Hey guys! Are you ready to learn how to play "Everything You Want" on your guitar? This guide will walk you through the chords, strumming patterns, and some helpful tips to master this classic song. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, you'll find something useful here. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Introduction to "Everything You Want"

"Everything You Want" is a timeless hit by the band Vertical Horizon. Released in 1999, this song quickly climbed the charts and became an anthem for many. Its catchy melody and relatable lyrics about longing and desire have made it a favorite for guitar players. The song is known for its simple yet effective chord progression, making it an excellent choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists alike. Understanding the context and popularity of this song can motivate you to learn it and add it to your repertoire. The beauty of "Everything You Want" lies in its accessibility; the chords are relatively easy to grasp, but mastering the timing and dynamics will truly elevate your performance. As you learn the song, pay attention to the nuances in the original recording. Vertical Horizon's performance is characterized by a delicate balance of acoustic and electric elements, creating a rich and textured sound that supports the emotional weight of the lyrics. Learning the guitar chords for "Everything You Want" is not just about replicating notes; it's about internalizing the sentiment and conveying it through your playing. Many guitarists find that understanding the lyrical content enhances their interpretation of the song, allowing them to connect with it on a deeper level. The song’s enduring appeal makes it a solid choice for any guitarist looking to expand their skills while learning a tune that is both recognizable and rewarding to play. Remember, the key to learning any song is patience and persistence. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually master "Everything You Want" on the guitar!

Basic Chords You'll Need

Before diving into the full song, let's cover the basic chords you'll need to play "Everything You Want." These chords are fundamental and appear frequently in many other songs, so mastering them is a great investment in your guitar-playing journey. We'll focus on the most common and easiest versions of these chords to get you playing the song as quickly as possible. First up is G major (G). This chord is a staple for guitarists and is typically played as 320003. Place your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret; your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Practice transitioning to and from this chord smoothly. Next, we have D major (D), played as 000232. Place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret; your middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. This chord is bright and uplifting, adding a positive vibe to the song. Then there's Em (E minor), played as 022000. Place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Em adds a touch of melancholy and depth to the chord progression. Lastly, C major (C), played as x32010. Place your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret; your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret; and your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret. This chord provides a solid foundation and a sense of resolution. Practice switching between these chords until you can do so without hesitation. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent and aim for clean, clear sounds from each chord. These basic chords are the building blocks of "Everything You Want," and with a bit of practice, you'll be well on your way to playing the song confidently.

Chord Progression

The chord progression for "Everything You Want" is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for guitarists of all levels. The main progression revolves around four key chords: G, D, Em, and C. Understanding how these chords fit together will help you memorize the song and play it smoothly. The most common order for these chords in the verses is G - D - Em - C. This sequence creates a pleasing and memorable sound that drives the song forward. For example, a typical verse line might follow this progression: "G / D / Em / C." The G chord usually starts the phrase, providing a strong foundation. The D chord adds a touch of brightness, followed by the Em chord, which introduces a hint of melancholy. Finally, the C chord resolves the phrase, bringing it back to a stable point. In the chorus, the chord progression remains largely the same but might include slight variations or repetitions to build intensity. You might find the progression extended to include extra repetitions of the D chord, for instance, G - D - Em - C - D. These variations can add emphasis to certain lyrics and create a more dynamic feel. Pay attention to the transitions between chords. Smooth transitions are essential for maintaining the song’s flow. Practice switching from G to D, D to Em, Em to C, and back to G. Use your fingers efficiently, and try to anticipate the next chord shape. If you find any transitions challenging, isolate those specific chord changes and practice them repeatedly until they become natural. Understanding the underlying structure of the chord progression will also help you when you want to experiment with your own variations. Feel free to try different voicings or add embellishments to the chords to create your own unique interpretation of the song. Remember, the goal is to make the song your own while staying true to the original spirit of "Everything You Want."

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern for "Everything You Want" can vary depending on the specific section of the song and your personal playing style. However, a basic strumming pattern that works well for most of the song is Down, Down, Up, Down, Up. This pattern is simple enough for beginners but provides enough rhythmic interest to keep the song engaging. When written out, it looks like: D D U D U, where D represents a downstroke and U represents an upstroke. This pattern is versatile and can be applied to each chord in the progression: G - D - Em - C. To make the strumming sound more interesting, you can add variations. For example, try emphasizing certain strums. You might strum the downbeats (the first and third strums) more forcefully to create a stronger rhythmic pulse. Another variation is to add a slight pause or skip a strum in certain places. This can create a syncopated feel, adding a bit of groove to the song. Listen closely to the original recording of "Everything You Want" to get a sense of the subtle variations Vertical Horizon uses. Experiment with your strumming to match their style, or feel free to develop your own unique approach. One common technique is to use palm muting to dampen the strings slightly. This can create a more percussive sound, which works well in the verses. To palm mute, gently rest the edge of your strumming hand on the strings near the bridge of the guitar. Adjust the pressure until you achieve the desired amount of dampening. Remember, the key to good strumming is consistency and rhythm. Use a metronome to practice the basic strumming pattern until it becomes second nature. Then, start experimenting with variations and techniques to add your own personal touch. With practice, you'll be able to strum "Everything You Want" with confidence and style.

Song Structure

Understanding the structure of "Everything You Want" will greatly enhance your ability to play and perform the song. Like many popular songs, it follows a fairly standard structure of verse, chorus, and bridge. Let's break down each section to give you a clear roadmap of the song. The verse typically features the chord progression G - D - Em - C. The lyrics in the verse tell the story or set the scene, often expressing feelings of longing or contemplation. The melody in the verse is usually more subdued, allowing the lyrics to take center stage. Pay attention to the dynamics in the verse, as subtle variations in volume and intensity can add depth to the performance. The chorus is the emotional heart of the song. It usually features the same chord progression as the verse (G - D - Em - C), but with a more powerful and uplifting melody. The lyrics in the chorus are often the most memorable and convey the central theme of the song. In "Everything You Want," the chorus is where the energy builds, inviting the listener to sing along. The chorus is a great opportunity to add more intensity to your strumming and vocal delivery. After a few repetitions of the verse and chorus, the song often introduces a bridge. The bridge provides a contrast to the verse and chorus, both musically and lyrically. It might feature a different chord progression or a change in tempo or dynamics. The bridge often serves as a turning point in the song, leading back to the final chorus with renewed energy. The bridge in "Everything You Want" adds a layer of complexity and emotion to the song, making the return to the chorus even more impactful. Finally, the song concludes with either a repetition of the chorus or an outro. The outro might fade out gradually or end with a final, definitive chord. Understanding the song structure will help you anticipate the changes and play the song more smoothly. It also allows you to focus on the nuances of each section, adding your own personal touch to the performance.

Tips for Beginners

Learning to play "Everything You Want" on guitar can be an achievable and rewarding goal, even if you're just starting out. Here are some tips specifically tailored for beginners to help you along the way. First and foremost, start slow. Don't try to play the song at full speed right away. Focus on getting the chord changes clean and accurate. Use a metronome to gradually increase your tempo as you become more comfortable. This will help you develop a solid sense of timing and rhythm. Next, practice chord transitions. Smooth transitions between chords are essential for playing the song smoothly. Identify the chord changes that you find most challenging and practice them repeatedly. Try to anticipate the next chord shape and move your fingers efficiently. Remember, practice makes perfect! Use online resources. There are countless websites and YouTube channels that offer guitar lessons and tutorials. Look for videos that specifically cover "Everything You Want" or focus on beginner guitar techniques. These resources can provide valuable insights and visual demonstrations. Break the song into smaller sections. Instead of trying to learn the entire song at once, break it down into smaller, more manageable sections. Focus on mastering one section at a time before moving on to the next. This will make the learning process less overwhelming and more enjoyable. Don't be afraid to simplify. If the full chords are too challenging, try using simplified versions or chord voicings. You can also try using a capo to change the key of the song, making it easier to play. Be patient and persistent. Learning to play guitar takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep practicing regularly, and you will eventually reach your goals. Celebrate your progress along the way, and remember to have fun! Join a community. Connect with other guitar players online or in person. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can be a great source of motivation and support. Consider joining a guitar club or taking lessons from a qualified instructor. By following these tips and dedicating yourself to practice, you'll be playing "Everything You Want" on guitar in no time!

Advanced Techniques

For those who have mastered the basic chords and strumming patterns of "Everything You Want," there are several advanced techniques you can explore to add more depth and complexity to your performance. These techniques can elevate your playing and allow you to create your own unique interpretation of the song. First, consider incorporating fingerpicking. While the song is often played with a strumming pattern, fingerpicking can add a delicate and intricate texture. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns, such as alternating bass notes or arpeggiating the chords. This can create a more intimate and nuanced sound. Next, explore alternate tunings. While the standard tuning works well for "Everything You Want," experimenting with alternate tunings can open up new possibilities. For example, try using DADGAD tuning or Drop D tuning. These tunings can create a richer, more resonant sound and allow you to play different chord voicings. Add embellishments and fills. Embellishments are small decorative notes or phrases that you can add to the chords to make them more interesting. Fills are short instrumental passages that you can play between vocal phrases. These techniques can add a personal touch to your playing and fill out the sound. Use dynamics and phrasing. Dynamics refer to the volume and intensity of your playing. Phrasing refers to the way you shape and articulate the notes and chords. By varying your dynamics and phrasing, you can add emotion and expression to your performance. Try playing certain sections of the song more softly and others more forcefully. Experiment with different articulations, such as staccato or legato. Incorporate improvisation. Once you're comfortable with the basic structure of the song, try improvising over the chord progression. Use your knowledge of scales and chords to create your own melodies and solos. This can be a great way to express your creativity and make the song your own. Study other guitarists. Listen to recordings of other guitarists playing "Everything You Want" or similar songs. Pay attention to their techniques and try to incorporate them into your own playing. There are countless talented guitarists out there, and you can learn a lot by studying their work. By exploring these advanced techniques, you can take your playing of "Everything You Want" to the next level and create a truly memorable performance.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! You've now got the knowledge and tools to tackle "Everything You Want" on guitar. Remember, learning guitar takes time and practice, so don't get discouraged if you don't nail it right away. Keep strumming, keep practicing those chord changes, and most importantly, have fun with it! With a little dedication, you'll be playing this awesome song for your friends and family in no time. Happy playing, and rock on!