Introduction
Perfect - Introduction
Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that needs no introduction. Perfect by Ed Sheeran topped all the charts in 2017 and became a super duper hit worldwide. This song has now become part of mainstream pop youth culture. All lovers, depending on their heartbroken status, either love or hate this song. It has collected more than 4.9 billion views (almost half of humanity) on YouTube since its release and has been in all the romance playlists on every streaming service platform.
The song is a ballad celebrating the traditional marriage relationship between two lovers, written about Sheeran’s wife-to-be, Cherry Seaborn, whom he had known since he was in school and then reconnected with her when she was working in New York. Sheeran has said the song captures the feeling of finding "the one" - that magical moment when you realise you've met your soulmate.
Perfect Guitar Lesson
The guitar lesson on Perfect is an easy one. Nevertheless, the lesson has many sections that talk about the chords and rhythm of the song, and a section on improvisation where the instructor is demonstrating how to solo over the track.
The song only has four chords, namely – G - Em7 - Cadd9 - D, which the tutor explains is meant to be played with the capo on the 1st fret, as does Sheeran himself in live performances. The strumming of the song goes in triplets of 4, covering four bars of music.
The thing about minor 7th chords and augmented chords used in the song is that in the open position, they share some of the notes, and when chords share notes, the phenomenon of voice leading occurs. Voice leading is when the notes of one chord lead to another, creating an interesting movement between anticipation and resolution in the music.
Although the studio recording version of the song uses a capo on the first fret, the lesson here demonstrates both ways, with and without a capo, of playing the song in its entirety. The song follows a 12/8 time signature, and the rhythm sounds like that of a waltz, which makes it an easy song to dance to, especially with one’s lover.
The lesson makes available Perfect lyrics and chords along with the video lesson, which the advanced players can refer to when learning the song.
FAQs
Q. What is the story behind Ed Sheeran's song Perfect?
Perfect was written by Ed Sheeran as a love song for his then-girlfriend (now wife) Cherry Seaborn. The lyrics describe their real-life romance, from meeting as teenagers to falling in love as adults.
Q. What key is Perfect?
Perfect is written in the key of Ab major (G major for live performances), though most guitarists use a capo on the 1st fret to make the chords easier to play. This transposition means you'll be playing standard shapes like G, Em, C and D but hearing them in Ab major.
Perfect
Introduction
Chords & Rhythm
Song Arrangement with Rhythm
Lead Solo
Song Demo (with capo)
Introduction (Without Capo)
Song Demo (without capo)
Intro Improvisation
Improvisation
Perfect - Introduction
Welcome to the guitar lesson on a song that needs no introduction. Perfect by Ed Sheeran topped all the charts in 2017 and became a super duper hit worldwide. This song has now become part of mainstream pop youth culture. All lovers, depending on their heartbroken status, either love or hate this song. It has collected more than 4.9 billion views (almost half of humanity) on YouTube since its release and has been in all the romance playlists on every streaming service platform.
The song is a ballad celebrating the traditional marriage relationship between two lovers, written about Sheeran’s wife-to-be, Cherry Seaborn, whom he had known since he was in school and then reconnected with her when she was working in New York. Sheeran has said the song captures the feeling of finding "the one" - that magical moment when you realise you've met your soulmate.
Perfect Guitar Lesson
The guitar lesson on Perfect is an easy one. Nevertheless, the lesson has many sections that talk about the chords and rhythm of the song, and a section on improvisation where the instructor is demonstrating how to solo over the track.
The song only has four chords, namely – G - Em7 - Cadd9 - D, which the tutor explains is meant to be played with the capo on the 1st fret, as does Sheeran himself in live performances. The strumming of the song goes in triplets of 4, covering four bars of music.
The thing about minor 7th chords and augmented chords used in the song is that in the open position, they share some of the notes, and when chords share notes, the phenomenon of voice leading occurs. Voice leading is when the notes of one chord lead to another, creating an interesting movement between anticipation and resolution in the music.
Although the studio recording version of the song uses a capo on the first fret, the lesson here demonstrates both ways, with and without a capo, of playing the song in its entirety. The song follows a 12/8 time signature, and the rhythm sounds like that of a waltz, which makes it an easy song to dance to, especially with one’s lover.
The lesson makes available Perfect lyrics and chords along with the video lesson, which the advanced players can refer to when learning the song.
FAQs
Q. What is the story behind Ed Sheeran's song Perfect?
Perfect was written by Ed Sheeran as a love song for his then-girlfriend (now wife) Cherry Seaborn. The lyrics describe their real-life romance, from meeting as teenagers to falling in love as adults.
Q. What key is Perfect?
Perfect is written in the key of Ab major (G major for live performances), though most guitarists use a capo on the 1st fret to make the chords easier to play. This transposition means you'll be playing standard shapes like G, Em, C and D but hearing them in Ab major.
Perfect
Introduction
Chords & Rhythm
Song Arrangement with Rhythm
Lead Solo
Song Demo (with capo)
Introduction (Without Capo)
Song Demo (without capo)
Intro Improvisation
Improvisation
Explore More in English Songs
Introduction:
Learn the groove metal song, Walk, by American heavy metal band Pantera from their sixth album, Vulgar Display of Power, on Torrins. Our expert instructor, Bobby Koeble, known for his metal guitar skills, will walk you through this detailed lesson. This lesson caters to both beginner and intermediate guitarists, with clear instructions and helpful tips.
Fun Fact: "Walk" by Pantera was inspired by the band's experience with changing relationships after they became famous. Guitarist Dimebag Darrell said the main riff was influenced by a simple rhythm they would play during soundchecks, which eventually turned into the song's iconic groove. The song's aggressive "walk on home, boy" line reflects the band's frustration with people who treated them differently after their success.
Bobby breaks this song lesson into various segments for detailed understanding and a smooth learning curve-
- Introduction & Tuning
- Intro Riff
- Intro Power Chords
- Verse
- Prechorus
- Chorus, Arrangement, & Outro
- Solo parts 1, 2, and 3
- Song with Backing Track
Each part is taught step by step, making it easier to follow along and learn the whole song at your own pace.
Chords Used in the Walk Guitar Lesson
The song is played in standard tuning down a whole step and a quarter lower.
Some of the key chords featured throughout include the Eb/Bb power chord, the D over A chord, the Db power chord, and the G chord.
Strumming Pattern
The rhythm follows a triplet-based feel, creating a steady groove. Downstroke picking is essential for maintaining the song's aggressive tone, especially during the pre-chorus and chorus. Fast-paced song with power chords making up most of the rhythm section.
Song Structure
Intro: The intro riff is simple yet powerful, all played on the 6th string. Bobby breaks down the intro by slowing it down and providing alternatives for ease of playing. The intro involves bending, slides, and a 3-note figure.
Verse: Verse follows the same 3-note figure from the intro, creating a repetitive yet driving rhythm.
Pre-Chorus: Involves power chords, including D over A, Db, and G, along with others. This section combines whole note values and half note values for a dynamic feel.
Chorus: Same as the power chord-heavy part from the intro. Note that the second chorus is played twice as long for added intensity.
Solo: The solo is divided into three distinct parts. There’s a dedicated video lesson for each part.
Outro: The song features a fading riff based on the intro section. Bobby shares a special technique for nailing this section—don't miss it!
Why Learn the Song Walk?
- This lesson teaches key metal techniques like downstrokes, bending, sliding, and vibrato.
- The song's triplet rhythm and fast pace will challenge and strengthen your playing skills.
- Learning this iconic song will add power and groove to your playing style.
Tips for Smooth Playing:
- Focus on clean transitions between chords.
- Pay attention to silencing other strings during the intro.
- Take your time with the bending and vibrato, t’s all about control!
FAQs – Walk Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Yes! The rhythm is easy to follow, the chords and solos might be trickier though.
Q2. How can I improve my triplet rhythm?
Practice slow and steady while focusing on even timing and downstrokes.
Q3. How do I maintain a clean tone while playing power chords?
Make sure to mute any unwanted strings and use proper finger positioning.
Similar Pop Songs
Introduction
Welcome to the bass lesson for Have You Ever Seen the Rain (Smokie version). Originally written by John Fogerty and released by Creedence Clearwater Revival in 1971, this timeless classic has been covered by many artists, including Smokie on their 1995 album The World and Elsewhere.
This lesson is taught by Mike Walker and is set in the key of C with standard tuning. It’s a straightforward yet expressive song, making it perfect for both beginners looking to sharpen their technique and intermediate players who want to refine their timing and feel.
Lesson Breakdown
Mike takes a step-by-step approach to make learning smooth and approachable.
- Intro: The intro starts with a short, tasteful lick that begins on the G string before moving to the low E. Mike also demonstrates a subtle twist here: taking the 5th of the note lower instead of the usual higher, which adds a unique flavor to the line. This is followed by another short lick, carefully broken down so you can catch every nuance.
- Verse: The verse introduces a light hammer-on lick and moves back and forth between the G and C strings. It also includes a simple but effective walking bass line. Mike explains each step slowly, highlighting when to use chromatic movements and when to hold back, making it very beginner-friendly.
- Chorus: In the chorus, Mike divides the section into smaller movements for easier learning. He also explains how to lock in your groove with the guitar and drums to create a tight rhythm section feel.
- Underneath the Guitar Solos: You’ll also learn what’s happening in the bass line beneath the guitar solos. This part involves a subtle kick-drum-inspired rhythm, moving across the frets using four key chords to keep the groove steady.
Once all the sections are covered, Mike ties it all together by playing the full arrangement along with a backing track. This demo helps reinforce everything you’ve learned and is perfect for practising your transitions smoothly.
Introduction:
Get ready to learn You Send Me by Sam Cooke with instructor Mike Dugan on Torrins. This lesson covers everything from basic chords and strumming patterns to advanced solo techniques, making it suitable for both beginners and more experienced players. Mike breaks down the song step-by-step, helping you match your vocals with the chords and refine your rhythm for a polished performance.
Fun Fact: This was Sam Cooke’s debut single and it was a glorious debut– it peaked at number 1 position on both Billboard's Rhythm & Blues Records chart and the Billboard Hot 100. It was also named as one of the 500 most important rock and roll recordings by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Chords and Techniques Used in You Send Me
- Key: The original song is in the key of F for vocals, but Mike moves it to the key of G since it’s easier to follow on the guitar.
- Chords Used:
- G, D or D7, Am, and others
- He explains easy chord transitions and provides alternatives for beginners struggling with barre chords.
- Strumming Pattern:
- For Beginners:
- Use downstrokes, with two strums per chord for the verse.
- The verse uses open chords, with downstrokes on the numbers and upstrokes on the "and" counts.
- Tip: Don’t force the upstrokes—keep them light and natural.
- For Advanced Players:
- Mike demonstrates an advanced rhythm pattern using downstrokes with a triplet feel.
- He explains how to create a smoother, more dynamic strumming effect.
- For Beginners:
Song Structure
- Verse 1 and Verse 2: The two verses follow the same chord pattern and strumming technique. He also teaches how to match your vocals with the chords for a cohesive sound.
- Bridge: The bridge includes barre chords, but Mike teaches open chord alternatives for beginners. He explains the correct positioning for barre chords in detail to help you improve your grip and clarity.
- Solo Section: The solo is in the key of G major. The lead follows the relative minor of G (E minor), using the E minor pentatonic scale. For advanced players, he demonstrates a creative technique that makes the solo sound very close to the original recording.
Why Learn You Send Me?
This lesson not only teaches you how to play the song but also helps you develop better rhythm, improve chord transitions, and explore creative soloing techniques. The mix of beginner-friendly guidance and advanced options makes it a well-rounded learning experience.
Tips to Improve Your Playing
- Start slow with the strumming pattern to build muscle memory.
- Focus on smooth transitions between chords.
- For the solo, practice the E minor pentatonic scale separately before combining it with the backing track.
- Follow along with the tabs provided for a comprehensive learning experience.
FAQs – You Send Me Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song suitable for beginners?
Ans: Yes! The lesson includes beginner-friendly chords and strumming patterns, along with alternatives for challenging barre chords.
Q2. What’s the best way to improve my chord transitions?
Ans: Start slowly and focus on switching between two chords at a time before increasing your speed.
Q3. Do I need a capo for this song?
Ans: No capo is required, but you can experiment with different chord voicings to match your vocal range.
