How to Play “Falling Slowly” on the Guitar
Are you a fan of the movie “Once” and its unforgettable soundtrack? Do you find yourself humming or strumming along to “Falling Slowly” whenever the tune comes on? If so, you’re not alone. This beautiful song has captured the hearts of many with its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melody. Learning how to play “Falling Slowly” on the guitar can be a rewarding experience, as it allows you to express your emotions through music. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps and techniques to master this timeless classic.
Understanding the Chords
Before diving into the strumming patterns, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the chords used in “Falling Slowly.” The song is primarily based on the key of D major, and the main chords you’ll encounter are D, G, A, Bm, Em, and C. Take some time to practice these chords individually, ensuring that you can play them cleanly and with confidence.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Falling Slowly” is quite simple, yet it adds a lot of character to the song. Here’s a basic pattern to start with:
– D – D – D – D
– G – G – G – G
– A – A – A – A
– Bm – Bm – Bm – Bm
To play this pattern, strum down on the first beat of each chord, and then let the chord ring out for the next three beats. As you become more comfortable with the pattern, you can experiment with different strumming rhythms and dynamics to add depth to your playing.
Playing the Verses
The verses of “Falling Slowly” are where the song truly shines. To play the verses, follow this chord progression:
– D – G – A – Bm – Em – C
Start by playing the D chord, then switch to G, A, Bm, Em, and finally C. This progression is repeated throughout the verses, and it’s essential to maintain a steady tempo and clear chord transitions.
Playing the Chorus
The chorus of “Falling Slowly” is a bit more complex, but it’s still manageable with practice. Here’s the chord progression for the chorus:
– D – G – A – Bm – Em – C – D
To play the chorus, follow the same strumming pattern as the verses, but add a D chord at the end of the progression. This creates a smooth transition into the next verse.
Practicing and Improving
Once you’ve learned the chords and strumming patterns, it’s time to practice playing the song from start to finish. Pay attention to the timing, chord transitions, and strumming rhythm. Remember to take your time and don’t rush through the song. Practice regularly, and you’ll gradually improve your playing.
In addition to practicing the song itself, consider learning the melody on the guitar. This will help you better understand the song’s structure and add more expression to your performance.
Conclusion
Learning how to play “Falling Slowly” on the guitar can be a fulfilling journey. By mastering the chords, strumming patterns, and chord progressions, you’ll be able to share this beautiful song with others. Take your time to practice and enjoy the process, and soon you’ll be able to play “Falling Slowly” with confidence and emotion.
