21. FINDING CHORDS OF A SONG

 22. FINDING CHORDS OF A SONG:

Few steps below can be helpful in finding or recognizing the chords of a song.

Step 1: Listen thoroughly to the song

Listen to the song many times until it is sounding in your mind and you are able to hum it. Try to remember the vocals, lead lines, plus the song structure. Note down the intro, verses, chorus, outro, and how many times the verses and chorus are repeated. 

Step 2: Replicate the First Chord

Try to replicate the first chord in the instrument that is used in the song. It will mostly be a simple minor or major chord and tell you which key the song is in. For example, if the first chord is G Major, the song will be mostly in the key of G Major.

Step3: Figure out the Scale

The Scale could be found once we listen to the song and find the notes of it by playing in the instrument. Every song mostly has a set of 7 notes arranged in definite progression or order, thereby lying in a Scale or Raga. If the song is major scale (energetic, happy, romantic, etc.); it will probably use a simple major scale chord progression containing the first, fourth, fifth note’s major chord. At times the second, third, and sixth note’s minor chords are used. Also, chord positions such as add9 chords, add7 chords, sus2, sus4, and other common chords can fit better at times. If the song is in a minor scale (sad, depressed, sad romantic), it will probably use a simple minor scale chord progression containing the first, fourth, fifth note’s minor chord. At times the third, sixth, and seventh note’s major chords are used. Also suspended, dominant and other variants of these chords can be used at times.

Step 4: Check for Voicings/Inversions

In both major and minor cases, if the chords don’t match, try out different voicings/Inversions of the chords. Voicings/Inversions will sound better and more similar to the original song. It is the same chords but with a different order of notes.

 Step 5: Check for Change of Tone in the Song

Whenever there is an abrupt change of tone or a change in the phase of the song from intro to verse to chorus, Make sure to carefully choose accurate chords for the song at all its different phases.

Step 6: Rhythm

The next important step is the rhythm in the song. Try to figure out the proper rhythm. It can be done by listening to the drumbeat, or by tapping the foot along with the song.

Step 7: Play Along

Finally try to play along to the song, check for any mistakes or problems. If a chord sounds out of place or out of sync at any point, check your rhythm, chord, and tuning.