How to Play “22” by Taylor Swift on Guitar
Playing Taylor Swift’s hit song “22” on the guitar is a great way to showcase your skills and enjoy one of her most popular tracks. With its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, “22” has become a favorite among guitarists of all levels. In this article, we will guide you through the process of learning how to play “22” on the guitar, from the basic chords to the strumming patterns that make it come alive.
Understanding the Chords
Before diving into the song, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the chords used in “22.” The song primarily revolves around the G major, C major, D major, and E minor chords. Here’s a quick rundown of each chord and its shape on the guitar:
– G major: Place your index finger on the third fret of the bottom string, your middle finger on the second fret of the next string, and your ring finger on the first fret of the top string. Your pinky should be free to strum the open strings.
– C major: Similar to the G major chord, but move the fingers up one fret on the same strings.
– D major: Use the same shape as the G major chord, but move the fingers up one string.
– E minor: Place your index finger on the second fret of the bottom string, your middle finger on the second fret of the next string, and your ring finger on the first fret of the top string. Your pinky should be free to strum the open strings.
Strumming Pattern
Now that you know the chords, it’s time to work on the strumming pattern. “22” features a simple yet effective strumming pattern that you can master with practice. Here’s a suggested pattern:
– G major: Down, down, down, down
– C major: Down, down, up, down
– D major: Down, down, down, down
– E minor: Down, down, up, down
This pattern is repeated throughout the song, with slight variations to fit the melody and rhythm. Practice this pattern while singing along to the song to get a feel for the rhythm and timing.
Practice the Chords and Strumming Pattern Together
Once you’re comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern, it’s time to combine them. Start by playing the G major chord and strumming the pattern. Then, move on to the C major chord and continue strumming. Repeat this process for the D major and E minor chords, making sure to maintain the rhythm and timing.
Adding the Melody
To make your performance of “22” more authentic, try adding the melody line to the song. The melody is mostly played on the top string of the guitar, and it’s quite simple to play. Here’s a brief overview of the melody:
– G major: Play the melody on the 3rd fret of the top string.
– C major: Play the melody on the 3rd fret of the top string.
– D major: Play the melody on the 3rd fret of the top string.
– E minor: Play the melody on the 3rd fret of the top string.
Remember to keep the melody in time with the strumming pattern and sing along to help you stay on track.
Keep Practicing
Like any skill, mastering “22” by Taylor Swift on the guitar takes time and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep practicing the chords, strumming pattern, and melody until you’re confident in your performance. With persistence, you’ll soon be able to play “22” with ease and share your love for Taylor Swift’s music with others.
