim and
Em C G D C
fire away

Playing Tips for “Fire Away”

• Capo on the 2nd Fret: As indicated in the original song information, using a capo on the 2nd fret will help you achieve the correct key and make some of the chord voicings sound closer to the original recording. If you don’t have a capo, you can still play along in standard tuning, but the key will be slightly different.

• Strumming Pattern: The song generally uses a simple strumming pattern. Experiment with down-down-up-down-up or similar variations. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and letting the chords ring out. Listen to the original song to get a feel for the strumming dynamics.

• Smooth Chord Transitions: Pay attention to smoothly transitioning between chords. Practice the chord changes slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and clean changes. Gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.

• Dynamics: “Fire Away” is a dynamic song. Notice how Chris Stapleton’s performance builds intensity in the chorus and softens in the verses. Try to incorporate dynamics into your playing by strumming harder in the chorus and softer in the verses to enhance the emotional impact.

• Listen and Learn: The best way to learn any song is to listen to it repeatedly. Pay close attention to the timing, rhythm, and feel of Chris Stapleton’s guitar playing. Try to mimic his style and nuances in your own playing.

Conclusion

Learning “Fire Away” guitar chords is a rewarding experience for any guitar player. With its heartfelt lyrics and accessible chord progression, it’s a fantastic song to add to your repertoire. By understanding the chords, practicing the song structure, and incorporating the playing tips provided, you’ll be well on your way to playing “Fire Away” confidently and expressively. Grab your guitar, put on Chris Stapleton’s “Traveller,” and start playing! Explore more guitar chords and songs on guitarplayers.net to continue your musical journey.