“Perfect” by Ed Sheeran is a globally loved song, renowned for its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody. It’s also a fantastic choice for guitar players of all levels looking to expand their repertoire with a romantic and popular tune. Let’s explore the lyrics and chords to help you play “Perfect” on your guitar.
“Perfect” Lyrics and Chords for Guitar
Here are the lyrics to “Perfect” with the guitar chords indicated above each line. This song is typically played with a capo on the 2nd fret to match the original key, but these chords are written as if the capo is not used for easier understanding of chord shapes.
(Intro: G)
(Verse 1)
G Em
I found a love for me
C D
Darling, just dive right in, and follow my lead
G Em
Well, I found a girl beautiful and sweet
C D (D – strum and cut)
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
(Pre-Chorus)
G
Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Em C G (D – single strum)
Not knowing what it was, I will not give you up this ti—–ime
G Em
Darling just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
C D (D – single strum cut)
And in your eyes you’re holding mine
(Chorus)
Em C G D Em
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
C G D Em
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
C G D Em
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
C G D
But you heard it, darling you look perfect tonight
| G D/F# | Em D | C D (single strum cut)
(Verse 2)
G Em
Well, I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
C D
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I’ll share her home
G Em
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
C D (D – single strum and cut)
To carry love, to carry children of our own
(Pre-Chorus)
G Em
We are still kids, but we’re so in love, fighting against all odds
C G (D – single strum)
I know we’ll be alright this ti—–ime.
G Em
Darling just hold my hand, be my girl, I’ll be your man.
C D D (D – single strum cut)
I see my future in your eyes
(Chorus)
Em C G D Em
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
C G D Em
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
C G D
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
Em C G D
I don’t deserve this, darling you look perfect tonight
(Interlude)
G Em C D
(Chorus)
Em C G D Em
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
C G D Em
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
C G D Em
I have faith in what I see, now I know I have met an angel
C G D
In person, and she looks perfect
(Outro)
G C D G (G – single strum and hold)
I don’t deserve this, you look perfect tonight
| G D/F# | Em D | C D G (single strum and hold)
Why “Perfect” is Perfect for Guitarists
“Perfect” is an excellent song to learn on guitar for several reasons:
- Simple Chord Progression: The song primarily uses common and beginner-friendly chords like G, Em, C, and D. This makes it accessible to guitarists who are still developing their chord vocabulary.
- Repetitive Structure: The verse-chorus structure is consistent throughout the song, making it easy to memorize and follow along. Once you learn the basic chord progression, you can play the entire song.
- Popular and Recognizable: Being able to play “Perfect” is a great way to impress friends and family. It’s a widely recognized and loved song that’s perfect for sing-alongs and romantic moments.
- Good for Practicing Strumming and Fingerpicking: While the chords are simple, you can explore different strumming patterns and even fingerpicking arrangements to add your own flair to the song.
Tips for Playing “Perfect” on Guitar
- Start with Basic Strumming: Begin by practicing a simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern for each chord. Focus on smooth chord changes.
- Use a Capo: To play along with the original recording, place a capo on the 2nd fret. The chords provided above are relative to the capo.
- Listen to the Song: Listen to “Perfect” carefully to get a feel for the rhythm and timing. Pay attention to the dynamics and how Ed Sheeran sings the song.
- Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are key to playing the song cleanly. Practice moving between G-Em, Em-C, C-D, and D-G repeatedly until they become fluid.
- Experiment with Fingerpicking: Once comfortable with strumming, try fingerpicking the song. You can find many fingerstyle guitar tabs and tutorials online for “Perfect.”
“Perfect” is a beautiful and rewarding song to learn on guitar. With its easy-to-learn chords and romantic lyrics, it’s a perfect addition to any guitarist’s repertoire. Grab your guitar and start practicing “Perfect Lyrics Guitar” today!
