"Here Comes the Sun" is a timeless classic by The Beatles, beloved for its uplifting melody and hopeful lyrics. If you're looking to play this song on guitar in the key of A, you've come to the right place! This tutorial will guide you through the chords, strumming patterns, and some helpful tips to make your rendition shine. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Understanding the Chords

Okay, guys, let's break down the chords you'll need to play "Here Comes the Sun" in the key of A. Knowing these chords is crucial for accurately playing and enjoying this amazing song.

• A Major (A): The root chord of the song. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string. Strum all six strings. This chord provides the foundational, bright tonality that characterizes much of the song.
• D Major (D): A bright and common chord. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum all strings except the low E string. The D major adds a touch of warmth and resolution, creating a pleasant harmonic movement away from and back to the A major.
• E Major (E): Another essential chord. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. Strum all six strings. This chord brings a strong, dominant feel, pulling the music back towards the tonic A major and adding a sense of resolution.
• A7 (A Dominant 7): This is a variation of the A major chord. Play an A major chord (index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string) and add your pinky finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum all six strings. This chord creates a bluesy, jazzy flavor, adding depth and richness to the harmonic progression and making the return to the A major more satisfying.
• D7 (D Dominant 7): Play a D major chord (index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string) and add your index finger to the 1st fret of the B string. Strum all strings except the low E string. The D7 chord functions similarly to the A7, adding harmonic color and complexity, and creating a smoother transition back to the tonic chord.
• F#m (F-sharp minor): Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string. Strum all six strings. This minor chord adds a touch of melancholy and contrast, providing a deeper emotional layer to the song and enhancing the impact of the major chords.
• Bm (B minor): This is a barre chord. Barre your index finger across the 2nd fret of all six strings. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string, your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string, and your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the G string. Strum all six strings. The B minor adds a somber, reflective quality to the song, creating tension and anticipation before resolving back to the brighter major chords.

Mastering these chords will allow you to play through "Here Comes the Sun" with confidence. Practice transitioning between them smoothly to capture the song's flowing feel. Don't worry if it takes time; with consistent practice, you'll get there! Remember to listen to the original recording to understand how these chords fit together in the actual song. Pay attention to the chord changes and the overall rhythm, and try to mimic that in your playing. Over time, you'll develop a feel for the song and be able to play it more naturally.

Strumming Pattern

Now that you've got the chords down, let's talk about the strumming pattern. While there isn't one single, definitive strumming pattern for "Here Comes the Sun", a common and effective one is:

Down, Down, Up, Down, Up. This simple pattern can be adapted to fit the rhythm of the song. It's a very common strumming pattern, and works in most cases. Listen to the song to get a sense of the rhythm, and adjust your strumming accordingly.

• Emphasis: Emphasize the down strums slightly to give the song a strong, rhythmic pulse.
• Variations: Feel free to add variations to the strumming pattern to make it your own. For example, you could try adding a few extra up strums or using a different rhythm altogether.

Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what works best for you. The most important thing is to keep the rhythm consistent and to match the feel of the song.

Incorporating techniques like palm-muting, where you lightly rest the side of your hand on the strings near the bridge, can add a subtle percussive element to your strumming. This technique can help you create a more dynamic and interesting sound. Alternatively, you can also try incorporating some fingerstyle elements, such as plucking individual strings or arpeggiating the chords. This can add a touch of elegance and complexity to your playing, and create a more intimate and personal feel.

Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. The beauty of music is that there are no strict rules, and you can always add your own personal touch to the song.

Song Structure

Understanding the structure of "Here Comes the Sun" will help you play along more easily. The song generally follows this pattern:

1. Intro: The song begins with a distinctive guitar intro.
2. Verse 1: The first verse introduces the main theme of the song.
3. Chorus: The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, with the iconic line "Here comes the sun, doo-da-doo-doo."
4. Verse 2: The second verse continues the story.
5. Chorus: Another chorus reinforces the song's message.
6. Bridge: The bridge provides a contrast to the verses and choruses.
7. Chorus: The final chorus brings the song to a close.
8. Outro: The song ends with a simple guitar outro.

Recognizing these sections will help you anticipate chord changes and keep your place in the song. You can use this structure as a guide, but don't be afraid to deviate from it if you want to add your own personal touch to the song.

Tips for Playing

Here are a few tips to help you play "Here Comes the Sun" like a pro:

• Practice Transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are key to making the song sound seamless. Practice switching between chords quickly and efficiently. This will help you maintain the song's flow and prevent any awkward pauses. Start by practicing the transitions slowly, focusing on accuracy and clarity. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your speed until you can switch between chords smoothly and effortlessly.
• Listen to the Original: Pay close attention to George Harrison's guitar playing on the original recording. Notice his strumming patterns, chord voicings, and overall feel. Try to emulate his style as closely as possible. This will help you capture the essence of the song and make your rendition sound more authentic.
• Use a Capo: While this tutorial focuses on the key of A, the original song is in the key of A. Using a capo on the 2nd fret will allow you to play the song in the original key using the same chord shapes. This can be helpful if you want to sing along with the original recording or play with other musicians who are playing in the original key.
• Simplify if Needed: If you're having trouble with certain chords, don't be afraid to simplify them. For example, you could play a simplified version of the Bm chord by omitting the barre. This will make the chord easier to play and allow you to focus on the other aspects of the song.
• Have Fun: Most importantly, remember to have fun! Playing music should be an enjoyable experience. Relax, let loose, and enjoy the process of learning this beautiful song.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even seasoned guitarists can stumble while learning a new song. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for when playing "Here Comes the Sun" and how to avoid them.

• Rushing the Tempo: One of the most common mistakes is playing the song too fast. "Here Comes the Sun" has a relaxed, mellow vibe, so it's important to maintain a steady, moderate tempo. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern.
• Inconsistent Strumming: Another common mistake is inconsistent strumming. Make sure your strumming pattern is even and consistent throughout the song. Pay attention to the dynamics of your strumming, and try to create a smooth, flowing rhythm. Practice strumming along with a metronome to improve your consistency.
• Incorrect Finger Placement: Incorrect finger placement can lead to buzzing or muffled notes. Make sure your fingers are positioned correctly on the fretboard and that you're applying enough pressure to create a clear, clean sound. Practice each chord slowly and deliberately, paying attention to your finger placement. Use a mirror to check your technique and make sure your fingers are in the correct position.
• Skipping the Bridge: The bridge is an important part of the song, and skipping it can disrupt the flow. Make sure you learn the chords for the bridge and practice transitioning into and out of it smoothly. The bridge provides a nice contrast to the verses and choruses, so it's important to include it in your rendition.
• Ignoring Dynamics: Dynamics are the variations in volume and intensity that add emotion and expression to your playing. Ignoring dynamics can make your rendition sound flat and lifeless. Pay attention to the dynamics of the song, and try to create a sense of ebb and flow in your playing. Use techniques like palm-muting and fingerstyle to add subtle variations in volume and tone.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can avoid them and create a more polished and professional-sounding rendition of "Here Comes the Sun."

Conclusion

So, there you have it, dudes! Playing "Here Comes the Sun" in the key of A is totally achievable with a little practice and patience. Master the chords, nail the strumming pattern, and pay attention to the song's structure. Most importantly, have fun and make it your own! Before you know it, you'll be basking in the sunshine of this classic tune. Keep strumming, and let the music brighten your day!