Taylor Swift We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together Guitar Tutorial

by Jhon Lennon 71 views

Hey guitar heroes! Ever wanted to strum along to one of Taylor Swift's most iconic breakup anthems? Well, you're in luck, because today we're diving deep into how to play "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" on guitar. This song is a total bop, and luckily for us, it's super accessible for guitarists of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or you've been shredding for a while, you'll be able to nail this one. We're going to break down the chords, the strumming pattern, and even give you some tips to make it sound just like the record. So grab your acoustic or electric, tune it up, and let's get this party started!

Understanding the Chords: Your Guitar's Best Friends

Alright guys, let's talk chords. The magic behind "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" lies in its simple yet effective chord progression. The key to this song is that it uses some of the most common and beginner-friendly chords in the guitar universe. We're mainly looking at G Major, C Major, D Major, and E minor. If you've been playing guitar for a hot minute, these chords are probably already in your muscle memory. If you're new, don't sweat it! These are fundamental chords that will open up a world of songs for you. Let's break them down:

  • G Major (G): This is your home base chord. Strumming a G often feels really full and happy, perfect for the upbeat vibe of this song. The common fingering involves your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string. Make sure you're getting a clean sound from all the strings, especially the open G and B strings. Sometimes beginners struggle with muting unwanted strings, so practice strumming each string individually to check your clarity.
  • C Major (C): This chord brings a nice lift. The standard C Major shape is usually played with your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Remember to avoid strumming the low E string for a clean C sound. Some players find this chord a little tricky at first, especially getting their fingers to curve enough to avoid touching adjacent strings. Try to keep your fingertips right behind the frets and use the very tips of your fingers. You can also experiment with different C shapes, but for this song, the basic one is perfect.
  • D Major (D): This chord often adds a bit of tension or a feeling of moving forward. The D Major is typically played with 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. You'll want to avoid strumming the low E and A strings. Getting a clear D chord can be a challenge for some, especially with finger placement. Ensure your fingers are arched and pressing down firmly. Sometimes rotating your wrist slightly can help you get better leverage and avoid accidentally muting other strings.
  • E minor (Em): This is your go-to minor chord. It sounds a bit more mellow or sad compared to the major chords. The E minor is super easy: just place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. All other strings are played open. This chord is often the easiest for beginners to master because it requires minimal finger contortion and uses open strings effectively. Make sure you're not accidentally touching the G, B, or high E strings with your fretting fingers, as this can mute them.

Now, the progression itself is what makes the song flow. In the verses and chorus, you'll typically cycle through G - C - G - D or variations thereof. The bridge might introduce the E minor chord for a bit of a change-up. The beauty of this song is its repetition, making it easier to memorize the chord changes and focus on your strumming and singing. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly. Start slow, one change at a time. Play G, then move to C, then back to G, then to D. Repeat this until the movement feels natural. Don't get discouraged if your fingers feel clumsy at first; everyone goes through that phase. The more you practice, the faster and cleaner your chord changes will become. Remember to keep your guitar in tune; an out-of-tune guitar can make even the simplest chords sound awful!

Mastering the Strumming Pattern: Get That Beat Going!

Okay, so you've got the chords down. Now, how do we make it sound like Taylor? The strumming pattern for "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" is key to capturing its upbeat, slightly sassy vibe. This isn't a super complex pattern, which is awesome news, right? It's pretty straightforward and relies on a consistent rhythm that drives the song forward. Think of it as a confident, steady pulse. For the most part, you'll be using a basic down-up strumming motion, with emphasis on certain beats to give it that characteristic feel.

A common and effective strumming pattern for this song is: Down, Down-Up, Up, Down-Up. Let's break that down and feel the rhythm:

  • Beat 1: Down strum (This is usually the strongest beat)
  • Beat 2: Down strum
  • Beat 3: Up strum
  • Beat 4: Up strum
  • Beat 5: Down strum
  • Beat 6: Up strum

Let's try counting it: "ONE, two, AND, four, AND". Or simply: "D, D-U, U, D-U". The "AND" beats are usually where the up strums happen. The key here is consistency and keeping your strumming hand moving even when you're not hitting the strings. This technique, known as