Shishamo - Ashitamo: Guitar Chords And How To Play

Hey guys! Ever wanted to learn how to play Shishamo's catchy tune, Ashitamo, on your guitar? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide will break down the chords, strumming patterns, and everything you need to know to nail this awesome song. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, we'll make sure you can add this Shishamo hit to your repertoire. Let's dive in and get those fingers moving!

Understanding the Chords

Okay, first things first, let's get familiar with the chords you'll need. Ashitamo primarily uses a few common chords, making it relatively accessible for beginner guitarists. The main chords you'll be working with are G, C, D, and Em. Knowing these chords is super useful because they pop up in tons of other songs too. So, mastering them here is like getting a head start on a whole bunch of other tunes you might want to learn later. Let's break each one down a little further so you know exactly what you're doing. For G major, you generally play it by placing your middle finger on the 6th string (E string) at the 3rd fret, your index finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 1st string (high E string) at the 3rd fret. Strum all six strings. For C major, you can play it by placing your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret, and your index finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 1st fret, and your ring finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 3rd fret. Strum from the 5th string. For D major, you can play it by placing your index finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 2nd fret, your middle finger on the 1st string (high E string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 3rd fret. Strum from the 4th string. Finally, for E minor, you can play it by placing your middle finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret and your ring finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret. Strum all six strings. Make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly behind the frets to get a clear sound, and practice transitioning between these chords smoothly. Once you can switch between G, C, D, and Em without stopping, you're well on your way to playing Ashitamo! And hey, don't worry if it takes a bit of practice – everyone starts somewhere. Keep at it, and you'll get there before you know it!

Strumming Pattern

Alright, now that we've got the chords down, let's talk about the strumming pattern. The rhythm of Ashitamo is pretty upbeat and catchy, so you'll want a strumming pattern that reflects that. A good starting point is a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. This means you strum downwards on the first beat, downwards again on the second, then upwards on the third and fourth beats, and finish with an up-down-up sequence. Try counting it out loud as you strum – it can really help you get the rhythm down. Once you're comfortable with the basic pattern, you can start adding some variations to make it sound more interesting. Try emphasizing certain strums by hitting the strings a bit harder, or adding some pauses to create a bit of syncopation. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns to see what sounds best to you. The most important thing is to keep the rhythm consistent and have fun with it! Listen to the song closely and pay attention to how the guitar is played. Try to mimic the rhythm and feel of the original recording. You might even want to slow down the song to make it easier to hear the individual strums. And remember, practice makes perfect. The more you play along with the song, the more natural the strumming pattern will feel. Soon, you'll be able to play Ashitamo without even thinking about it!

Song Structure

Let's break down the structure of Ashitamo so you know what to expect. Typically, the song follows a pattern of verse, chorus, and bridge. The verse usually introduces the main melody and sets the scene for the song. In Ashitamo, the verse uses a chord progression that helps build anticipation for the chorus. Keep an ear out for the subtle variations in the strumming pattern during the verse, which can add some flavor to your playing. Next up is the chorus, which is often the most memorable and catchy part of the song. In Ashitamo, the chorus is where the energy really picks up, and the chords become more emphatic. Pay attention to how the melody soars during the chorus, and try to capture that feeling in your playing. After the chorus, the song usually returns to the verse, followed by another chorus. This pattern helps create a sense of familiarity and keeps the listener engaged. Finally, there's often a bridge section that provides a contrast to the verse and chorus. The bridge might use different chords or a different strumming pattern to create a sense of tension or release. In Ashitamo, the bridge is a chance to add some dynamic variation to your playing. By understanding the structure of the song, you can better anticipate the changes and transitions, which will make your playing sound more polished and professional. So, take some time to listen to Ashitamo and map out the different sections. Once you know the structure inside and out, you'll be able to play along with confidence and style!

Tips for Beginners

If you're just starting out on guitar, learning to play Ashitamo can seem a bit daunting, but don't worry – with a few tips and tricks, you'll be strumming along in no time! First off, focus on mastering those basic chords. Take your time and practice switching between them smoothly. It's better to play slowly and accurately than to rush and make mistakes. There are tons of great resources online that can help you learn the chords, including videos, diagrams, and even interactive games. Another helpful tip is to break the song down into smaller sections. Instead of trying to learn the whole thing at once, focus on mastering one verse or one chorus at a time. Once you've got that down, move on to the next section. This will make the learning process much more manageable and less overwhelming. Also, don't be afraid to ask for help! If you know someone who plays guitar, ask them for some pointers or even a lesson. Or, consider joining a local guitar group or taking a class. Learning with others can be a lot of fun, and it's a great way to stay motivated. Finally, remember to be patient and persistent. Learning to play guitar takes time and effort, so don't get discouraged if you don't sound perfect right away. Just keep practicing and having fun, and you'll eventually get there. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be able to play Ashitamo for your friends and family!

Advanced Techniques

For those of you who are more experienced guitar players, there are plenty of ways to add your own personal touch to Ashitamo. One technique you can try is fingerpicking. Instead of strumming the chords, you can pluck the individual strings to create a more intricate and delicate sound. This can be especially effective during the verses, where you want to create a sense of intimacy and vulnerability. Another technique you can experiment with is adding embellishments to the chords. This could involve adding sus chords, seventh chords, or other extensions to create a richer and more complex harmony. For example, you could try playing a Gsus4 instead of a G major, or a D7 instead of a D major. Just be careful not to overdo it, as too many embellishments can make the song sound cluttered and busy. You can also try experimenting with different tunings. While Ashitamo is typically played in standard tuning (EADGBE), you could try tuning your guitar to a different key to see what kind of sounds you can create. For example, you could try tuning down a half step to Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb, or tuning to an open tuning like DADGAD. Finally, don't be afraid to improvise! Once you're comfortable with the basic structure of the song, try adding your own solos or fills. This is a great way to express your creativity and make the song your own. Just be sure to listen to the original recording and try to stay true to the spirit of the song. With a little practice and experimentation, you can take your playing of Ashitamo to the next level!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning to play Ashitamo, there are a few common mistakes that you'll want to avoid. One of the most common mistakes is not practicing enough. Learning to play guitar takes time and effort, so you can't expect to sound great overnight. Make sure to set aside some time each day to practice, even if it's just for 15 or 20 minutes. Another common mistake is not using proper technique. This can lead to bad habits that are difficult to break later on. Make sure to keep your wrists relaxed, your fingers curved, and your shoulders loose. If you're not sure whether you're using proper technique, ask a guitar teacher or experienced player to give you some feedback. Another mistake to watch out for is not listening carefully to the original recording. It's important to pay attention to the nuances of the song, such as the rhythm, the dynamics, and the phrasing. The more you listen, the better you'll be able to imitate the original sound. Also, be careful not to get discouraged if you make mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning, so don't beat yourself up about it. Just keep practicing and learning from your errors, and you'll eventually get there. Finally, remember to have fun! Playing guitar should be enjoyable, so don't take it too seriously. Just relax, let loose, and enjoy the process of learning.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Everything you need to know to play Shishamo's Ashitamo on your guitar. Remember to start with the chords, get that strumming pattern down, understand the song structure, and then work on those advanced techniques if you're feeling adventurous. And hey, don't forget to avoid those common mistakes! Most importantly, have a blast while you're learning. Music is all about expressing yourself and having fun, so let that shine through! Keep practicing, stay patient, and before you know it, you'll be rocking out to Ashitamo like a pro. Happy strumming, and keep the music alive!