How to Play “Press Start” on Guitar
Learning to play “Press Start” by the Japanese rock band Bump of Chicken is a rewarding experience for guitarists of all levels. This iconic song, known for its catchy melody and memorable riffs, is a great way to improve your guitar skills. In this article, we will guide you through the process of playing “Press Start” on guitar, covering the essential chords, strumming patterns, and techniques to help you master this hit track.
First, let’s take a look at the chords used in “Press Start.” The song is primarily based on the following chords: Em, C, G, and D. Familiarize yourself with these chords by practicing them individually and in combination. It’s important to play each chord cleanly and with confidence before moving on to the next step.
Next, we’ll focus on the strumming pattern. “Press Start” features a simple, upbeat strumming pattern that involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes. To achieve this, you can use a combination of palm muting and fingerpicking. Palm muting involves lightly resting your palm on the strings to create a muted, rhythmic sound. This technique will help you maintain a consistent tempo and add depth to your playing.
Here’s a breakdown of the strumming pattern for the first verse of “Press Start”:
– Em: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– C: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– G: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– D: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
Repeat this pattern for the duration of the verse.
As you progress through the song, you’ll notice that the strumming pattern changes slightly during the chorus. In this section, the pattern becomes:
– Em: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– C: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– G: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– D: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– Em: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
Again, focus on maintaining a consistent tempo and using palm muting to create a rhythmic sound.
One of the key elements of “Press Start” is the distinctive riff played during the pre-chorus. This riff is a combination of the G and D chords. To play it, you’ll need to alternate between the two chords while maintaining a steady tempo. Here’s how to execute the riff:
– G: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– D: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– G: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
– D: Downstroke, downstroke, upstroke, upstroke
Repeat this pattern for the duration of the pre-chorus section.
Once you’ve mastered the chords, strumming patterns, and riffs, it’s time to put it all together. Practice playing through the song in sections, starting with the verse, then the chorus, and finally the pre-chorus. As you become more comfortable with each section, gradually combine them into a single, cohesive performance.
Remember, practice is key to mastering “Press Start” on guitar. Take your time to learn each part of the song, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques. With dedication and persistence, you’ll soon be able to play this iconic track with confidence and pride.
