“Yesterday” by The Beatles is one of the most iconic and beloved songs of all time. Its melancholic melody and heartfelt lyrics resonate with listeners across generations, and it’s a fantastic song to learn on guitar. If you’re looking for Guitar Chords To Yesterday By The Beatles, you’ve come to the right place! This guide will provide you with everything you need to play this timeless classic, from the basic chords to the song structure. Get ready to impress your friends and family with your rendition of “Yesterday”!
Basic Guitar Chords for Yesterday
“Yesterday” primarily uses a set of fundamental guitar chords, making it accessible for beginner and intermediate players alike. Here are the chords you’ll need to learn to play “Yesterday”:
- G
- F#m (F sharp minor)
- B7 (B dominant 7th)
- Em (E minor)
- Em/D (E minor over D)
- C (C major)
- D7 (D dominant 7th)
- G/F# (G major over F sharp)
- Em7 (E minor 7th)
- A7 (A dominant 7th)
- Am (A minor)
- G/C (G major over C)
While this list may seem extensive, many of these chords are variations or passing chords that add color to the song. The core chords are quite common, and with a little practice, you’ll be transitioning between them smoothly.
Yesterday Chord Progression and Song Structure
“Yesterday” follows a traditional song structure, making it easy to follow once you understand the chord progression for each section. Here’s a breakdown of the song structure and the guitar chords to Yesterday by The Beatles for each part:
Intro: G G
(Play G chord twice)
Verse 1:
G F#m B7
Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away
Em Em/D C D7
Now it looks as though they’re here to stay
G G/F# Em7 A7
Oh, I believe in yesterday
C G
Yesterday
Verse 2:
G F#m B7
Suddenly, I’m not half the man I used to be
Em Em/D C D7
There’s a shadow hanging over me
G G/F# Em7 A7
Oh, yesterday came suddenly
C G
Yesterday
Chorus:
F#m B7 Em Em/D Em/C Em/B
Why she had to go, I don’t know she wouldn’t say
Am D7 G
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday
Verse 3:
G F#m B7
Yesterday love was such an easy game to play
Em Em/D C D7
Now I need a place to hide away
G G/F# Em7 A7
Oh, I believe in yesterday
C G
Yesterday
Chorus:
F#m B7 Em Em/D Em/C Em/B
Why she had to go, I don’t know she wouldn’t say
Am D7 G
I said something wrong, now I long for yesterday
Verse 4:
G F#m B7
Yesterday love was such an easy game to play
Em Em/D C D7
Now I need a place to hide away
G G/F# Em7 A7
I believe in yesterday
C G
Yesterday
Outro:
G/D G/C G/C G
Hum hum hum hum hum hmm hmm
(Fade out on G chord)
Notice the repeating verse and chorus structure, which makes the song easier to memorize and play. The chord progression is also quite cyclical, returning to the G chord frequently, providing a sense of resolution and familiarity.
Easy Strumming Pattern for Yesterday
For a beginner-friendly strumming pattern for “Yesterday”, you can start with a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with variations and listen to the original recording to capture the nuances of the strumming. A basic pattern to get you started would be:
- Down on beat 1
- Down on beat 2
- Up on the “and” of beat 2
- Up on beat 3
- Down on the “and” of beat 3
- Up on beat 4
Count it as “1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &” and strum on the beats and “ands” as indicated above. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and smooth transitions between chords.
Tips for Playing Yesterday on Guitar
To truly master playing “Yesterday” on guitar, here are a few helpful tips:
- Start Slowly: Don’t rush. Begin practicing at a slow tempo to get the chord changes smooth and accurate. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
- Focus on Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are key to making the song sound fluid. Practice moving between each chord pair until you can do so cleanly and efficiently. Pay special attention to the changes involving barre chords like F#m and B7.
- Listen to the Original Song: Listen to The Beatles’ recording of “Yesterday” repeatedly. Pay attention to the timing, strumming, and overall feel of the song. This will help you internalize the rhythm and phrasing.
- Break it Down: If you’re finding the whole song overwhelming, break it down into smaller sections. Practice each verse and chorus separately before putting them all together.
- Use a Capo (Optional): While the chords provided are in the original key, some guitarists find it easier to play with a capo. Experiment with placing a capo on the 2nd fret and playing the song in G major shapes, which might simplify some of the chord voicings.
Conclusion
Learning to play guitar chords to Yesterday by The Beatles is a rewarding experience for any guitarist. This timeless song is not only beautiful but also a great way to improve your chord vocabulary and strumming skills. With a bit of practice and patience, you’ll be playing “Yesterday” and enjoying its classic melody in no time. So grab your guitar, follow this guide, and start bringing this iconic song to life!
