“Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles is a timeless classic, beloved by generations. If you’re looking to add this iconic song to your guitar repertoire, you’ve come to the right place. This guide breaks down how to play “Here Comes the Sun” on guitar, focusing on easy-to-learn chords and those signature melodic licks that make the song so recognizable. Whether you’re a beginner guitarist or looking to refine your acoustic skills, this tutorial will provide you with the essential guitar tabs and techniques to master this feel-good anthem.
Simple Chords to Get You Started
The beauty of “Here Comes the Sun” lies in its relatively simple chord progression, making it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. We’ll be playing in the key of D, which is guitar-friendly and suits most vocal ranges. Here are the essential chords you’ll need:
- D Major: A foundational chord, bright and cheerful, setting the key for the song.
- Bm7 (B minor 7): Instead of a full barre chord B minor, we’ll use a simplified Bm7. This voicing is easier to finger and provides a mellow minor feel. To play Bm7, you’ll fret the 2nd fret of the A string with your index finger, the 2nd fret of the G string with your middle finger, and the 2nd fret of the high E string with your ring finger.
- A Major: Another major chord, creating a strong and uplifting sound.
- G Major: A warm and grounding chord, adding depth to the progression.
- A7 (A dominant 7): This chord adds a touch of bluesy flavor and is crucial for one of the signature licks.
These chords form the backbone of “Here Comes the Sun,” allowing you to play through the entire song. Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords to build a solid foundation.
Mastering the Iconic Guitar Licks
While the chords are straightforward, the magic of “Here Comes the Sun” truly shines through its melodic guitar licks. These short, memorable phrases are what make the song instantly recognizable. Let’s break down three key licks:
Lick 1: The “Do Do Do Do” Melody
This lick comes right after the phrase “Here Comes the Sun” and mimics the vocal melody. While often sung, playing it on guitar adds a lovely instrumental touch.
Guitar tab for the first lick of Here Comes the Sun, showing the D chord and melody notes.
This tab shows the lick played over a D chord. Try to let the D chord ring while you play the notes of the lick. It might take a little practice to coordinate, but the result is worth it!
Lick 2: Arpeggiated Chord Breakdown
For the verses, instead of simply strumming the chords Bm7, A, G, and A, we can arpeggiate them. This means playing the notes of the chord individually, creating a softer, more melodic texture. Start by playing the bass note of each chord and then picking through the higher strings. This technique adds a delicate and intricate feel to the song.
Lick 3: The A7 Slide Lick
This is arguably the most recognizable guitar lick in “Here Comes the Sun.” It utilizes an A7 chord and a smooth slide technique to create a signature melodic phrase.
Guitar tab for the third lick of Here Comes the Sun, demonstrating the A7 chord slide technique.
Start with an A7 chord and strum. Then, lift your third finger (while keeping the other fingers in place) and strum again. Next, place your third finger back down and slide your second and third fingers up one fret together, strum, then slide up another fret. Finally, position your second and third fingers in the A7 shape at the 5th fret and strum. This slide creates a beautiful, flowing melodic line.
Tips for Playing “Here Comes the Sun”
- Fingerpicking Style: Consider playing “Here Comes the Sun” without a pick, using your fingers. This allows for easier execution of the licks, especially the first lick where you pluck individual strings while holding a chord.
- Practice Licks Slowly: Don’t rush into playing the licks at full speed. Practice them slowly and deliberately at first, focusing on accuracy and smooth transitions. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your speed.
- Sing Along: “Here Comes the Sun” is a song meant to be sung! Singing along as you play will help you internalize the rhythm and phrasing of the song, and make your performance more musical.
Conclusion
“Here Comes the Sun” is a fantastic song to learn on guitar. With its simple chords and iconic licks, it’s both accessible and rewarding to play. By mastering the chords and practicing the techniques outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to playing this classic tune. So grab your guitar, start with the chords, tackle those licks, and enjoy bringing the sunshine of “Here Comes the Sun” to life through your music!
