
When Ed Sheeran released “Thinking Out Loud” in 2014, it was pretty special because of the way the chords were used. It quickly became a modern classic; the track was part of his album “X” (multiply).
It’s a song that perfectly embodies heartfelt lyricism and tasteful musicianship, feeling like a timeless classic. Thus, evoking a sound similar to 60s music while firmly pushing Ed as one of the best contemporary singer-songwriters of the present time.
The song “Thinking out Loud” features a warm, bluesy D-major chord progression. As you learn this song in this lesson, you will also find occasional color tones that add a gospel-like tenderness.
Both the structure and the harmony of the different instruments in this made it groundbreaking. To. To be able to play it on your guitar, you will have to be a genius with precision. Keep in mind, it’s completely different from the trendy songs people listen to nowadays; it’s a timeless piece packed with tender storytelling and understated guitar, which every budding guitarist needs to study.
Strumming Pattern
For beginners who are new to guitar strumming, a good starting point would be:
D DU UDU.
- D = Down Strum.
- U = Up Strum.
Using the above-mentioned strumming pattern for the song “Thinking Out Loud,,” you get the flowing, soul-like rhythm for which the music is popular.
Apart from this, there is one more variation that you should learn once you master the basic one. The thing with Ed Sheeran is that he doesn’t like to stick to one single strumming pattern; he keeps experimenting, which leads to epic live concert performances.
Here’s how you can use muted strums, ghost hits, and even percussive slaps to add more flair to the strumming pattern: D DxU X UD X.
- DxU = Down (mute) Up.
- UP = Light and relaxed strumming on the higher strings; at the same time, this part of the strumming pattern adds a “Chicka-chika” feel, making the song feel more alive rather than just mechanical.
FAQs – Thinking Out Loud By Ed Sheeran Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. In which key is the song “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran presented?
Ans. The song uses E major as the main key, but whenever Ed Sheeran plays it live, he uses D major chord shapes in addition to a capo on the 2nd fret.
Q2. What should be the tuning of my guitar if I wish to play “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran?
Ans. Use standard tuning (E A D G B e) with capo on the 2nd fret.
Unlock Full Access to Lyrics & Chords with Torrins Membership
Unlock with premiumWhen Ed Sheeran released “Thinking Out Loud” in 2014, it was pretty special because of the way the chords were used. It quickly became a modern classic; the track was part of his album “X” (multiply).
It’s a song that perfectly embodies heartfelt lyricism and tasteful musicianship, feeling like a timeless classic. Thus, evoking a sound similar to 60s music while firmly pushing Ed as one of the best contemporary singer-songwriters of the present time.
The song “Thinking out Loud” features a warm, bluesy D-major chord progression. As you learn this song in this lesson, you will also find occasional color tones that add a gospel-like tenderness.
Both the structure and the harmony of the different instruments in this made it groundbreaking. To. To be able to play it on your guitar, you will have to be a genius with precision. Keep in mind, it’s completely different from the trendy songs people listen to nowadays; it’s a timeless piece packed with tender storytelling and understated guitar, which every budding guitarist needs to study.
Strumming Pattern
For beginners who are new to guitar strumming, a good starting point would be:
D DU UDU.
- D = Down Strum.
- U = Up Strum.
Using the above-mentioned strumming pattern for the song “Thinking Out Loud,,” you get the flowing, soul-like rhythm for which the music is popular.
Apart from this, there is one more variation that you should learn once you master the basic one. The thing with Ed Sheeran is that he doesn’t like to stick to one single strumming pattern; he keeps experimenting, which leads to epic live concert performances.
Here’s how you can use muted strums, ghost hits, and even percussive slaps to add more flair to the strumming pattern: D DxU X UD X.
- DxU = Down (mute) Up.
- UP = Light and relaxed strumming on the higher strings; at the same time, this part of the strumming pattern adds a “Chicka-chika” feel, making the song feel more alive rather than just mechanical.
FAQs – Thinking Out Loud By Ed Sheeran Song Guitar Lesson
Q1. In which key is the song “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran presented?
Ans. The song uses E major as the main key, but whenever Ed Sheeran plays it live, he uses D major chord shapes in addition to a capo on the 2nd fret.
Q2. What should be the tuning of my guitar if I wish to play “Thinking Out Loud” by Ed Sheeran?
Ans. Use standard tuning (E A D G B e) with capo on the 2nd fret.
Unlock Full Access to Lyrics & Chords with Torrins Membership
Unlock with premiumExplore More in English Songs
Introduction:
Torrins brings you an exciting guitar lesson "Just The Way You Are" by Bruno Mars, taught by expert instructor Mike Walker. This beautiful and heartfelt song is known for its simplicity and emotional depth, making it a great choice for both beginners and intermediate players. In this lesson, you'll learn two different ways to play this song with and without a capo along with essential strumming techniques and dynamics.
Fun Fact: "Just The Way You Are" was Bruno Mars' debut solo single, earning him the Grammy Award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. This song marked the beginning of his rise to global stardom!
Chords Used in Just The Way You Are Guitar Lesson
With Capo (3rd fret):
- Mike demonstrates how to play the song with chords like Bm, Double Stack G, and others.
- The non-capo version of the song includes just a handful of chords, with one being a barre chord (Bm). However, Mike Walker demonstrates an easy way to play it, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Without Capo:
- Bb (barre chord), F, and others.
- This version features slightly trickier chord shapes, but the lesson breaks down smooth transitions between them.
Strumming Pattern
The song follows a consistent and simple strumming pattern: DDDUDUDD.
Mike explains how to approach string roots and strumming accents to enhance your playing. Tune in to the lesson to learn these techniques in detail.
Pro Tip: Since the song is highly repetitive, dynamics play a crucial role. Dynamics keep the song engaging and expressive. The verse is played slightly louder than the chorus to create contrast and keep the song engaging.
Capo vs. Non-Capo Version
This lesson provides two approaches:
- Capo Version: A beginner-friendly arrangement with simple chord transitions.
- Non-Capo Version: A slightly more advanced version with barre chords and intricate transitions.
Mike plays both versions along with a backing track to help tie everything together. The lyrics provided with the guitar tutorial help you follow along seamlessly, making it easier to match your playing with the vocal phrasing and timing.
Why Learn Just The Way You Are?
This lesson is perfect for players who want to master song dynamics and strumming consistency. You'll also gain experience with barre chords, making it a great stepping stone toward more advanced playing.
FAQs – Just The Way You Are Guitar Lesson
Q1. Is this song beginner-friendly?
A: Yes! The capo version makes it accessible, while the non-capo version challenges intermediate players.
Q2. Do I need a capo?
A: No, but the capo version simplifies chord shapes and makes the song easier to play.
Q4. What if I struggle with the barre chords?
A: Mike demonstrates easy ways to tackle the barre chords and some tips for smooth transitions and finger positionings.
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.




























