Learn Taylor Swift's '22' On Guitar: A Fun & Easy Guide

Hey everyone! Are you ready to strum along to one of Taylor Swift's most iconic hits? Today, we're diving into how to play "22" on guitar. This song is super fun to play, perfect for beginners, and a great way to impress your friends at your next jam session. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just picking up a six-string for the first time, I'll break down the chords, strumming patterns, and provide some helpful tips to get you playing "22" like a pro. So grab your guitar, and let's get started on this awesome musical journey!

Understanding the Basics: Chords and Structure of "22"

Before we jump into the actual playing, let's take a quick look at the building blocks of "22." The song primarily revolves around a few easy-to-learn chords. Knowing these chords and the song's structure will make learning the song much smoother. We will use the standard tuning for the guitar, which is E-A-D-G-B-e (from the thickest string to the thinnest).

The core chords you'll need for "22" are: G major, D major, Em (E minor), and C major. These chords are very common in a lot of pop music, which makes it a great song for practicing them. The chord progression in "22" is fairly repetitive, which is excellent news for us! The main progression is G - D - Em - C. The verses, chorus, and bridge all follow this pattern (with slight variations, which we'll cover). This repetition makes it easy to memorize and internalize the song's structure. You'll find yourself playing along in no time, and this will help you develop muscle memory, which is a great tool for a guitar player. The song starts with a simple strumming pattern, so we won't need anything too complicated. The key to playing "22" is consistency. Make sure to strum the chords clearly, and focus on the rhythm. Remember, there's no rush! Take your time, and enjoy the process of learning. Practicing slowly and methodically is key to mastering any song, and "22" is no exception.

Learning the chord shapes is crucial. The G major chord is usually played with your second finger on the sixth string (E string) at the third fret, your first finger on the fifth string (A string) at the second fret, and your third finger on the first string (e string) at the third fret. You'll strum all six strings. For the D major chord, place your first finger on the third string (G string) at the second fret, your second finger on the first string (e string) at the second fret, and your third finger on the second string (B string) at the third fret. Strum all but the sixth string. The Em (E minor) is easier. Place your second finger on the fifth string (A string) at the second fret and your first finger on the fourth string (D string) at the second fret. Strum all six strings. Finally, for the C major, place your third finger on the fifth string (A string) at the third fret, your second finger on the fourth string (D string) at the second fret, and your first finger on the second string (B string) at the first fret. Strum all five strings (don't strum the thickest E string). This song is a great starting point for aspiring guitarists. The simplicity of the chord progression allows you to focus on developing your strumming and chord-changing skills. With a little practice, you'll be able to play along with your favorite Taylor Swift song! Remember to have fun and enjoy the music. Playing the guitar should be an enjoyable experience, so don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll get there. I believe in you!

The Essential Chords for a "22" Guitar Cover

Now, let's look at the specific chord shapes and how to play them clearly. As mentioned before, we'll need G major, D major, Em (E minor), and C major. Let's start with the G major chord. Place your second finger on the sixth string (E string) at the third fret, your first finger on the fifth string (A string) at the second fret, and your third finger on the first string (e string) at the third fret. Make sure to strum all six strings. Next, let's learn the D major. Put your first finger on the third string (G string) at the second fret, your second finger on the first string (e string) at the second fret, and your third finger on the second string (B string) at the third fret. Strum all strings except the sixth string. The E minor (Em) chord is simple. Place your second finger on the fifth string (A string) at the second fret and your first finger on the fourth string (D string) at the second fret. Strum all six strings. Finally, let's get that C major. Place your third finger on the fifth string (A string) at the third fret, your second finger on the fourth string (D string) at the second fret, and your first finger on the second string (B string) at the first fret. Only strum the first five strings (don't strum the thickest E string).

Remember to practice these chord shapes individually first. Make sure your fingers are correctly placed on the frets, and that you're getting a clear sound from each string. It's also important to practice changing between the chords smoothly and quickly. Try changing from G to D, then D to Em, then Em to C, and then back to G. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. This is a crucial skill for playing any song. If you're struggling, try using a metronome to help you keep time and stay consistent. Many free metronome apps are available on your phone or computer. The more time you put in, the better you will become. Guitar playing takes practice, but with enough effort and dedication, anyone can become a guitarist. Just be patient and keep practicing. I am confident that you will succeed! Make sure you're having fun, too!

Strumming Patterns and Rhythmic Variations: Bringing the Song to Life

Once you have the chords down, let's work on the strumming. "22" uses a simple, upbeat strumming pattern, making it perfect for beginners. The main pattern is down, down, up, up, down, up. You'll play this pattern over each chord throughout the verses and the chorus. To make it easier, you can think of it as D-D-U-U-D-U. The