What's Going On Guitar Chords: Learn To Play!
Hey guys! Ever wanted to play that soulful classic, "What's Going On", on your guitar? Well, you're in the right place! This guide will break down the chords and give you some tips to nail this Marvin Gaye masterpiece. It's not just about hitting the right notes; it's about feeling the music, understanding the chord progressions, and adding your own personal touch. So grab your guitar, tune up, and let's dive into the heart of "What's Going On"!
Understanding the Chords
First off, let's talk chords. "What's Going On" isn't overly complicated, but it uses some chord voicings that give it that signature sound. The main chords you'll need to know are Emaj7, Amaj7, Bmaj7, and F#m7. Don't freak out if these names sound intimidating! They're actually quite beautiful and relatively easy to play once you get the hang of them. Think of Emaj7 as a jazzy E major, adding a sweet, mellow flavor. Amaj7 does the same for A major, and Bmaj7 for B major. The F#m7 adds a touch of melancholy, providing a nice contrast to the brighter major 7th chords. To truly understand these chords, take some time to explore their individual sounds. Strum each one slowly, focusing on the different notes that make up the chord. Try to hear how the major 7th interval adds a smooth, sophisticated quality. Once you're familiar with the individual chords, you can start practicing the transitions between them. This is where the real magic happens! Smooth transitions are key to capturing the flowing, soulful vibe of "What's Going On". Don't rush it; focus on accuracy and cleanliness first, and then gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with a little dedication, you'll be playing these chords like a pro in no time!
Chord Progressions in Detail
The song primarily revolves around a smooth progression: Emaj7 – Amaj7 – Bmaj7. This loop creates that iconic, laid-back groove. Later, you'll find a F#m7 chord popping up, adding a touch of harmonic interest. Let's break it down even further. The progression usually starts with Emaj7, giving a sense of stability and warmth. From there, it moves to Amaj7, creating a gentle lift and a feeling of anticipation. Finally, it resolves to Bmaj7, bringing a sense of completion and resolution. This simple yet effective progression is the backbone of the song, providing a solid foundation for Marvin Gaye's soulful vocals and the song's powerful message. When the F#m7 chord comes into play, it adds a bit of tension and depth to the harmony. It's often used as a passing chord, leading back to the Emaj7 or another chord in the progression. This chord adds a touch of melancholy and introspection, reflecting the song's themes of social unrest and the search for understanding. Pay attention to how the F#m7 fits into the overall harmonic landscape of the song. It's not just a random chord; it's a carefully placed element that adds emotional depth and complexity.
Easy Chord Charts
Here are some simplified chord charts to get you started:
- Emaj7: 021100
- Amaj7: x02120
- Bmaj7: x21112
- F#m7: 222222
These fingerings are just suggestions, feel free to experiment and find what works best for you. The most important thing is to get a clean, clear sound and to be comfortable with the shapes. Once you've mastered these basic fingerings, you can start exploring different voicings and variations. Try moving the chords up and down the neck, or adding different embellishments to create your own unique sound. Remember, music is all about expression, so don't be afraid to experiment and let your creativity shine!
Strumming Patterns
Okay, so you've got the chords down. Now, let's talk strumming! For "What's Going On", a gentle, rhythmic strum is key. Think about a down-down-up-down-up pattern, but don't be too rigid. The goal is to create a smooth, flowing groove that complements the chords and the melody. Try emphasizing the downstrokes slightly to give the strumming a bit of a pulse. This will help create a sense of momentum and drive the song forward. You can also experiment with different strumming patterns to add your own personal touch. Try adding some syncopation or playing around with the dynamics to create more interest and variation. The most important thing is to listen to the original recording and try to capture the feel of the song. Pay attention to the way the guitar interacts with the other instruments, and try to recreate that same sense of interplay in your own playing.
Simple Strumming Pattern Example:
Down, Down, Up, Down, Up
Feel the rhythm and let it flow. It’s all about capturing that soulful vibe. Remember, the strumming pattern is just a starting point. Feel free to experiment and adapt it to your own style and preferences. The most important thing is to create a groove that feels good to you and that captures the essence of the song. Don't be afraid to break the rules and try new things. Music is all about exploration and self-expression, so let your creativity guide you and have fun with it!
Putting It All Together
Alright, you've got the chords, you've got the strumming pattern. Now it's time to put it all together and make some music! Start by practicing the chord progression slowly and deliberately. Focus on smooth transitions between the chords and try to maintain a steady rhythm. Once you feel comfortable with the chord changes, you can start incorporating the strumming pattern. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Pay attention to the dynamics of the song and try to match the intensity of your playing to the mood of the music. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch to the song. Try adding some fills or embellishments to the chords, or playing around with the strumming pattern to create more interest and variation. The most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine!
Tips for Success
- Listen to the Original: Really listen to Marvin Gaye's version. Pay attention to the nuances, the timing, and the overall feel of the song. This will help you internalize the music and play it with more authenticity.
- Start Slow: Don't try to rush things. Begin with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. This will help you avoid mistakes and develop a solid foundation.
- Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Try to practice for at least 15-20 minutes each day. Even short, regular practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones.
- Record Yourself: Recording yourself can be a great way to identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your playing and focus on the things you can do better.
- Have Fun!: Most importantly, remember to have fun! Music should be enjoyable, so don't get too caught up in perfection. Relax, let loose, and let your creativity flow.
Adding Your Own Flavor
Once you're comfortable with the basic chords and strumming patterns, feel free to add your own personal touch to the song. Try experimenting with different voicings of the chords, or adding some embellishments to the melody. You can also try playing around with the dynamics and adding some subtle variations in the strumming pattern. The most important thing is to let your creativity shine and make the song your own. Remember, music is all about self-expression, so don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. There are no rules, so let your imagination run wild and see what you can come up with!
Experiment with Different Voicings
Try playing the chords in different positions on the neck. This can create a different sound and feel, and it can also make the chords easier to play. For example, you can try playing the Emaj7 chord as a barre chord on the 7th fret, or the Amaj7 chord as an open chord with a capo on the 2nd fret. There are endless possibilities, so don't be afraid to experiment and see what you can discover.
Add Embellishments to the Melody
Try adding some fills or embellishments to the melody line. This can add some interest and variation to the song, and it can also help you express your own personality. For example, you can try adding some hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides to the melody notes. You can also try adding some grace notes or passing tones to create a more flowing and melodic sound.
Conclusion
So there you have it! Playing "What's Going On" on guitar isn't as hard as it might seem. With a little practice and dedication, you can master the chords, nail the strumming pattern, and add your own personal touch to this timeless classic. Now go forth and spread the soulful vibes! Remember, the key to success is to practice regularly, listen to the original recording, and most importantly, have fun! Music should be enjoyable, so don't get too caught up in perfection. Relax, let loose, and let your creativity flow. With a little effort and a lot of heart, you'll be playing "What's Going On" like a pro in no time!
