“Hey Soul Sister” by Train is undeniably catchy and a favorite for many. While the original article might have had its reservations about the song’s depth, the enduring popularity speaks for itself. For guitar players, “Hey Soul Sister” is also a fantastic song to learn, thanks to its relatively simple and repetitive chord progression. This guide will provide you with everything you need to start playing this hit song on your guitar.
The beauty of “Hey Soul Sister” lies in its accessibility. You don’t need to be a guitar virtuoso to master this tune. The song primarily revolves around a few basic chords that are staples for beginner guitarists. Learning these chords and their sequence in “Hey Soul Sister” is a great way to build your guitar skills and expand your repertoire.
Let’s break down the chord progression. The song mainly uses four chords in a repeating sequence, making it easy to memorize and play along. These chords are: G, D, Em, and C. These are all open chords, which are typically the first chords taught to guitar beginners.
Here’s a simplified chord progression you can follow:
- Verse: G – D – Em – C
- Chorus: D – Em – C – G
You’ll notice that the chorus starts on a D chord, which creates a slight lift and energy compared to the verse. The consistent repetition of these chords throughout the song makes it easy to get into a groove and focus on your strumming and singing.
For strumming, a simple down-down-up-down-up pattern in 4/4 time works perfectly for “Hey Soul Sister”. Experiment with different strumming patterns once you’re comfortable with the chords to add your own flavor to the song. You can also try using a capo on the 2nd fret to match the key of the original recording more closely, although it’s perfectly playable in standard tuning without a capo.
“Hey Soul Sister” is not just a fun song to play; it’s also an excellent choice for practicing essential guitar skills. The chord changes are frequent enough to challenge beginners but not so fast as to be overwhelming. The repetitive structure allows you to focus on smooth transitions between chords and developing a consistent strumming rhythm.
Whether you’re just starting your guitar journey or looking for a crowd-pleasing song to add to your setlist, “Hey Soul Sister” is a solid choice. Its catchy melody and simple guitar chords make it a rewarding song to learn and play. So grab your guitar, learn these chords, and start playing “Hey Soul Sister” today! You’ll be surprised how quickly you can master this popular tune and impress your friends with your guitar skills.
