How to Play “Hand in My Pocket” on Guitar
Learning how to play “Hand in My Pocket” by Coldplay on guitar can be an exciting challenge for both beginners and intermediate players. This popular song features a catchy melody and a unique fingerpicking pattern that can enhance your guitar skills. In this article, we will guide you through the process of playing this hit song on the guitar, covering the essential chords, rhythm, and strumming techniques.
Before we dive into the details, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the basic chords used in “Hand in My Pocket.” The song primarily revolves around the G major, D major, and A minor chords. To play these chords, position your fingers on the guitar strings as follows:
– G major: Place your index finger on the third fret of the low E string, your middle finger on the third fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string.
– D major: Place your index finger on the second fret of the low E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string.
– A minor: Place your index finger on the second fret of the low E string, your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string.
Now that you’re familiar with the chords, let’s move on to the rhythm and strumming pattern. “Hand in My Pocket” features a simple but effective rhythm that combines fingerpicking and strumming. Here’s how you can play the rhythm section:
1. Start by playing the G major chord with your right hand, while picking the low E string with your left hand.
2. Switch to the D major chord and strum the first three strings with your right hand.
3. Move to the A minor chord and play the first three strings again with your right hand.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for the rest of the song.
When fingerpicking, focus on using the tips of your fingers to pluck the strings, rather than using your nails. This will produce a cleaner and more pleasant sound. Additionally, try to keep your right hand steady and relaxed to maintain a consistent rhythm.
Now, let’s break down the song into its different sections:
– Verse 1: Begin with the G major chord and fingerpick the low E string for the first four beats. Then, switch to the D major chord and strum the first three strings for the next three beats. Repeat this pattern for the entire verse.
– Pre-Chorus: Play the G major chord for two beats, followed by the D major chord for one beat. Then, switch to the A minor chord and play it for two beats. Repeat this pattern for the pre-chorus.
– Chorus: Play the G major chord for two beats, followed by the D major chord for one beat. Then, switch to the A minor chord and play it for two beats. Repeat this pattern for the chorus.
As you practice, remember to take your time and focus on mastering the rhythm and chord transitions. Once you feel comfortable with the rhythm, you can start experimenting with different strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques to add more flavor to your playing.
With persistence and practice, you’ll be able to play “Hand in My Pocket” on guitar with confidence. Enjoy the process and have fun with this catchy tune!
