Learn Coldplay's 'Something Just Like This' Chords

Hey music lovers! Ever wanted to jam along to Coldplay and The Chainsmokers' smash hit, "Something Just Like This"? Well, you're in luck! This guide will break down the chords, making it super easy for you to learn and play this awesome song on your guitar. We'll cover everything from the basic chords to some tips and tricks to make you sound like a pro. So grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's dive into the world of music! This song is a fantastic choice for beginner guitarists because it primarily uses a few simple chords. These chords are the building blocks for many other popular songs, making this a great way to expand your musical knowledge. Ready to get started, guys? Let's do it!

The Core Chords: Your Musical Toolkit

First things first, let's look at the main chords you'll need. Don't worry, they're not too complicated. We're talking about the backbone of "Something Just Like This" here, the fundamental building blocks that create its magic. These chords will appear throughout the song, so getting comfortable with them is key. Understanding these chords is like having the right tools for a construction project. They are the essential instruments that allow you to bring this song to life. Once you master these, you'll be well on your way to playing the entire song. Are you ready to dive in? Let's take a look at each of these fundamental chords. Remember, practice is key. The more you play, the easier it will become. Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t sound perfect right away. Every guitarist starts somewhere. With a little time and effort, you'll be strumming along to this awesome track in no time. Let's start with the first chord: the G major. This chord is one of the most fundamental chords and is used in thousands of songs. Next up, we have the D major chord. This chord has a bright and cheerful sound, and it pairs perfectly with the G major. Practice switching between these two chords. The smoother you can transition, the better your playing will sound. The C major chord is the next on our list. This chord is another staple in many songs. It provides a warm, inviting feel. It is important to remember to focus on the transitions between chords. Then, we have the Em (E minor) chord. The minor chords add a touch of sadness or reflection. Practice transitioning from Em to other chords, so you can smoothly integrate it into your playing. Don't worry if it takes a while to get the hang of it; it's a learning process. Keep practicing those chord changes, and soon you'll be playing this song with ease. The final piece of the puzzle is the Am (A minor) chord. Just like the Em chord, it adds a layer of depth and emotion to the song. It provides a slightly melancholic feel. Getting comfortable with these chords will make you a more versatile musician. Now that you know the main chords, let's learn how to play each one.

G Major Chord

The G major chord is a fundamental chord. It's used everywhere. To play the G major, place your fingers as follows: Your second finger (middle finger) goes on the sixth string (thickest string) at the second fret. Your first finger (index finger) goes on the fifth string at the second fret. Your third finger (ring finger) goes on the first string (thinnest string) at the third fret. Strum all six strings from the thickest (sixth) to the thinnest (first). Make sure each note rings out clearly. Practice strumming this chord until it sounds clean and consistent. This chord provides a bright, uplifting feel, setting a positive tone for the song. Make sure to strum all strings clearly for a full sound.

D Major Chord

The D major chord provides a slightly more upbeat feel. Place your fingers like this: Your first finger goes on the third string at the second fret. Your second finger goes on the first string at the second fret. Your third finger goes on the second string at the third fret. Strum the top four strings (D, G, B, and e). Avoid strumming the E and A strings, so the chord sounds clean. The D major chord gives the song a dynamic feel, adding energy to the overall sound. Proper finger placement is essential for a clean sound. Practice switching between the G and D major chords to improve your transitions. The ability to switch quickly and smoothly will enhance your playing. Focus on the chord changes and ensure each note rings out clearly.

C Major Chord

The C major chord is another essential chord. This chord is easy to play. Here's how: Place your third finger on the fifth string at the third fret. Your second finger goes on the fourth string at the second fret. Your first finger goes on the second string at the first fret. Strum all six strings. This chord adds a warm, inviting feel to the song, creating a beautiful sound. Make sure all notes ring out clearly. This is a very common chord, so mastering it will help you play many other songs. Practice smoothly transitioning between the G, D, and C major chords. Smooth transitions will make your playing sound polished. Proper finger placement is important to get a clear and clean sound.

Em (E Minor) Chord

The E minor chord adds depth to the song. Here's how to play it: Place your second finger on the fifth string at the second fret. Your first finger goes on the fourth string at the second fret. Strum all six strings. The E minor chord adds a touch of emotion to the song. It provides a slightly melancholic feel. This chord is very easy to play, but it is super important to ensure that all strings ring out clearly. Practice switching between the E minor chord and the other chords. Smooth transitions will make your playing much better. This chord is a great addition to your chord vocabulary.

Am (A Minor) Chord

This chord adds another layer of depth and emotion to the song. Place your fingers like this: Your second finger goes on the fourth string at the second fret. Your first finger goes on the third string at the first fret. Strum all six strings. The A minor chord provides a slightly melancholic feel. It is important to make sure each note rings out clearly. Smooth transitions between the A minor chord and other chords are crucial for a flowing sound. The A minor chord is a versatile chord that you will find in many songs. This chord is an essential part of the song.

The Chord Progression: Putting It All Together

Now that you know the individual chords, let’s put them together. The main chord progression for "Something Just Like This" is pretty simple and repetitive, which is great for beginners. This repetition is a fantastic way to learn the song. Understanding this sequence is key to playing the song. This simple pattern is what makes the song so catchy and easy to learn. It repeats throughout most of the song, making it a perfect practice piece. Here's the basic progression:

• Verse: G - D - Em - C
• Chorus: G - D - Em - C

As you can see, the verse and chorus use the same chord progression. This makes it easier to learn. Now, we'll look at each section of the song. Practice the transitions slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. Remember to keep the rhythm steady. Consistent strumming will make your playing sound much better. Let's break down each part and see how to fit it all into the song. Keep practicing and you will get there!

Verse Breakdown: Setting the Scene

The verse starts with the same chords. You'll be using the G, D, Em, and C chords. Strum each chord once or twice per measure, depending on the rhythm. The verse introduces the song's story and emotion. Mastering the verse is the first step toward playing the song smoothly. The simple structure allows you to focus on strumming and chord changes. The verse sets the stage for the rest of the song. The flow is very important; keep the rhythm going and try not to break up the flow of the verse. Maintain a consistent strumming pattern, and you'll nail the verse in no time. Consistent practice is the key to mastering the verse. Remember, it's about making the chords sound clear and transitioning smoothly between them. Try singing along as you play to connect the lyrics with the chords. This will improve your overall musical experience. Make sure your transitions are smooth so that your playing sounds professional. Keep practicing to make your playing perfect.

Chorus Breakdown: The Emotional Peak

The chorus is where the song’s energy really shines. It uses the exact same chord progression as the verse: G - D - Em - C. The chorus is the heart of the song. The chorus is where the main hook is, and the progression supports this. The progression is designed to support the emotion. You can strum the chords a bit more energetically in the chorus. The increased energy adds a powerful feel to the song. You might consider strumming each chord a bit more rhythmically in the chorus. Practice these transitions until they become natural, and you'll capture the chorus's vibe. Focus on keeping the same strumming pattern as in the verse. Practice the chords and transitions smoothly. You'll be playing the entire song in no time! The chorus is the most memorable part of the song. Your goal is to make the chorus sound amazing. So get to practicing the transitions. The same chords, but different strumming patterns can be used to set the tone. This will enhance the overall feel of the song. Ensure that the transitions between chords are seamless and that the chords ring out clearly.

Strumming Patterns: Adding Rhythm and Groove

Now that you know the chords and the progression, let's look at strumming patterns. The strumming pattern is what brings the song to life! A simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well. You can experiment with different strumming patterns to add your own personal touch. Experimentation is a great way to personalize the song. Change up the strumming to create variety. The best way to approach this is to listen to the song and try to mimic the rhythm. Try listening to the original recording and replicating its strumming. This will help you find the right rhythm. The way you strum makes a big difference. The strumming pattern should match the song's rhythm. You can vary the strumming pattern slightly for the verse and chorus. This can help to differentiate them. Try down-down-up-down-up. Keep practicing different rhythms. This will help you get better and more versatile. This is all about getting the feel right. Strumming is what gives a song its character. So, find the right one for you!

Tips and Tricks: Level Up Your Playing

Here are some extra tips to help you: Practice slowly at first to ensure clean chord changes. Slowly building up speed is a good way to become better. Practice with a metronome to maintain a steady tempo. The metronome is your best friend when it comes to keeping time! Listen to the song repeatedly to familiarize yourself with the rhythm and melody. Listening to the original song will help you match the chords. Try singing along while you play to improve your timing and coordination. Playing and singing together is one of the ultimate tests of guitar skill. Use a capo on the second fret for a brighter sound. A capo changes the key. Record yourself playing to identify areas for improvement. Playing back your playing can show you what to fix. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and chord variations. Experimentation is the key to musical growth. Have fun! Music is about having fun! Practice regularly, even if it's just for a few minutes each day. Regularity is the key to improvement. Play with other musicians to learn and improve. There is always more to learn from others. These tips will help you play like a pro! Just keep practicing and have fun.

Conclusion: Your Musical Journey Begins

And there you have it! You now have all the tools to play "Something Just Like This" on your guitar. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to experiment and find your own style. Remember, the journey of learning guitar is filled with fun and rewards. Learning is a process, and it takes time and effort. As you get better, you can explore other songs by Coldplay and The Chainsmokers. Enjoy the process of learning and playing. Learning guitar is an awesome journey. It’s all about practice and enjoyment! Keep up the good work, and soon you'll be playing all your favorite songs with ease. Now go out there, start strumming, and have a blast!