Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” is a timeless classic, and its enchanting intro riff is instantly recognizable. While originally played on banjo, this iconic melody translates beautifully to the guitar, especially with fingerpicking. If you’re new to fingerstyle guitar and looking for a great song to learn, “Love Story” is an excellent choice. This lesson will break down the intro chords and fingerpicking pattern step-by-step, making it accessible for beginner guitarists. Get ready to impress your friends with this beautiful tune!
Understanding the Fingerpicking Pattern
The beauty of the “Love Story” intro lies in its repetitive and straightforward fingerpicking pattern. This pattern remains consistent throughout the intro, allowing you to focus on chord changes rather than complex right-hand techniques. The sequence involves your thumb (T), first finger (1), second finger (2), and third finger (3) in the following order:
T-1-2-1-2-3-2
This means your thumb plays a bass note, followed by your first finger, then second, back to first, then second again, then third, and finally back to the second finger. Practice this pattern slowly and repeatedly to internalize the rhythm and finger movements before applying it to the chords.
Chord Breakdown for “Love Story” Intro
The intro progression utilizes four chords: D, Dsus2, Bm7add4, and G6. Let’s break down each chord and how they fit into the “Love Story” intro.
D Chord & Dsus2
The first two measures of the intro are based around the D chord and a slight variation, Dsus2.
To play a standard D chord:
- Index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret.
- Middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret.
- Ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret.
For Dsus2 (D suspended 2), simply remove your middle finger from the 1st string. This creates a slightly more open and airy sound. In the intro, you’ll primarily be playing Dsus2.
When applying the fingerpicking pattern to Dsus2, your thumb will play the 4th string (D string). Focus on keeping the fingerpicking pattern consistent while maintaining a clear and ringing tone from each string.
Guitar chord diagram for Love Story intro fingerpicking lesson, perfect for beginner guitarists learning Taylor Swift songs.
Bm7add4 Chord
The third measure introduces a chord change to Bm7add4 (B minor seventh add four). This chord might look a little intimidating at first, but with practice, it becomes manageable.
To play Bm7add4:
- Barre your index finger across the 2nd fret of the 5th and 4th strings.
- Ring finger on the 3rd string, 4th fret.
For this chord, your thumb now shifts to the 5th string (A string) for the bass note, while your fingers continue the same T-1-2-1-2-3-2 picking pattern on the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings.
G6 Chord
The final chord in the sequence is G6 (G sixth). This chord provides aResolving and satisfying conclusion to the phrase.
To play G6:
- Middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret.
For G6, your thumb moves to the 6th string (low E string) for the bass note. Remember to remove your ring finger from the Bm7add4 chord as you transition to G6. Continue the same fingerpicking pattern, now with the thumb on the 6th string and fingers on the 3rd, 2nd, and 1st strings.
Practice Tips for Beginners
- Right-Hand Focus: Since the left-hand chord shapes are relatively simple, concentrate on your right-hand fingerpicking technique. Ensure each finger is plucking its assigned string clearly and consistently.
- Slow Practice: Start practicing the fingerpicking pattern and chord changes at a slow tempo. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable and accurate.
- Repetition is Key: Repeat the entire four-chord sequence repeatedly. Muscle memory is crucial for fingerpicking, and repetition will help you internalize the pattern and chord transitions.
- Isolate the Pattern: Practice the T-1-2-1-2-3-2 pattern on open strings before applying it to the chords. This allows you to focus solely on your right-hand technique without the added challenge of chord changes.
Conclusion
Learning the “Love Story” intro on guitar is a rewarding endeavor for beginner fingerpickers. By breaking down the fingerpicking pattern and chord shapes step-by-step, you can master this beautiful riff and add a classic Taylor Swift song to your repertoire. Remember to practice slowly, focus on your right-hand technique, and most importantly, enjoy the process of learning and playing music! Keep practicing, and you’ll be playing the “Love Story” intro smoothly and confidently in no time.
