How to Play “Yesterday” on Acoustic Guitar
Playing “Yesterday” on an acoustic guitar is a dream for many guitarists, as it’s a timeless classic that has captivated audiences for decades. This song, written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney, is not only a musical masterpiece but also a perfect example of the acoustic guitar’s versatility. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps and techniques to play “Yesterday” on an acoustic guitar, so you can add this beautiful tune to your repertoire.
First and foremost, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the song’s structure. “Yesterday” is composed of three main sections: the verse, the chorus, and the bridge. The verse consists of four lines, the chorus repeats the first line of the verse, and the bridge is a short instrumental section that transitions back to the chorus.
To get started, you’ll need to learn the chord progression. The song is typically played in the key of A minor, and the chord progression is A minor, E major, D major, and G major. Here’s a brief overview of how to play these chords on an acoustic guitar:
– A minor: Use your first finger on the second fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your third finger on the second fret of the D string. The high E string is open.
– E major: Play the same shape as the A minor chord, but move it up one fret. Your first finger will now be on the third fret of the low E string, and so on.
– D major: Use your first finger on the second fret of the A string, your second finger on the second fret of the D string, and your third finger on the second fret of the G string. The low E string is open.
– G major: Play the same shape as the D major chord, but move it up one fret. Your first finger will now be on the third fret of the A string, and so on.
Now that you know the chords, it’s time to practice strumming patterns. “Yesterday” typically uses a simple down-strumming pattern throughout the song. Start by strumming the A minor chord, then switch to the E major chord, followed by the D major chord, and finally the G major chord. Repeat this pattern for the verse and chorus sections.
For the bridge, you’ll need to play a simple fingerpicking pattern. The bridge consists of two bars, each with four beats. Here’s how to play it:
– Beat 1: Play the A minor chord with your first finger on the second fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and your third finger on the second fret of the D string.
– Beat 2: Move your first finger to the third fret of the low E string, and play the E major chord.
– Beat 3: Move your first finger to the second fret of the low E string, and play the D major chord.
– Beat 4: Move your first finger to the third fret of the low E string, and play the G major chord.
Repeat this pattern for the two bars of the bridge.
Once you’ve mastered the chords and strumming patterns, it’s time to practice the song as a whole. Start by playing the verse, then the chorus, and finally the bridge. Be sure to take your time and focus on getting the timing and rhythm right. As you become more comfortable with the song, you can experiment with different strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques to add your own unique touch.
In conclusion, learning how to play “Yesterday” on an acoustic guitar is a rewarding experience that will enhance your guitar-playing skills and allow you to share this beautiful song with others. By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to play “Yesterday” with confidence and pride. Happy strumming!
