If The World Was Ending Chords: JP Saxe Tutorial

by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Hey guys! Today, let's dive into the emotional and soulful world of JP Saxe's hit song, "If The World Was Ending." This track isn't just a chart-topper; it's a poignant reflection on love, regret, and the what-ifs that haunt our minds. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting your musical journey, understanding the chords and structure of this song will add a beautiful piece to your repertoire. So, grab your guitar, and let’s get started!

Understanding the Emotional Depth

Before we jump into the chords, let's take a moment to appreciate the emotional weight of this song. "If The World Was Ending" captures the raw vulnerability of reaching out to someone you deeply care about during a crisis. The lyrics are simple yet powerful, creating an atmosphere of introspection and longing. JP Saxe's delivery, combined with Julia Michaels' harmonies, elevates the song to a heart-wrenching level. Understanding this emotional context will help you connect with the music on a deeper level, influencing your strumming and overall performance. Remember, music isn't just about playing the right notes; it's about conveying the right feelings.

Chord Progression Overview

The song primarily revolves around a straightforward chord progression, making it accessible for beginners while still offering enough harmonic interest to captivate listeners. The main chords you'll need to know are:

  • G Major (G): A foundational chord in many songs, G Major provides a sense of stability and warmth.
  • D Major (D): This chord adds brightness and forward momentum to the progression.
  • Em (E minor): Injecting a touch of melancholy, Em creates a beautiful contrast with the major chords.
  • C Major (C): Rounding out the progression, C Major offers a comforting resolution.

These four chords form the backbone of "If The World Was Ending." The beauty of this progression lies in its simplicity, allowing the lyrics and melody to take center stage. As you become more comfortable with these chords, you can start exploring different strumming patterns and embellishments to add your personal touch.

Detailed Chord Breakdown

Let's break down each chord in detail to ensure you're playing them correctly:

G Major (G)

The G Major chord is typically played as follows:

  • 3rd fret of the low E string
  • 2nd fret of the A string
  • Open G string
  • Open B string
  • 3rd fret of the high E string

This creates a full and resonant sound. Make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly behind the frets to avoid any buzzing. Practice transitioning to and from this chord smoothly, as it's a crucial part of the song.

D Major (D)

The D Major chord is played as:

  • Open D string
  • 2nd fret of the G string
  • 3rd fret of the B string
  • 2nd fret of the high E string

D Major adds a bright and uplifting quality to the song. Pay attention to the spacing of your fingers to ensure each note rings out clearly. Like with the G Major chord, practice transitioning to and from D Major to build muscle memory.

Em (E minor)

The E minor chord is played as:

  • Open E string
  • 2nd fret of the A string
  • Open D string
  • Open G string
  • Open B string
  • Open high E string

Em brings a touch of sadness and introspection to the progression. It's a relatively simple chord to play, making it perfect for beginners. Focus on maintaining a clean and consistent sound across all the strings.

C Major (C)

The C Major chord can be played in a few different ways, but here’s a common and easy-to-play version:

  • Open low E string (optional)
  • 3rd fret of the A string
  • 2nd fret of the D string
  • Open G string
  • 1st fret of the B string
  • Open high E string

C Major provides a comforting resolution to the chord progression. Be mindful of muting the low E string if you find it sounds muddy. Practice transitioning to and from C Major to complete your chord vocabulary for this song.

Strumming Patterns

"If The World Was Ending" doesn't rely on complex strumming patterns. A simple and effective pattern you can use is:

  • Down, Down, Up, Down, Up

This pattern provides a gentle and rhythmic foundation for the song. Feel free to experiment with variations to suit your style. You can also try adding accents to certain beats to create more dynamic interest. For example, emphasizing the first down strum of each measure can add a subtle but noticeable groove. Remember, the goal is to support the emotional content of the song, so keep your strumming consistent and heartfelt.

Song Structure

Understanding the structure of "If The World Was Ending" will help you play along with the song and memorize the chords more easily. The song generally follows this structure:

  1. Verse: G - D - Em - C
  2. Pre-Chorus: G - D - Em - C
  3. Chorus: G - D - Em - C
  4. Verse: G - D - Em - C
  5. Pre-Chorus: G - D - Em - C
  6. Chorus: G - D - Em - C
  7. Bridge: Em - C - G - D
  8. Chorus: G - D - Em - C
  9. Outro: G - D - Em - C (fade out)

Notice the consistent use of the G - D - Em - C progression throughout most of the song. The bridge provides a slight variation, offering a moment of harmonic tension before returning to the familiar chorus. Pay attention to the transitions between sections to create a cohesive and engaging performance.

Tips for Mastering the Song

Here are some additional tips to help you master "If The World Was Ending":

  • Practice Slowly: Start by practicing the chord changes slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
  • Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you maintain a consistent rhythm and improve your timing.
  • Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to JP Saxe's performance and try to emulate his phrasing and dynamics.
  • Sing Along: Singing along while you play can help you connect with the emotional content of the song and improve your coordination.
  • Record Yourself: Recording yourself can help you identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
  • Play with Others: Playing with other musicians can be a great way to learn new techniques and improve your ensemble playing.

Adding Your Personal Touch

Once you're comfortable with the basic chords and strumming patterns, feel free to add your personal touch to the song. Here are some ideas:

  • Fingerpicking: Try fingerpicking the chords instead of strumming to create a more intimate and delicate sound.
  • Adding Embellishments: Incorporate hammer-ons, pull-offs, and other embellishments to add flair to your playing.
  • Experimenting with Dynamics: Vary the volume and intensity of your playing to create dynamic contrast.
  • Changing the Key: If the original key doesn't suit your vocal range, try transposing the song to a different key.

Remember, music is about self-expression, so don't be afraid to experiment and make the song your own.

Conclusion

"If The World Was Ending" is a beautiful and moving song that's both accessible to beginners and rewarding for experienced guitarists. By understanding the chords, strumming patterns, and structure of the song, you can create a compelling performance that captures the emotional depth of the lyrics. So, grab your guitar, practice diligently, and let the music speak for itself. Happy playing, and keep those chords ringing!