Ooh La La Rod Stewart: Guitar Chords & How To Play

by Jhon Lennon 51 views

Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn how to play that catchy tune “Ooh La La” by Rod Stewart on your guitar? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the guitar chords, strumming patterns, and tips to master this classic song. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Understanding the Basic Chords

Let's dive right into the heart of the song: the chords. “Ooh La La” primarily revolves around a few fundamental chords, making it relatively easy to learn. The main chords you'll need to know are G, C, and D. These three chords form the backbone of the song and are used extensively throughout. Mastering these chords is crucial not just for this song, but for countless others as well. Think of these as your foundational building blocks in your guitar-playing journey. Practicing smooth transitions between these chords will significantly enhance your ability to play the song seamlessly.

To play the G chord, place your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret; your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all six strings. For the C 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 all strings except the 6th. Lastly, for the D 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. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you practice these chords, the cleaner and faster your chord changes will become. Consistency is key. Try spending a few minutes each day solely focused on transitioning between G, C, and D. You'll be surprised at how quickly you improve!

Chord Progression

The chord progression in “Ooh La La” is quite straightforward, which makes it accessible for beginners. The most common progression you'll encounter is G - C - G - D. This simple yet effective sequence is repeated throughout much of the song, providing its catchy and memorable sound. There are slight variations in the verses and chorus, but this basic progression remains the core. Understanding and memorizing this progression will allow you to play along with the song easily. Pay attention to how the chord changes align with the melody. This will help you internalize the rhythm and timing, making your playing more fluid and natural.

Breaking down the progression, you start with G, which gives the song its grounded feel. Then, you move to C, adding a touch of brightness. Returning to G brings back that familiar foundation, and finally, D provides a lift, leading nicely back to the beginning of the progression. This circular pattern is what makes the song so easy to listen to and play along with. To get comfortable with this, try looping the progression slowly at first. Use a metronome or a simple drum beat to keep time. As you become more confident, gradually increase the tempo. Experiment with different strumming patterns to add your own flair to the progression. This will not only make practicing more enjoyable but will also help you develop your own personal style.

Strumming Patterns

Now that you've got the chords down, let's talk about strumming patterns. The beauty of “Ooh La La” is that it doesn't require complex strumming. A simple down-down-up-down-up pattern works perfectly. This pattern is versatile and easy to master, making it ideal for beginners. However, don't be afraid to experiment with other patterns to find what feels best for you. The key is to maintain a steady rhythm and keep the song's energy flowing. Try emphasizing certain strums to add dynamics and interest to your playing.

To break it down further, start with a down strum, followed by another down strum. Then, alternate between down and up strums for the remainder of the pattern. Focus on keeping your wrist loose and relaxed to avoid fatigue. Practice the pattern slowly at first, gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable. Pay attention to the accents in the song. You might find that emphasizing the first down strum of each measure adds a nice groove. Also, listen closely to Rod Stewart's original recording to get a feel for the song's rhythm and dynamics. Imitating his strumming style can be a great way to learn the song authentically. But remember, don't be afraid to add your own personal touch. Experiment with different strumming patterns and rhythms until you find something that feels natural and sounds good to you. Ultimately, the goal is to make the song your own while staying true to its original spirit.

Tips for Beginners

If you're just starting out with guitar, learning “Ooh La La” can be a fantastic way to build your skills. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

  1. Start Slow: Don't rush. Focus on getting the chord changes clean and the strumming pattern consistent before speeding up.
  2. Practice Regularly: Even 15-20 minutes of practice each day can make a huge difference. Consistency is key to building muscle memory and improving your technique.
  3. Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you develop a strong sense of rhythm. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you become more comfortable.
  4. Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can help you identify areas where you need to improve. It can also be a great way to track your progress.
  5. Be Patient: Learning guitar takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound perfect right away. Just keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there.
  6. Break it Down: Don't try to learn the entire song at once. Break it down into smaller sections and focus on mastering each section before moving on.
  7. Listen Actively: Listen to the original recording of “Ooh La La” carefully. Pay attention to the nuances in Rod Stewart's vocals and guitar playing. Try to imitate his style as closely as possible.
  8. Find a Teacher or Mentor: If possible, consider taking lessons from a qualified guitar teacher. A good teacher can provide personalized instruction and help you avoid developing bad habits.
  9. Join a Community: Connect with other guitar players online or in person. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can be a great way to stay motivated and improve your skills.

Advanced Techniques

For those of you who are more experienced guitarists, there are several ways to add your own flair to “Ooh La La.” Consider incorporating these techniques to elevate your playing:

  1. Fingerpicking: Instead of strumming, try fingerpicking the chords. This can add a delicate and intricate texture to the song.
  2. Adding Embellishments: Incorporate hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to add interest to the melody.
  3. Alternate Tunings: Experiment with alternate tunings to create a different sound. For example, try tuning your guitar to DADGAD.
  4. Improvisation: Take a solo over the chord progression. Use the pentatonic scale or the blues scale to create your own unique melodies.
  5. Harmonizing: Add vocal harmonies to the song. This can create a richer and more layered sound.
  6. Dynamics: Play with dynamics to create contrast and interest. Use a combination of loud and soft playing to add emotional depth to the song.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced guitarists can make mistakes when learning a new song. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when playing “Ooh La La”:

  1. Rushing the Tempo: It's important to maintain a steady tempo throughout the song. Don't rush the tempo, especially when transitioning between chords.
  2. Incorrect Chord Changes: Make sure you're using the correct chord fingerings and transitioning smoothly between chords. Practice the chord changes slowly until they become automatic.
  3. Inconsistent Strumming: Maintain a consistent strumming pattern throughout the song. Avoid varying the strumming pattern randomly, as this can disrupt the song's rhythm.
  4. Poor Intonation: Make sure your guitar is properly tuned. Playing with poor intonation can make the song sound out of tune.
  5. Lack of Dynamics: Don't play the song at a constant volume. Use dynamics to add contrast and interest to the music.
  6. Ignoring the Nuances: Pay attention to the nuances in Rod Stewart's original recording. Try to imitate his phrasing and dynamics as closely as possible.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Learning “Ooh La La” by Rod Stewart is a rewarding experience for any guitarist. By mastering the basic chords, understanding the chord progression, and practicing the strumming patterns, you'll be well on your way to playing this classic song. Remember to start slow, practice regularly, and be patient with yourself. With a little bit of effort, you'll be strumming along to “Ooh La La” in no time. Keep practicing, have fun, and enjoy the journey of learning guitar! Rock on, dudes! And don't forget, the most important thing is to have fun while you're learning. So grab your guitar, crank up the volume, and start strumming! You'll be surprised at how quickly you improve. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be playing “Ooh La La” on stage in front of a huge crowd!