Unlocking 'What's Up': 4 Non Blondes Chords & Guitar Guide

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey music lovers! Ever found yourself humming along to the iconic song "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes and thought, "Man, I wish I could play that!"? Well, guess what? You absolutely can! This guide is your friendly companion to understanding and playing the classic chords of this timeless tune. We're going to break down the chords, offer some helpful tips, and get you strumming along in no time. So, grab your guitar (or any stringed instrument, really), and let's dive into the world of 4 Non Blondes! This will be a fun and engaging journey, so buckle up, friends!

Decoding the Main Chords: The Heart of the Song

Alright, guys, let's get straight to the good stuff: the chords! "What's Up" is built upon a relatively simple chord progression that makes it accessible for beginners while still sounding fantastic. The beauty of this song lies in its simplicity, making it a perfect choice for those just starting their guitar journey. The main chords you'll need to know are:

Am (A minor): This is the foundation of the song. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the G string. Strum all the strings except the low E string.
G major: This is another essential chord. Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string. Strum all the strings.
C major: This chord adds a warm and inviting feel. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all the strings except the low E string.
F major: This chord adds a vibrant touch. Place your index finger on the first fret of the E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string. Strum all the strings.

That's it, folks! These four chords – Am, G, C, and F – are the core of the song. You'll be using these throughout the verses, the chorus, and most of the song. The chord progression is relatively easy to memorize, and once you get the hang of switching between them, you'll be able to play along with the song in no time. Don't worry if it feels a little clunky at first; with practice, it'll become second nature. Remember to focus on clean transitions and a steady strumming pattern. Let's make this experience a memorable one and let's get into the next section for more details. Learning the chords is just the beginning, but with patience and practice, you'll be playing this iconic song with confidence.

This basic foundation is all you need to play along with the main parts of "What's Up". The simplicity of these chords is what makes the song so popular; it's easy to learn and fun to play, even for beginners. The next steps will delve into the strumming patterns and other elements, so you can make your performance shine. Practice is key, and with a little effort, you'll be strumming along with confidence in no time!

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm: Getting the Groove

Now that you know the chords, let's talk about the strumming patterns! Getting the rhythm right is just as important as knowing the chords themselves. The strumming pattern will give the song its characteristic feel. Here's a suggested pattern that works well:

Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up. This is a common and versatile strumming pattern. "Down" means strumming down with your pick, and "Up" means strumming up.

Try this pattern on each chord. Start slow, focusing on keeping a steady beat. You can experiment with different variations, such as muting the strings to create a more percussive sound. Once you're comfortable with the pattern, try speeding it up to match the tempo of the song. You may find that different parts of the song may call for slight variations in the strumming pattern, like slowing down during a verse or adding emphasis to certain beats. The key is to listen to the song and try to replicate its rhythm.

Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what feels best for you. Some guitarists might prefer a more relaxed feel, while others might go for a more energetic strum. The main thing is to keep a consistent rhythm and to sync up with the music. Always make sure to match the tempo of the original song. If you find the song too fast, you can slow it down using a music player that allows you to control the speed. Remember, rhythm is crucial. Mastering the strumming pattern transforms a basic chord progression into a lively musical experience. Don't be afraid to experiment and find a pattern that suits your style.

To make your playing even more authentic, pay attention to the dynamics of the song. Vary the intensity of your strumming to reflect the mood of each section. Strum harder during the chorus and softer during the verses. This will add depth and emotion to your performance. Always remember to listen closely to the original song to get a feel for the rhythm and how the chords fit together. This way, you'll not only play the song but also experience it, understanding what gives it its unique charm. Now you have a good knowledge of the chords, and rhythm, let's add some magic to your performance and level up. Ready? Let's go!

Verse and Chorus Breakdown: Putting it All Together

Okay, guys, let's break down the verse and chorus sections. Understanding how the chords fit together in these different parts of the song is essential for playing "What's Up" correctly. Let's start with the verse:

Verse: The verse generally follows this chord progression: Am – G – C – F. You'll play each chord for one measure (four beats) using the strumming pattern we talked about earlier. Repeat this progression throughout the verse. Listen to the song to determine the precise timing of each chord and practice smoothly transitioning between them. The verse sets the stage, building anticipation for the chorus. Maintaining a steady rhythm is crucial here, as it lays the foundation for the song. Strive for clear chord changes and a consistent feel. Remember, the verse is all about telling the story and setting the mood. Focusing on clear, defined strumming is key.

Now, let's move on to the chorus, the most recognizable part of the song:

Chorus: The chorus also uses the Am – G – C – F chord progression, but it's typically played with a bit more energy and emphasis. You can strum harder during the chorus to give it a more powerful feel. In the chorus, the energy intensifies. The chord progression remains the same, but the delivery changes. Focus on accentuating the downbeats and driving the rhythm. Pay attention to the vocals to match the rhythm. The chorus is your opportunity to shine and convey the song's energy. Remember, the chorus is the heart of the song; make it count!

This simple structure is what makes "What's Up" so accessible. Knowing the arrangement will help you to understand the flow of the song, making it easier to play along. Listen to the original song and try to match the timing and feel. The more you play, the more comfortable you'll become with these transitions. With practice, you'll feel the rhythm and transition seamlessly between the verse and chorus. This is about more than just playing notes; it's about conveying the song's emotions and telling its story. Take your time, practice slowly, and enjoy the process. You're doing great, and soon you'll be playing this iconic song with confidence!

Tips for Beginners: Making it Easier

Alright, if you're a beginner, don't worry! Playing "What's Up" is totally achievable. Here are some tips to make your learning journey smoother:

Start Slow: Don't rush! Begin by practicing each chord individually. Make sure you can form the chord shape correctly and that all the strings are ringing clearly. Then, try switching between two chords at a time (e.g., Am to G). Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
Use a Metronome: A metronome is your best friend. It helps you keep a steady beat, which is essential for developing good timing. There are many free metronome apps available for your phone.
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Even 15-20 minutes of practice each day is more effective than practicing for hours once a week.
Watch Tutorials: There are tons of guitar tutorials on YouTube. Search for "What's Up guitar tutorial" and follow along. Seeing someone else play the song can be incredibly helpful.
Don't Give Up: Learning guitar takes time and effort. There will be moments of frustration, but don't let them discourage you. Keep practicing, and you will improve.
Focus on Clean Transitions: Ensure your chord changes are smooth and clean. The goal is to minimize buzzing sounds and have each chord ring out clearly. This takes practice but makes a huge difference in the overall sound. Regular practice will help you achieve clean transitions.

Remember, learning the guitar is a journey. Be patient with yourself, and celebrate your progress along the way. Enjoy the process of learning and the satisfaction of playing a song you love. You've got this! Now with these extra tips, you're on the right track, keep practicing.

Beyond the Basics: Adding Your Own Flair

Once you're comfortable with the basic chords and strumming, you can start experimenting and adding your own flair to your playing. Here are some ideas:

Add Variations to the Strumming: Try incorporating different strumming patterns. Mix up the downstrokes and upstrokes to create a more interesting rhythm. You can also experiment with muting the strings with your picking hand to add a percussive element.
Experiment with Fingerpicking: Instead of strumming, try fingerpicking the chords. This involves using your fingers to pluck the individual strings. This technique can give the song a more delicate and intimate feel.
Learn the Bridge: The bridge is the section of the song that comes before the final chorus. Learning the chords for the bridge will give you a deeper understanding of the song's structure. There are many online resources where you can find the bridge chords.
Add Vocals: If you're a singer, try singing along while you play. This is a great way to improve your coordination and musicality. Practice singing the lyrics and playing the chords simultaneously to develop your vocal and guitar skills.
Play with Others: Playing with other musicians is an excellent way to improve your skills and have fun. Join a band, start a jam session with friends, or simply play with a backing track.

By adding variations, experimenting with fingerpicking, learning the bridge, and singing along, you can take your performance to the next level. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what sounds best to you. This is where your individuality will shine through! Always feel free to add your own personal touch. These variations add depth and character to your playing. Have fun exploring different techniques and sounds! With these advanced techniques, you can make the song your own, adding personality and flair to your performance. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and enjoy the journey!

Conclusion: You've Got This!

Well, there you have it, folks! A complete guide to playing "What's Up" by 4 Non Blondes. You've learned the chords, the strumming patterns, and some tips to help you along the way. Now it's time to put what you've learned into practice! Remember that the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the music. Don't be afraid to make mistakes – they're part of the learning process. The key to mastering this song, like any other, is consistent practice. The more you play, the better you'll get. You're well on your way to playing this iconic song. Celebrate every milestone, from getting the chord changes right to adding your own personal touch. So grab your guitar, and start strumming! Keep practicing, stay positive, and most importantly, enjoy the music! You've got this, and you're going to sound awesome! Now go out there and rock!