Guitar Cover: Question...? - Taylor Swift (Tutorial)

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey guys! Ready to dive into another awesome Taylor Swift track? This time, we’re tackling "Question...?" from her Midnights album. This song is super catchy, and learning to play it on guitar is totally achievable with the right approach. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this tutorial will break down the chords, strumming patterns, and overall vibe of the song so you can impress your friends (or just yourself!) with a killer cover. So grab your guitar, tune up, and let’s get started!

Getting Started with "Question...?"

Before we even touch our guitars, let's understand the song a bit. "Question...?" has this dreamy, almost ethereal quality, but it’s built on a relatively simple chord progression. Knowing the context of the song can really help you capture the right feel when you play it. Think about the lyrics – the uncertainty, the late-night vibe – and try to channel that into your performance.

First things first, make sure your guitar is properly tuned. Standard tuning (EADGBe) is what you’ll need for this song. Double-check each string, because nothing’s worse than starting to learn a song only to realize you’re out of tune halfway through. Once you’re confident in your tuning, we can start looking at the chords. The main chords used in "Question...?" are fairly common, which is great news for beginners. You’ll likely encounter chords like C, G, Am, and F. Depending on the version you’re playing, you might also see variations or slightly different voicings of these chords, so having a good chord chart handy is super helpful.

Understanding the structure is also key. "Question...?" typically follows a verse-chorus structure, with a bridge section that adds some variety. Listen to the song a few times and try to identify these different sections. Pay attention to how the dynamics change – when it gets louder or softer – as this will influence how you play the guitar part. Knowing the structure will not only help you learn the song more efficiently, but it will also make your cover sound more polished and professional. Plus, it’s just a good habit to develop as a musician!

Chord Breakdown

Let's break down the essential chords you'll need to master for a great cover of "Question...?"

  • C Major: This is a foundational chord in many songs, and it’s relatively easy to play. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Strum all strings except the low E string.
  • G Major: Another essential chord. There are a couple of ways to play G, but a common one is to place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum all six strings.
  • A Minor (Am): This chord adds a touch of melancholy. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Strum all strings except the low E string.
  • F Major: This can be a tricky chord for beginners. One common way to play it is to barre your index finger across the 1st fret of the B and high E strings, place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D string. Strum all six strings. Alternatively, you can try a simplified version of F without the barre, which involves playing only the top four strings and omitting the 1st fret on the B and high E. However, the full F chord will give you a richer sound that's closer to the original song.

Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly. A lot of playing guitar is just about muscle memory, so the more you practice, the easier these changes will become. Start slowly, and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. Use a metronome to help you keep a steady beat, which is crucial for nailing the timing of the song. Remember, consistency is key! Even short, regular practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.

Strumming Patterns

The strumming pattern in "Question...?" isn't overly complicated, but it's important to get it right to capture the song's feel. A basic strumming pattern that works well is Down, Down, Up, Down, Up. Try to keep your wrist loose and relaxed, and focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm.

Experiment with different variations of this pattern. For example, you could add accents on certain beats to emphasize the rhythm, or you could incorporate some palm muting to create a more subdued sound. Listen closely to the original song to get a feel for the nuances in the strumming, and try to replicate those nuances in your own playing. Remember, the goal isn't just to play the right chords, but to capture the overall vibe of the song. Playing with dynamics is also crucial. Vary the intensity of your strumming to match the emotional arc of the song. For example, you might strum more softly during the verses and more forcefully during the choruses. This will add depth and interest to your performance.

Putting It All Together

Alright, you've got the chords down, you've mastered the strumming pattern – now it's time to put it all together. Start by playing the chord progression slowly and deliberately. Focus on making clean transitions between the chords, and pay attention to your timing. Use a metronome to help you stay in time, and gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.

Once you can play the chord progression smoothly, start incorporating the strumming pattern. Again, begin slowly and deliberately, and gradually increase your speed as you improve. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – everyone does! The key is to learn from your mistakes and keep practicing. Record yourself playing and listen back critically. This can be a great way to identify areas where you need to improve. Are your chord transitions clean? Is your strumming consistent? Are you capturing the overall feel of the song?

Adding Your Own Flair

While it's important to learn the basic structure of the song, don't be afraid to add your own personal touch. Experiment with different strumming patterns, chord voicings, or even embellishments like hammer-ons and pull-offs. The goal is to make the song your own while still staying true to the original.

Consider adding a guitar solo or instrumental break. This can be a great way to showcase your skills and add some excitement to your performance. If you're not comfortable improvising, you can always learn a pre-existing solo or create your own based on the song's melody. Also, think about your overall performance. Are you conveying the emotion of the song? Are you engaging with your audience? Remember, music is about communication, so let your personality shine through. Whether you’re playing for yourself or for a crowd, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – a complete guide to playing "Question...?" by Taylor Swift on guitar. Remember, learning a new song takes time and practice, so be patient with yourself and don't get discouraged if you don't nail it right away. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun! With a little bit of effort, you'll be able to impress yourself and others with your awesome guitar cover. Now go grab your guitar and start strumming! You got this!