Somebody That I Used To Know Chords: Easy Guitar Tutorial

by Jhon Lennon 58 views

Hey guys! Today, we’re diving into a super popular song that you’ve probably heard a million times: "Somebody That I Used to Know" by Gotye featuring Kimbra. This track is not only catchy but also surprisingly simple to play on guitar. Whether you're just starting out or looking for a chill song to add to your repertoire, this tutorial will guide you through the chords, strumming pattern, and some helpful tips to nail this tune. So, grab your guitar, and let’s get started!

Introduction to "Somebody That I Used to Know"

"Somebody That I Used to Know" took the world by storm when it was released in 2011. Its unique sound, blending indie-pop with a bit of electronic and art-pop, made it an instant hit. The song's haunting melody and relatable lyrics about a relationship gone sour resonated with listeners globally. From a guitarist's perspective, what makes this song appealing is its simplicity. It primarily revolves around a few basic chords, making it accessible for beginners while still sounding intricate and beautiful. Understanding the context and the elements that made this song popular can also help you appreciate the nuances as you learn to play it.

The genius of this song lies in its minimalist approach. The sparse instrumentation allows each element, including the guitar chords, to shine through. Gotye's clever use of dynamics and layered vocals creates a rich sonic texture that belies the song's underlying simplicity. As you learn the chords, pay attention to the spaces between the notes and the way the different parts interact. This will not only help you play the song accurately but also give you a deeper understanding of its musical construction. So, before we jump into the chords, remember that the beauty of "Somebody That I Used to Know" is in its simplicity and emotional depth. Let’s keep that in mind as we learn to play this iconic song.

Basic Chords You'll Need

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! To play "Somebody That I Used to Know," you'll only need to know a few essential chords. These are the building blocks of the entire song, so make sure you’re comfortable with them before moving on. Here’s a breakdown:

  • D minor (Dm): This is a foundational chord in the song. Place your first finger on the 1st fret of the E string, your second finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your third finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum all strings.
  • C Major (C): An essential chord in many songs, including this one. Place your first finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your second finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your third finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. Strum all strings, avoiding the low E string.
  • Bb Major (Bb): This one might be a bit tricky for beginners, but don't worry, you'll get the hang of it! It’s often played as a barre chord. Barre your first finger across the 1st fret of all strings. Then, place your third finger on the 3rd fret of the D string and your fourth finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. Strum all strings.
  • A minor (Am): Another fundamental chord. Place your first finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your second finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your third finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Strum all strings.

These four chords—Dm, C, Bb, and Am—are the core of "Somebody That I Used to Know." Practicing these chords individually until you can switch between them smoothly is crucial. Use online resources like chord diagrams and videos to ensure your finger placement is correct. Remember, clean and clear chords will make the song sound much better. So, take your time, practice each chord, and get comfortable with the finger positions. Once you've mastered these chords, you'll be well on your way to playing the entire song!

Chord Progression

Now that you know the basic chords, let’s piece them together into the song’s main progression. The chord progression for the verse and chorus is relatively simple and repeats throughout the song. Here’s how it goes:

Verse:

  • Dm - C - Bb - Am (Repeat)

Chorus:

  • Dm - C - Bb - Am (Repeat)

The entire song is built around this repeating sequence, which makes it easier to memorize and play. To make the progression sound smooth, focus on transitioning between the chords efficiently. Practice switching from Dm to C, then to Bb, and finally to Am. Aim for seamless transitions so that the song flows naturally. Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you repeat the progression, the easier it will become to switch between the chords without hesitation.

Another tip is to listen to the original song while you practice the chord progression. This will help you internalize the timing and rhythm of the changes. Pay attention to how Gotye emphasizes certain chords and how he uses dynamics to create interest. By listening closely and practicing regularly, you'll not only learn the chord progression but also develop a better feel for the song. So, keep practicing, keep listening, and you'll be playing "Somebody That I Used to Know" like a pro in no time!

Strumming Pattern

Okay, so you've got the chords down, and you know the progression. Now, let's talk about the strumming pattern. The strumming in "Somebody That I Used to Know" isn't too complicated, but getting it right is key to capturing the song's vibe. A basic strumming pattern that works well is:

  • Down, Down, Up, Down, Up

Try to keep a steady rhythm as you strum. Count “1, 2, &, 3, &” to keep the timing consistent. Focus on maintaining a smooth, even strumming motion. Don't worry about being too precise at first; just get the basic pattern down.

As you become more comfortable with the basic strumming pattern, you can start adding some variations to make it more interesting. For example, you could try emphasizing certain strums or adding a slight pause between strums. Experiment with different techniques to find what sounds best to you. Listening to the original song and trying to mimic Gotye's strumming can also be helpful.

Another tip is to practice the strumming pattern separately from the chords at first. This will allow you to focus on the rhythm without having to worry about changing chords at the same time. Once you're comfortable with the strumming pattern, you can start combining it with the chords. Remember, the key is to keep practicing and experimenting until you find a strumming pattern that feels natural and sounds great. With a little practice, you'll be strumming "Somebody That I Used to Know" like a pro in no time!

Tips for Beginners

Learning a new song can be challenging, especially if you're a beginner. Here are some tips to help you learn "Somebody That I Used to Know" more easily:

  1. Start Slow: Don't try to play the song at full speed right away. Begin by practicing the chords and strumming pattern slowly. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
  2. Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth chord transitions are essential for making the song sound good. Spend extra time practicing switching between the chords in the progression. Use a metronome to help you keep a steady beat.
  3. Use Online Resources: There are tons of great resources online that can help you learn the song. Check out YouTube tutorials, chord diagrams, and tabs. These resources can provide valuable insights and help you learn the song more efficiently.
  4. Listen to the Original Song: Listening to the original song while you practice can help you internalize the timing and rhythm. Pay attention to how Gotye plays the chords and strums the guitar. Try to mimic his playing as closely as possible.
  5. Break It Down: If you're struggling with a particular section of the song, break it down into smaller parts. Practice each part separately until you can play it smoothly. Then, gradually combine the parts until you can play the entire section.

Remember, learning to play guitar takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound perfect right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there. And most importantly, have fun! Playing music should be enjoyable, so relax and enjoy the process.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with practice, it's easy to fall into common traps when learning a new song. Here are some mistakes to watch out for when playing "Somebody That I Used to Know":

  • Rushing the Tempo: It's tempting to speed up as you become more comfortable, but maintaining a steady tempo is crucial. Use a metronome to ensure you're not rushing.
  • Inconsistent Strumming: Strumming patterns need to be consistent. Varying your strumming is fine, but ensure it's intentional and not due to inconsistency.
  • Incorrect Finger Placement: Make sure your fingers are placed correctly on the fretboard. Incorrect finger placement can result in muddy or muted chords.
  • Skipping Practice: Regular practice is essential for improving your skills. Even short practice sessions are better than none at all.
  • Ignoring Dynamics: Dynamics add depth and emotion to your playing. Pay attention to the dynamics in the original song and try to replicate them in your own playing.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to mastering "Somebody That I Used to Know." Remember, patience and persistence are key. Don't get discouraged if you make mistakes along the way. Just keep practicing and learning, and you'll eventually achieve your goals.

Adding Your Own Flair

Once you've mastered the basic chords and strumming pattern, you can start adding your own personal touch to the song. Here are some ideas:

  • Experiment with Different Strumming Patterns: Try adding syncopation or changing the dynamics to create a unique feel.
  • Add Embellishments: Incorporate hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides to add interest to the melody.
  • Change the Key: If the original key doesn't suit your vocal range, try transposing the song to a different key.
  • Create a Fingerstyle Arrangement: Challenge yourself by arranging the song for fingerstyle guitar. This will require you to pick individual notes instead of strumming chords.
  • Improvise: Once you're comfortable with the song, try improvising over the chord progression. This can help you develop your creativity and musicality.

Remember, music is all about self-expression. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. The goal is to make the song your own while still honoring the original composition. So, let your creativity flow and have fun with it!

Conclusion

So there you have it! Playing "Somebody That I Used to Know" on guitar is totally achievable, even if you're just starting out. By learning the basic chords, mastering the strumming pattern, and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with this iconic tune. Remember to take your time, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun! Music is all about expressing yourself and enjoying the process. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and never stop learning. Happy strumming, and I’ll catch you in the next tutorial!