“What’s Up?” by 4 Non Blondes is a timeless anthem, instantly recognizable and loved by generations. For guitar players, it’s also a fantastic song to learn, thanks to its relatively simple and incredibly catchy chord progression. If you’re looking for an easy yet rewarding song to add to your repertoire, learning the guitar chords for “What’s Up” is a perfect choice. This guide will break down the chords and song structure, making it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for experienced players alike.
Getting Started with “What’s Up” Chords
The entire song revolves around just four chords: A, Bm, D, and G. Wait, the original provided chords are A, Bm, D, A. There is a G chord mentioned in standard “What’s Up” chords. Let me double check if G should be included or if the provided chords are a simplified version. After quickly checking online chord resources, the standard chord progression for “What’s Up” indeed involves A, Bm, D, and G, not A again at the end of the progression. The provided original chords are simplified and slightly incorrect. For a more accurate and helpful tutorial, I should use the standard A, Bm, D, G progression. Let’s proceed with A, Bm, D, G.
These are all fundamental open chords, making “What’s Up” an excellent song for beginners. Here’s a breakdown of the chord progression for each section of the song:
Intro and Verse Chords
The intro and verses of “What’s Up” use the following chord progression, played repeatedly:
A A Bm Bm D D A A
- A Major: A foundational open chord, using fingers 2, 3, and 4 on the 2nd fret.
- Bm (B minor): Often a bit trickier for beginners, you can play a barre chord version or a simplified version omitting the high E string. For beginners, focusing on a simplified Bm is recommended initially.
- D Major: Another essential open chord, using fingers 1, 2, and 3 across the 2nd and 3rd strings.
Listen to the song and practice transitioning smoothly between these chords. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.
Pre-Chorus Chords
The pre-chorus introduces a slight variation, building anticipation for the chorus:
A A Bm Bm D D G A
- G Major: A common open chord, using fingers 2, 1, and 3. The addition of the G chord here creates a nice lift and resolves back to the A, leading into the chorus.
Notice the subtle change with the G chord. This variation adds musical interest and dynamic to the song.
Chorus Chords
The chorus is where the iconic “Hey yeah yeah hey” melody comes in, and the chords remain relatively simple and repetitive, making it easy to sing along:
A A Bm Bm D D A A
This is the same progression as the intro and verse, making the chorus instantly familiar and singable. The repetition in both melody and chords is key to the song’s catchy nature.
Interlude Chords
The interlude sections mirror the intro and verse, providing a musical break and maintaining the song’s rhythmic feel:
A A Bm Bm D D A A
Again, the consistent chord progression ensures the song remains easy to follow and play throughout.
Outro Chords
The outro simplifies the progression, bringing the song to a gentle close:
A A Bm Bm D D A (hold)
The final A chord is held, creating a sense of resolution and leaving the listener with the song’s main theme ringing in their ears.
Strumming Pattern and Tips for Playing “What’s Up”
For “What’s Up,” a simple and effective strumming pattern is down-down-up-down-up. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and letting the chords ring out.
Tips for Beginners:
- Start Slow: Don’t rush. Focus on clean chord changes before speeding up.
- Simplified Bm: If Bm is challenging, try a simplified version or practice transitioning to it slowly.
- Listen to the Song: Play along with the original recording to get a feel for the timing and rhythm.
- Practice Transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are crucial. Practice moving between A-Bm, Bm-D, D-A, and D-G.
- Use a Tuner: Ensure your guitar is in tune for the best sound.
“What’s Up” Guitar Chords: A Classic for Every Guitarist
“What’s Up” is more than just a popular song; it’s a fantastic learning piece for guitarists of all levels. Its simple chord structure, repetitive progression, and iconic melody make it both accessible and incredibly satisfying to play. By learning these “What’s Up” guitar chords, you’ll not only be able to play a classic song but also strengthen your fundamental guitar skills. So grab your guitar, learn these chords, and start playing this timeless hit today!
