Learn To Play 'Maria' By La Oreja De Van Gogh: Guitar Tutorial

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 63 views

Hey everyone! Ever wanted to learn how to play the iconic song "Maria" by the awesome band La Oreja de Van Gogh on guitar? You're in luck! This guide will break down the chords, strumming patterns, and other cool details you need to know. Whether you're a beginner or have been playing for a while, I'm here to help you get started with the fantastic song. I'll cover everything from the basic chords to more advanced techniques, so get ready to strum along with me. Let's dive in and learn how to play this classic hit! We'll explore the song's structure, the different sections (verse, chorus, bridge), and tips for a smooth performance. So grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's make some music!

Understanding the Song "Maria"

"Maria" by La Oreja de Van Gogh is a song that holds a special place in the hearts of many music lovers. It is known for its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, making it a favorite for guitar players of all levels. The song's emotional depth and musical arrangement make it a joy to play and listen to. Before we start playing, it's essential to understand the song's structure. "Maria" typically follows a common song structure: intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, and outro. The intro sets the mood, often with a simple guitar riff or chord progression. The verses tell the story, featuring the lead vocals and a more subdued musical background. The choruses are the emotional heart of the song, where the melody soars and the music becomes fuller. The bridge provides a change of pace, often with a different chord progression or instrumental section. And finally, the outro concludes the song, sometimes repeating the chorus or fading out. Understanding this structure helps you anticipate the different sections of the song and play it with feeling. The song is a great tune to play, because it's not too difficult but sounds fantastic. It's perfect for singing along with friends or performing in front of an audience. By knowing the song's structure, you'll be well on your way to playing "Maria" like a pro. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect, so don't be afraid to rewind and repeat the sections where you struggle. Remember to enjoy the process of learning and playing. Music is about expressing yourself, so embrace the emotions of the song and let them guide your playing. We will also talk about the gear you might need such as a guitar, a pick, a tuner, and possibly a capo. A capo can make the song easier to play by changing the key.

Essential Chords

For playing "Maria" on guitar, you'll need to know some essential chords. Don't worry, they are not too complex. Most of the song revolves around these basic chords: G major, C major, D major, and Em (E minor). Let's take a closer look at each one:

G major: Place your middle finger on the sixth string (E string) at the second fret, your index finger on the fifth string (A string) at the second fret, and your ring finger on the first string (E string) at the third fret. Strum all six strings.
C major: Place your index finger on the second string (B string) at the first fret, your middle finger on the fourth string (D string) at the second fret, and your ring finger on the fifth string (A string) at the third fret. Strum from the fifth string down.
D major: Place your index finger on the third string (G string) at the second fret, your middle finger on the first string (E string) at the second fret, and your ring finger on the second string (B string) at the third fret. Strum all four strings (D, G, B, and E).
Em (E minor): Place your middle finger on the fifth string (A string) at the second fret and your ring finger on the fourth string (D string) at the second fret. Strum all six strings.

Mastering these chords will set you up for success when learning "Maria". Start by practicing each chord individually. Make sure that each note rings clearly. Then, try switching between the chords. Start slowly. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Remember, the goal is to play the chords smoothly and in time. The transitions are the most challenging part for beginners. A common mistake is not fully pressing down the strings, which can create a muted sound. Experiment with different finger positions and pressure until you find what works best. Don't get discouraged if it takes some time to get it right. Persistence is key when it comes to learning guitar. These chords are the foundation of many popular songs, so the time you invest here will pay off greatly. Also, these chords create a nice tune that will be perfect to show off to your friends. Feel free to use a metronome app to help keep your rhythm and keep the tempo steady.

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm

Once you have the chords down, it's time to work on the strumming patterns and rhythm. The strumming pattern is what brings the song to life, giving it its unique groove. "Maria" generally uses a simple but effective strumming pattern that's easy to follow. A common strumming pattern for the song is down, down, up, up, down, up. Let's break it down:

Down: Strum down across the strings.
Down: Strum down across the strings.
Up: Strum up across the strings.
Up: Strum up across the strings.
Down: Strum down across the strings.
Up: Strum up across the strings.

This pattern repeats throughout most of the song, providing a steady and engaging rhythm. To make it more natural, try to synchronize your strumming with the song's beat. Start by listening to "Maria" closely. Pay attention to the way the guitar part sounds. Try to mimic the rhythm you hear. You may also want to experiment with different strumming variations to add your own personal flair. One popular variation involves muting the strings with your fretting hand to create a percussive effect. This is usually done by lightly touching the strings without pressing them down, so that the strings do not make a clear note. To learn the strumming pattern effectively, it's essential to practice regularly. Start slowly, focusing on accuracy. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. When you play, try to create a consistent and steady beat. Avoid rushing or dragging. A metronome can be a great tool. It will help you keep the rhythm and develop a good sense of timing. Remember, the goal is to play with confidence and maintain a consistent rhythm throughout the song. So, you must take your time and don't rush the process, so you don't form any bad habits that may affect your playing. Try recording yourself and listening back to identify any areas for improvement. This will help you to refine your strumming skills and play "Maria" with more accuracy and feeling.

Step-by-Step Guitar Tutorial for "Maria"

Now, let's put it all together and learn how to play "Maria" step-by-step. I'll guide you through the intro, verses, choruses, and bridge. We will break down each section into easy-to-follow steps. First, tune your guitar to standard tuning (E, A, D, G, B, e). Next, get ready by ensuring you have all your chords memorized.

Intro

The intro to "Maria" usually starts with a simple chord progression. The progression often involves two or three chords and repeats. Start by playing the G major chord for a few measures. Then, switch to C major, and then back to G major. Repeat this pattern a few times. This creates a foundation for the song. Strum each chord with a consistent down-down-up-up-down-up pattern, as mentioned before. Pay attention to the rhythm and keep your strumming steady.

Verse

The verses of "Maria" introduce the song's narrative. The chord progression typically changes slightly from the intro. Often, you'll encounter a progression like G major, D major, Em, and C major. Strum these chords with the same strumming pattern we discussed earlier. Remember to keep a consistent rhythm. Try to synchronize your strumming with the vocals to maintain a steady tempo. The verses are a great opportunity to get a feel for the song's rhythm and groove. Practice transitioning between the chords smoothly. You may need to adjust the timing of your chord changes to fit the vocals.

Chorus

The chorus is the emotional peak of "Maria", where the melody and energy of the song swell. The chorus often uses the same chords as the verse, or a slight variation. You might play the G major, D major, Em, and C major chords. Strum each chord with more emphasis and energy. You can also vary your strumming pattern or add accents to create more dynamics. In the chorus, it's all about making the song feel powerful. Sing along with the chorus. This will help you feel the emotions of the song. Let the music flow through you, creating a memorable experience. During this time, you will start feeling the emotion that the song wants to transmit.

Bridge

The bridge often offers a change of pace and adds depth to the song. The bridge might introduce a different chord progression. This part offers a great moment to build tension and set up the final chorus. Experiment with different strumming patterns and dynamics to enhance the bridge's impact. Use this section to add your own creative touch and add depth to your performance.

Outro

To end the song, you can repeat the chorus or outro. The outro is the final opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your listeners. As the song comes to an end, it’s a good moment to add some emotion, which gives a nice finishing touch.

Tips and Tricks for Playing "Maria"

To really nail "Maria" on guitar, here are some helpful tips and tricks:

Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is the key to improving your guitar skills. Aim to practice for at least 15-30 minutes each day. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory and improve your coordination.
Use a Metronome: A metronome is an invaluable tool for improving your rhythm and timing. Start by using the metronome to keep a steady beat. This will help you synchronize your playing with the song's tempo.
Listen to the Song: Listen to "Maria" frequently. Pay attention to the guitar parts and the song's overall structure. This will help you understand the dynamics and feel of the song.
Record Yourself: Record yourself playing "Maria". This can help you identify areas for improvement. You can then listen back to your performance and identify any areas that you need to work on.
Use a Capo: If you find the original key of the song difficult to play, try using a capo. A capo can help you change the key of the song. If you use a capo, you will not have to change the chord diagrams.
Learn the Lyrics: Memorize the lyrics to "Maria". This will help you connect with the song and enhance your performance. When you know the lyrics, you can truly express yourself when playing the song.
Watch Tutorials: Watch guitar tutorials for "Maria" online. These tutorials can provide you with additional insights and tips on playing the song. This will give you a different perspective.
Play with Others: Play "Maria" with friends or in a band. Playing with others can enhance your musical experience.

Conclusion

That's it, guys! You now have a solid foundation for playing "Maria" by La Oreja de Van Gogh on guitar. Remember to practice regularly, stay patient, and most importantly, have fun! With some dedication, you'll be strumming along to this classic song in no time. By following these steps and tips, you'll be well on your way to playing this iconic song. Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to experiment with your playing style. As you get more comfortable with the song, try adding your own personal touches. Play with passion and let the music speak to you. Enjoy the journey of learning and playing "Maria", and keep rocking on!