I Will Survive Chords Guitar: Master Gloria Gaynor’s Iconic Anthem

“I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor is an enduring anthem of resilience and empowerment, beloved across generations. This disco classic, also famously covered by Cake, is not only a powerful song lyrically but also incredibly fun to play on guitar. Whether you’re a beginner guitarist looking for an uplifting song to learn or an experienced player wanting to add this timeless hit to your repertoire, mastering the chords to “I Will Survive” is a rewarding musical journey.

Breaking Down the “I Will Survive” Chords

The song primarily revolves around a repeating chord progression that is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for guitarists of varying skill levels. The main chords you’ll need to know are: A, Dm, G, C, F, B7, and E. In the original key, these chords create the iconic sound of “I Will Survive.”

Here’s a look at the chord progression used throughout the song:

Intro: A Dm G C F B7 E E

Verse 1:

A          Dm
At first I was afraid, I was petrified
G           C
I kept thinking I could never live without you by my side
F              B7
But then I spent so many nights
E
just thinking how you'd done me wrong
A           Dm
And I grew strong
G           C
I learned how to get along

Chorus:

A          Dm
Oh no, not I, I will survive
G           C
As long as I know how to love I know I'll be alive
F              B7
I've got all my life to live,
E
I've got all my love to give
A          Dm
I will survive, I will survive. Yeah, yeah

(Verse 2 & Outro follow similar chord patterns)

Guitar Chord Voicings and Strumming for “I Will Survive”

The original article mentions using barre chords, which are indeed a great way to play these chords and achieve a full, rich sound, especially if you want to emulate the disco vibe. However, if you are still developing your barre chord skills, there are alternative ways to play some of these chords, particularly for beginner guitarists.

Here’s a breakdown of chord voicings and strumming suggestions:

• A: A standard open A major chord works perfectly. For a barre chord version, you can play it as a 5th fret barre chord (E shape).
• Dm: An open Dm chord is common and easy to play. Barre chord Dm can be played as a 5th fret barre chord (C shape).
• G: Open G major is widely known and effective. Barre chord G can be played as a 3rd fret barre chord (E shape).
• C: Standard open C major chord is ideal. Barre chord C can be played as an 8th fret barre chord (A shape) or a 3rd fret barre chord (G shape – less common for this song).
• F: This is often the first barre chord many guitarists learn. The standard F barre chord (1st fret, E shape) is perfect here. You can also try a simplified F chord (sometimes called Fmaj7 no3) if barre chords are still challenging.
• B7: A B7 chord can be played in its open form, which can be a bit of a stretch for beginners. The barre chord version (2nd fret, A shape) is a solid alternative and sounds powerful.
• E: The original article suggests an open E major chord, which is perfectly fine. For a barre chord E, you can use the 7th fret barre chord (A shape) or the 12th fret (E shape – less common).

Strumming Pattern:

The suggested strumming pattern in the original article Du Ddu Du Ddu 1 2 3 4 (Down-up, Down-down-up, Down-up, Down-down-up) provides a good starting point and captures the rhythmic feel of disco music. Experiment with variations to find what feels and sounds best to you. You can also try a simpler strumming pattern like a steady down-up pattern for each beat (Down-Up-Down-Up) especially when first learning the chords.

Tips for Playing “I Will Survive” on Guitar

• Start Slow: When learning the chord changes, begin at a slower tempo to ensure clean transitions between chords. Gradually increase speed as you become more comfortable.
• Practice Barre Chords: If you are aiming to use barre chords, consistent practice is key. Focus on getting a clean sound from each barre chord.
• Listen to the Song: Regularly listen to “I Will Survive” to internalize the rhythm and feel of the song. This will help you play with better timing and groove.
• Simplify Chords (if needed): If barre chords are too challenging initially, don’t hesitate to use simpler chord voicings or substitute chords (like using a regular F instead of barre F, or simplifying B7 to a Bm7). The goal is to enjoy playing the song while gradually improving your skills.
• Experiment with Strumming: Once you’re comfortable with the chords, experiment with different strumming patterns to add your own flair and dynamics to the song.

“I Will Survive” Guitar Chords: A Timeless Song for Guitarists

Learning “I Will Survive” on guitar is a fantastic way to build your chord vocabulary, improve your strumming, and have a blast playing a truly iconic song. Its relatively repetitive structure makes it easy to memorize and perfect. So grab your guitar, learn these chords, and get ready to belt out this empowering anthem! You’ll be surprised how quickly you can get this classic disco hit under your fingers.