Learn The If The World Was Ending Chords: A Chordtela Guide

Hey guys! Ever been stuck trying to figure out the chords for a song you love? I totally get it. It can be a real pain, especially when you're just starting out or trying to nail a specific version. Today, we're diving into the popular acoustic ballad, "If the World Was Ending" by JP Saxe ft. Julia Michaels. We'll be using Chordtela, a fantastic resource for chord charts, to break down the song and get you playing along in no time. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just strumming your first chords, this guide will help you understand the structure and play the song. Let's get started!

Unveiling the Magic: Essential Chords and Their Structure

So, what makes "If the World Was Ending" so captivating? A huge part of it is the simple, yet beautiful, chord progression. The song's emotional depth comes from the way the chords interact, creating a feeling of vulnerability and connection. Using Chordtela, we can pinpoint the core chords that drive the song. The main chords you'll encounter are: G major, D major, Em (E minor), and C major. These are all common chords, making this song a great choice for beginner to intermediate guitarists. The simplicity of these chords allows you to focus on the feel and emotion of the song. Let's break down the basic structure, usually, the song revolves around these chords in a repeated pattern, with the verse, chorus, and bridge using these chords in various sequences. The song is typically played in the key of G major. The verses often start with a G chord, moving to a D, then to Em, and finally resolving on C. The chorus will usually include the same chords, often with a slightly different strumming pattern or rhythm. The bridge might introduce variations or different chord voicings, adding a layer of depth. One of the best ways to learn a song is to listen to it repeatedly. As you listen, try to identify the changes in chords and how they create a musical narrative. Pay attention to the transitions between chords and how they match the lyrical content. Once you're comfortable with the chord shapes and the song's basic structure, you can start experimenting with strumming patterns and different rhythms. Try different techniques, such as fingerpicking or using a pick, to find what works best for you and helps you express the song's emotions.

G major, the foundation, is typically played as 320003. Place your middle finger on the low E string, index finger on the A string, and ring finger on the high E string. Then, there's D major, usually played as xx0232. Place your index finger on the G string, your middle finger on the high E string, and your ring finger on the B string. Moving to Em (E minor) which is played as 022000. It's an easy one – just put your middle finger on the A string and your ring finger on the D string. Lastly, we have C major, played as x32010. Put your ring finger on the A string, your middle finger on the D string, and your index finger on the B string. With these basics, you're ready to get started! Let's get these chords down first, then we can talk about how they fit together in the song.

Decoding Chordtela: Finding and Using the Charts

Chordtela is a fantastic resource, especially for Indonesian guitarists. It offers a huge library of chord charts for various songs. Finding "If the World Was Ending" on Chordtela is a piece of cake. Just head to their website, use the search bar, and type in the song title or the artist's name (JP Saxe or Julia Michaels). The site will return several results, but we want the most accurate chart. Look for the one that seems most popular or has the most accurate reviews. Then, click on the chart to open it. Once you have the chord chart, you'll see the lyrics with the corresponding chords written above each word or syllable where the chord change happens. This helps you follow along as you play. Most charts also indicate the song's key, which is usually in G major for this song. Remember, a song's key is the central musical scale around which it's based. The key determines which chords will be used to create the song's melody and harmony. When you're just starting, focus on playing the correct chord shapes and changing chords at the right moments. Don't worry about sounding perfect right away. Practice makes perfect. Start slowly, and gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable. Another important element to consider is the arrangement. The arrangement refers to the overall structure of the song, including the order of verses, choruses, and other sections. Most songs follow a standard structure, such as intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, chorus, and outro. Knowing the arrangement can help you understand how the chords fit together and allow you to anticipate chord changes. For example, if you know the song goes to the chorus after a verse, you can prepare the chords ahead of time. Chordtela charts often show you the arrangement. Understanding the arrangement helps you predict what is coming next, making it easier to play the song smoothly. Make sure to double-check the accuracy of the chord chart. Sometimes, charts might have minor errors, but usually, Chordtela is a reliable source. Compare the chords on the chart to a video tutorial or an audio recording of the song to see if they match. Listening to the song while following the chord chart is crucial. This will help you identify the chord changes, the rhythm, and the overall feel of the song.

Strumming Patterns and Rhythms: Adding Life to Your Playing

Alright, so you've got the chords down and the chart in front of you. Now, it's time to bring the song to life with some strumming patterns! The rhythm is where you really start to express yourself. "If the World Was Ending" is a moderately paced song, lending itself to a simple, emotional strumming pattern. A common pattern that works well is D-D-U-U-D-U (Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up). You can adapt this pattern, experimenting with different variations. Try to avoid rushing the transitions between chords and keep a steady beat. This pattern offers a good balance between maintaining the song's momentum and allowing the chords to ring out. Experiment with different strumming techniques. You can strum with a pick or use your fingers. Start slow, get comfortable with the pattern, then gradually increase your speed. Another helpful tip is to focus on the feel of the song. "If the World Was Ending" is an emotional song, so try to match your strumming to the lyrics and the overall mood. Remember, a song's feel depends on how you play it, so don't be afraid to add your unique style. Let's explore some other popular strumming patterns you can use. Another common pattern is down, down, up, up, down, up, or D-D-U-U-D-U. This pattern is fairly straightforward and can be easily adapted to the song's tempo. For an extra touch, try incorporating a slight pause between chord changes, allowing each chord to resonate fully. Strumming patterns are not set in stone; you can also experiment with other rhythms to find what sounds best to your ear. The most important thing is to make sure your strumming compliments the song's feel. Another variation that might suit the song is a simple down-down-up-down-up. This is an excellent beginner pattern and ensures you keep the rhythm steady. With practice, you can adapt these basic strumming patterns to fit your style. The key is to listen to the song and pay attention to its rhythm. Then, modify your strumming to reflect that rhythm.

Practice Makes Perfect: Tips for Learning and Improving

Alright, let's talk about practice! Learning to play the guitar takes time and patience, but it's totally achievable with consistent effort. Here are some tips to help you on your journey to mastering the "If the World Was Ending" chords. First off, regular practice is key. Try to set aside some time each day, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes. Regular practice is much more effective than sporadic long sessions. Break down the song into smaller sections. Don't try to learn the whole song at once. Focus on learning a few chords at a time, or practice a single verse or chorus until you're comfortable. Slow and steady wins the race. Start by playing the song at a slower tempo. This will give you time to ensure that you're playing the correct chords and changing them smoothly. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. Use a metronome. A metronome is a handy tool to keep time and help you maintain a steady rhythm. There are many metronome apps available for smartphones or you can find one online. Listen to the original song frequently. The more you listen to the song, the more familiar you will become with the chord changes, rhythms, and overall feel of the song. As you play, try singing along. This will help you get a better sense of the song's timing and rhythm. If you get stuck on a particular chord change, focus on just that transition. Practice going from one chord to the other repeatedly until it becomes easier. Record yourself playing. This is a great way to identify any mistakes or areas where you need to improve. It also gives you a way to track your progress. Don't get discouraged! Learning guitar takes time, so don't expect to master everything overnight. Remember to celebrate your progress. Acknowledge what you've achieved, and don't be afraid to take breaks when you need them. Celebrate each little victory and stay positive. Lastly, find a community. Join online forums, take lessons from a teacher, or jam with friends.

Level Up Your Skills: Beyond the Basics

Once you're comfortable with the basic chords and strumming patterns, you can take your playing to the next level. There are several ways to spice up your performance of "If the World Was Ending." Explore different chord voicings. This means playing the same chords in different positions on the fretboard. Experimenting with chord voicings adds a unique color to the sound. Try playing the song with fingerpicking. Instead of strumming, pluck the strings with your fingers. This can give the song a more intimate feel. Learn the song's intro and outro. These are often played with variations of the main chords and can add another layer of complexity. Incorporate slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs. These techniques can add expression and interest to your playing. Try to improvise. Once you're comfortable with the chord changes, try to improvise. Improvisation is a fantastic way to develop your musical creativity. To practice improvisation, try playing around with the main chords and creating your melodies. The use of a capo can also dramatically change the sound. A capo is a small device that clamps onto the fretboard, allowing you to change the key of the song without changing the chord shapes.

Conclusion: You've Got This!

There you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to playing "If the World Was Ending" using Chordtela. Remember, learning guitar is a journey, and every strum, every chord, is a step forward. Don't get discouraged, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun! With some dedication, you'll be playing this beautiful song and creating music in no time. So grab your guitar, open up Chordtela, and start strumming. You've got this! Now go forth and make some music!