Mastering the Melody- A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing ‘Falling Slowly’ on Guitar for Beginners

How to Play “Falling Slowly” on Guitar for Beginners

Playing “Falling Slowly” on the guitar is a dream for many beginners. This beautiful song by The Swell Season is a perfect choice for those looking to improve their guitar skills. With its gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics, “Falling Slowly” can be both an enjoyable and rewarding experience to learn. In this article, we will guide you through the basics of playing “Falling Slowly” on the guitar, making it accessible for beginners.

First, let’s take a look at the structure of the song. “Falling Slowly” is a folk song that is typically played in the key of C major. The song consists of three main parts: the intro, the verse, and the chorus. The intro is a simple strumming pattern that sets the mood for the song, while the verse and chorus feature a mix of fingerpicking and strumming.

1. Learning the Chords

To play “Falling Slowly,” you’ll need to learn the basic chords in the key of C major. These chords include C, G, Am, F, Dm, and Em. Begin by practicing each chord individually, focusing on proper finger placement and strumming. Once you’re comfortable with each chord, start combining them to form the song’s progression.

2. The Intro

The intro of “Falling Slowly” is a simple strumming pattern that consists of alternating between C and G chords. To play the intro, strum the C chord for one measure, then switch to the G chord for the next measure. Repeat this pattern throughout the intro section of the song.

3. The Verse

The verse of “Falling Slowly” involves fingerpicking and strumming. To play the verse, you’ll need to switch between the C, G, Am, and F chords. The song follows a C-G-Am-F chord progression. Practice fingerpicking the individual strings while switching chords smoothly. It’s essential to maintain a steady rhythm and ensure that each chord is played clearly.

4. The Chorus

The chorus of “Falling Slowly” is a mix of fingerpicking and strumming. To play the chorus, you’ll use the C, G, and Am chords. The song follows a C-G-Am chord progression. Practice fingerpicking the individual strings while switching chords smoothly. The strumming pattern for the chorus is similar to the intro, alternating between C and G chords.

5. Practicing and Improving

Now that you have the basic structure of “Falling Slowly” down, it’s time to practice. Start by playing the song through a few times, focusing on maintaining a steady rhythm and smooth transitions between chords. As you become more comfortable with the song, try adding some variations to the strumming pattern or fingerpicking to make it your own.

Remember, learning to play “Falling Slowly” on the guitar takes time and patience. Don’t be discouraged by mistakes or frustration. Keep practicing, and you’ll gradually improve your skills. With persistence, you’ll be able to play this beautiful song with confidence and pride.