“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a global anthem, instantly recognizable and loved for its romantic melody and heartfelt lyrics. For aspiring guitarists, learning to play “Perfect” is not only a fantastic addition to your repertoire, but also a rewarding journey into understanding beautiful chord progressions. This guide will provide you with the Perfect Guitar Code – the chords and structure you need – to master this popular song and impress anyone who listens.
Understanding the Chords in “Perfect”
The song “Perfect” is built around a set of relatively simple and common guitar chords, making it accessible for beginners while still sounding rich and full. The primary chords you’ll need to learn are:
- G Major (G): A fundamental chord, often one of the first learned by guitarists.
- Em Minor (Em): A minor chord that adds a touch of melancholy and depth to the progression.
- C Major (C): Another essential major chord, providing a bright and uplifting feel.
- D Major (D): A strong major chord that often leads back to G or resolves sections of a song.
- D/F#: This is a D Major chord with F# as the bass note. It acts as a smooth transition chord, often used in the intro and outro.
These chords are all open chords, meaning they utilize open strings and are played in the first few frets of the guitar neck. This makes them easier to finger and transition between, especially for those new to guitar.
“Perfect” Chord Progression and Song Structure
“Perfect” follows a classic song structure, making it easy to follow and learn. Here’s a breakdown of the song sections and the guitar code (chords) for each part:
Intro: G
The song starts simply with a G major chord. This intro is short and sweet, setting a gentle and romantic tone right from the beginning.
Verse: G Em C D
I found a love for me
Darling, just dive right in, and follow my lead
Well, I found a girl beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
The verse uses a repeating four-chord progression: G, Em, C, D. This progression is the backbone of the song and is repeated throughout many sections. It’s a pleasing and memorable sequence that creates a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Pre-Chorus: G Em C G D
Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was, I will not give you up this time
Darling just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you’re holding mine
The pre-chorus builds slightly in intensity, still using similar chords but with a slight variation in the progression. Notice the G chord appears twice in this section before moving to the D, creating a slight lift before the chorus.
Chorus: Em C G D
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling you look perfect tonight
The chorus is the most impactful part of the song. The chord progression remains similar in feel but starts on Em, giving it a slightly different harmonic color. This section is designed to be catchy and memorable, highlighting the central theme of the song.
Interlude: G Em C D
After the first chorus, there’s a brief instrumental interlude using the same verse progression (G Em C D). This provides a moment to breathe and reinforces the familiar chord sequence.
Outro: G C D G
I don’t deserve this, you look perfect tonight
The outro brings the song to a gentle close. It uses a slightly simplified progression, ending on the root chord G, creating a sense of resolution and peace.
Strumming Pattern for “Perfect”
For “Perfect,” a simple and effective strumming pattern to start with is:
Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
This pattern provides a gentle rhythmic foundation that suits the song’s romantic feel. You can vary the strumming intensity to match the dynamics of the song – softer in the verses and slightly stronger in the chorus. As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with adding more complex strumming patterns or fingerpicking.
Tips for Playing “Perfect” on Guitar
- Start Slow: When learning the chords and transitions, begin at a slow tempo. Focus on clean chord changes and accurate finger placement. Speed will come with practice.
- Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are key to playing songs fluidly. Practice moving between G-Em, Em-C, C-D, and D-G repeatedly until they become natural.
- Listen to the Original Song: постоянно listen to “Perfect” to internalize the rhythm, timing, and feel of the song. This will help you play with more expression and accuracy.
- Use a Metronome: A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing timing and rhythm. Practice playing the chord progressions with a metronome to ensure you are playing in time.
- Break it Down: If you find the whole song overwhelming, break it down into smaller sections (verse, chorus, etc.). Master each section before putting them all together.
Conclusion
Learning to play “Perfect” on guitar is a rewarding experience. By understanding the “perfect guitar code” – the chords and structure – and practicing diligently, you’ll be able to play this beautiful song and enjoy the process of musical growth. Keep practicing, be patient with yourself, and soon you’ll be confidently playing “Perfect” for yourself and others. Explore more songs and guitar tutorials on guitarplayers.net to continue your musical journey!
