Learn 'If You Love Her' By Forest Blakk: Guitar Tutorial & Chords

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 66 views

Hey guitar enthusiasts! Have you ever heard that beautiful tune by Forest Blakk, "If You Love Her"? It's such a heartfelt song, and I'm sure many of you, like me, have been captivated by its simple yet profound melody. In this tutorial, we're going to break down the guitar chords and strumming patterns so you can play along. Get ready to strum your heart out, guys! We'll cover everything from the basic chords to some nuances that will make your playing sound just like the record. This is a great song for beginners as the chord progression is quite manageable, but also offers enough depth to keep intermediate players engaged. I'll walk you through each section, so grab your guitar, and let's get started. Remember, practice is key, and soon you'll be serenading everyone with this amazing song. We will be using the standard tuning for the guitar (E A D G B e). So, tune up, and let's go!

The Chords You'll Need

Okay, before we dive into the song structure, let's get familiar with the chords you'll need to play "If You Love Her." The good news is that they're pretty straightforward! Forest Blakk’s song predominantly uses four main chords. These are some of the most common and versatile chords out there, so once you learn them, you'll be able to play tons of other songs too. Mastering these chords will not only allow you to play "If You Love Her" but will also build a solid foundation for your guitar journey. Remember, the goal is not just to play the chords but to transition smoothly between them. Try practicing the chord changes slowly at first and then gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable. Here are the chords we'll be using, along with some tips on how to play them:

G Major (G): This is the first chord. Place your middle finger on the 6th string, 2nd fret; your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all six strings. Make sure all the notes ring out clearly without any buzzing. If you are a beginner, try to avoid accidentally muting any strings with your fingers.
C Major (C): Next, let's learn the C major chord. Place your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret; your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret. Strum the top five strings. Be sure to avoid the 6th string. This chord can sometimes be a bit tricky, so take your time and make sure each note is clear.
Em (E minor): Now, we'll learn Em. Place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your index finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings. This is a simple chord, perfect for beginners, and it’s a crucial one in many songs.
D Major (D): Finally, you will also need to master the D major chord. Place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret; your middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Strum the top four strings. This chord might feel a little awkward at first because of the finger spacing. But practice and soon it will feel natural!

Practice these chords slowly at first, focusing on clean transitions between each of them. Use a metronome to keep time, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Remember, consistency is key! Keep strumming, and you'll be playing "If You Love Her" in no time! Keep practicing the changes until they become second nature.

Strumming Pattern: The Heart of the Song

Alright, now that we've got the chords down, let's move on to the strumming pattern. The strumming pattern is what brings the song to life, giving it its rhythm and feel. For "If You Love Her," the strumming pattern is quite simple, making it easy to learn and play along. The song primarily uses a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern, but we will make it more specific. Try this pattern to nail the song:

Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up (or D-D-U-U-D-U): Strum down on the beat, then down again. Then strum up, and up again. Then strum down and finish with an up strum.

Here’s how to break it down even further:

Beat 1: Down (D) - Strum down on the chord.
Beat 2: Down (D) - Strum down on the chord.
Beat 2.5: Up (U) - Strum up on the chord.
Beat 3: Up (U) - Strum up on the chord.
Beat 4: Down (D) - Strum down on the chord.
Beat 4.5: Up (U) - Strum up on the chord.

Practice this pattern slowly at first with each chord, making sure you hit each strum with precision. Once you're comfortable, try speeding it up to match the tempo of the song. The key here is consistency and keeping a steady rhythm. You can use a metronome or the original song to help you keep time. Make sure you are also muting the strings with your fretting hand when strumming up. This will help make the strumming sound crisp and clean, and will prevent any unwanted notes from ringing out. Be sure to focus on the feel and emotion of the song as you play. This strumming pattern is the backbone of the song, so getting this right is essential for playing the song correctly. Consistency is key, so keep practicing, and you'll get it! With a little practice, this strumming pattern will become second nature, and you'll be playing "If You Love Her" with ease!

Putting It All Together: Song Structure and Chord Progression

Okay, are you ready to put it all together? Let's break down the structure of "If You Love Her" and see how the chords and strumming pattern fit together. Understanding the song's structure will make it easier to memorize and play along. "If You Love Her" follows a common structure that will make it easy to learn the song. We'll look at the verse, chorus, and bridge to see how everything goes. The song structure is easy to follow, making it a great choice for beginner guitarists. Here's a breakdown of the song structure:

Verse 1: The first verse begins with a G chord, then moves to a C chord, followed by Em, and back to C. The verses are the storytelling parts of the song, and they often set the mood and introduce the themes. The chord progression in the verse creates a sense of longing and contemplation. The G chord grounds the song, while C and Em add some subtle emotional depth. Remember to use the strumming pattern we discussed earlier. Here's the chord progression for Verse 1: G - C - Em - C.
Chorus: The chorus then switches to G, D, Em, and C. The chorus is the catchy part of the song designed to grab your attention. It's often more upbeat and memorable than the verses. The chorus is where the emotion of the song comes through. You can strum the chords with more energy in the chorus. In the chorus, switch to these chords: G - D - Em - C.
Verse 2: Same as Verse 1: G - C - Em - C.
Chorus: Same as Chorus: G - D - Em - C.
Bridge: The bridge of a song usually offers a contrast or a new perspective. It’s where things get interesting, guys! The bridge introduces a D chord, an Em chord, and then returns to the C chord. It provides a slight change in the musical landscape. Here's the chord progression: D - Em - C.
Chorus: G - D - Em - C (This repeats to finish out the song).

Practice transitioning between the chords smoothly and consistently. Play along with the original song to help synchronize your playing with the rhythm. Remember, there's no rush; take it one step at a time! Pay attention to the transitions between the chords and make them as smooth as possible. With practice, you'll be playing the whole song in no time. Keep practicing the chord changes, strumming patterns, and song structure. With time, you'll be able to play "If You Love Her" with confidence and emotion.

Tips and Tricks for Improving Your Playing

Awesome, you're almost there, guys! Here are some extra tips and tricks to improve your playing of "If You Love Her" and your overall guitar skills. Mastering "If You Love Her" is an excellent way to boost your guitar skills! Here are some tips to help you take your playing to the next level:

Practice Regularly: Even short practice sessions are more effective than infrequent long ones. Try to set aside at least 15-30 minutes each day to practice. Consistency is the key to progress.
Use a Metronome: A metronome helps you develop a steady rhythm and improve your timing. This is crucial for playing with other musicians or playing along with a backing track.
Watch for Clean Transitions: Strive for clean chord changes. Ensure that each note rings clearly without any buzzing or unwanted noise. This will make your playing sound much more professional.
Listen to the Original Song: Listening to the song repeatedly helps you internalize the rhythm, phrasing, and nuances of the song. Try to play along with the original recording to improve your timing and synchronization.
Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. This will help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress. It also helps you get used to performing in front of others.
Learn More Songs: Expand your repertoire by learning other songs. This will expose you to new chords, techniques, and musical styles, broadening your skills and musical knowledge.
Take Breaks: If you're feeling frustrated or tired, take a break. Overworking yourself can lead to burnout. Return to practice when you feel refreshed.
Have Fun: Remember to enjoy the process! Learning guitar should be fun. Try to make it a pleasurable experience, and you'll be more motivated to practice and improve. Music is about expression, so let loose and play from the heart. Celebrate your successes and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Keep practicing, and you'll become a guitar master! Music is a journey, and every step counts. Enjoy the process of learning and playing. Embrace the music, and enjoy the ride!

Happy strumming! Keep practicing, and you'll be playing "If You Love Her" like a pro in no time! Remember to have fun and enjoy the process. Good luck, and happy playing!