Introduction
Hey there, music enthusiasts! Are you looking to learn how to play “Best Friend” by Rex Orange County on the guitar? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we will break down the seven essential guitar chords you need to know to jam along to this catchy tune. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced guitarist, these chords will have you strumming along in no time. So grab your guitar and let’s dive in!
Chord Progression
Before we delve into the specific chords, let’s take a look at the chord progression for “Best Friend” by Rex Orange County. The song follows a basic structure of verse, pre-chorus, and chorus, with the same chord progression repeating throughout. The chords you will need are G, D, Em, C, Am, Bm, and A. Now, let’s break down each chord and explore their unique qualities.
G Major (G)
🎸 The G major chord is a staple in many songs and a great starting point for beginners. It is an open chord played on the top three strings of the guitar. To play G major, place your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string, your middle finger on the third fret of the sixth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the second string.
D Major (D)
🎸 D major is another versatile chord that is frequently used in various genres. To play this chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the third string, your middle finger on the second fret of the first string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the second string.
E Minor (Em)
🎸 Em is a minor chord that adds a touch of melancholy to the song. To play this chord, simply place your index finger on the second fret of the fifth string and strum from the sixth string down. This chord is relatively easy for beginners.
C Major (C)
🎸 C major is a common chord that adds a bright and uplifting sound. To play C major, place your index finger on the first fret of the second string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the fifth string.
A Minor (Am)
🎸 Am is another minor chord that brings a somber tone to the music. To play Am, place your index finger on the first fret of the second string and strum from the fifth string down. This chord is often used to create a sense of emotion and depth.
B Minor (Bm)
🎸 Bm is a slightly more challenging chord that adds complexity to the song. To play Bm, bar your index finger across the second fret of all strings and place your ring finger on the fourth fret of the fourth string. This chord might take some practice, but it’s worth mastering.
A Major (A)
🎸 A major is the final chord in our progression and brings a resolution to the song. To play A major, place your index finger on the first fret of the third string, your middle finger on the second fret of the fourth string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the second string.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Best Friend Rex Orange County Guitar Chords
Advantages of Best Friend Rex Orange County Guitar Chords
1. Versatility: The chord progression in “Best Friend” is a great way to practice different chord shapes and transitions, helping you develop your guitar skills.
2. Easy for Beginners: With a combination of basic open chords and a few slightly more advanced ones, this song is a perfect challenge for beginner guitarists looking to expand their repertoire.
3. Emotional Expression: The minor chords used in the song add depth and emotion, allowing you to convey a range of feelings through your playing.
4. Popular Song: “Best Friend” by Rex Orange County has gained popularity, making it a great choice for jam sessions or performances that will captivate your audience.
5. Versatile Strumming Patterns: While the original song follows a specific strumming pattern, you can experiment with different strumming techniques to showcase your style and creativity.
6. Improvisation Opportunities: Once you’ve mastered the basic chords, you can experiment with embellishments, riffs, and solos to make the song truly your own.
7. Confidence Booster: Successfully playing “Best Friend” on the guitar will boost your self-confidence and motivate you to take on more challenging songs in the future.
Disadvantages of Best Friend Rex Orange County Guitar Chords
1. Barre Chord Difficulty: The Bm chord, which requires barring across multiple strings, may pose a challenge for beginners or those with limited finger strength.
2. Transitions: Switching between some of the chords smoothly might take time and practice, especially for novice guitar players.
3. Strumming Complexity: While the song’s strumming pattern is relatively straightforward, maintaining consistent rhythm and dynamics can be tricky.
4. Music Theory Knowledge: Understanding how chords function within a song and how to play them in different positions can enhance your playing, but may require additional study.
5. Song Interpretation: While the chord progression is an essential part of the song, it may not capture the full essence of the original recording without incorporating other instrumental parts.
6. Practice Required: Like any new song, “Best Friend” requires practice to become proficient in playing it accurately and effortlessly.
7. Song Familiarity: If you’re not a fan of “Best Friend” or Rex Orange County, you may not find the motivation to learn and play this particular tune.
Best Friend Rex Orange County Guitar Chords – Complete Information
| Chord | Finger Placement |
|---|---|
| G Major (G) | Index Finger: 2nd fret, 5th string Middle Finger: 3rd fret, 6th string Ring Finger: 3rd fret, 2nd string |
| D Major (D) | Index Finger: 2nd fret, 3rd string Middle Finger: 2nd fret, 1st string Ring Finger: 3rd fret, 2nd string |
| E Minor (Em) | Index Finger: 2nd fret, 5th string |
| C Major (C) | Index Finger: 1st fret, 2nd string Middle Finger: 2nd fret, 4th string Ring Finger: 3rd fret, 5th string |
| A Minor (Am) | Index Finger: 1st fret, 2nd string |
| B Minor (Bm) | Index Finger: 2nd fret, all strings Ring Finger: 4th fret, 4th string |
| A Major (A) | Index Finger: 1st fret, 3rd string Middle Finger: 2nd fret, 4th string Ring Finger: 2nd fret, 2nd string |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I play “Best Friend” on an acoustic guitar?
Yes, absolutely! “Best Friend” can be played on both acoustic and electric guitars.
2. What is the strumming pattern for “Best Friend”?
The strumming pattern for “Best Friend” follows a simple down-up-down-up-down-up pattern, with emphasis on the beats.
3. Are there any alternative chord fingerings I can use?
Yes, there are various alternative fingerings you can try for the chords used in the song. Experiment and find what feels most comfortable for you.
4. Can I transpose the song to a different key?
Yes, the chord progression can be transposed to a different key to match your vocal range or personal preference.
5. How do I strum and sing simultaneously?
Strumming and singing at the same time can be challenging at first. Start by mastering the chords and strumming pattern separately, then gradually combine them as you become more comfortable.
6. Can I play “Best Friend” without a capo?
Yes, you can play “Best Friend” without a capo by using different chord shapes or transposing the song to a different key.
7. Can I play this song on a ukulele?
Definitely! You can adapt the chords used in the song to play it on a ukulele.
8. Are there any guitar solos or riffs in “Best Friend”?
No, “Best Friend” by Rex Orange County primarily features chords without any dedicated solos or riffs.
9. How can I strum with more dynamics?
To achieve more dynamics in your strumming, try incorporating techniques such as palm muting, accents, and varied strumming intensities.
10. Can I use a pick or should I use fingerpicking?
The choice between using a pick or fingerpicking is entirely up to you and your preferred playing style. Both methods can produce great results.
11. Are there any specific effects used in the song?
The original recording of “Best Friend” includes some light reverb and chorus effects. Experimenting with these effects can add a unique touch to your rendition.
12. Can I play the song with a band or other instruments?
Absolutely! “Best Friend” is a fantastic song to perform with a band or incorporate other instruments such as drums, bass, and keyboards.
13. Can I use these chords for other songs?
Definitely! The chords used in “Best Friend” are common and versatile, making them suitable for many other songs as well.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you’ve reached the end of our comprehensive guide on playing “Best Friend” by Rex Orange County on the guitar! We hope this article has provided you with the necessary information and guidance to master these seven essential chords. Remember to practice regularly, and soon you’ll be strumming along to this catchy tune with confidence.
Now it’s your turn to take action! Grab your guitar, tune it up, and start practicing those chords. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and make the song your own. So what are you waiting for? Let the music fill the air and enjoy the joy of playing “Best Friend” on your guitar!
Closing Statement
Music has the incredible power to connect people, evoke emotions, and bring joy into our lives. Learning to play the guitar and mastering songs like “Best Friend” by Rex Orange County can be a rewarding and fulfilling journey. However, it’s essential to remember that everyone progresses at their own pace. Stay patient, keep practicing, and most importantly, have fun along the way!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only. The song “Best Friend” and its associated copyright belong to Rex Orange County. Please respect the artist’s work by purchasing their music or streaming it through official channels.