How to Play “I Hurt Myself Today” on Guitar
Playing “I Hurt Myself Today” by Shinedown on guitar can be a rewarding experience for both beginners and advanced players. This powerful rock song features a memorable melody and catchy rhythm that will challenge your skills while also providing a sense of accomplishment. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps to play “I Hurt Myself Today” on guitar, covering the necessary chords, rhythm, and techniques.
Before you start, make sure you have a good understanding of guitar basics, such as chord shapes, strumming patterns, and basic rhythm. You’ll also need a guitar capo to transpose the song to a more comfortable key. Let’s dive into the details:
Chords and Progression
“I Hurt Myself Today” is primarily based on the E minor chord progression. Here’s the progression you’ll need to memorize:
- E minor
- B7
- A
- E minor
- B7
- A
- E minor
Use the following chord shapes to play each chord:
- E minor: Place your first finger on the second fret of the low E string, second finger on the fourth fret of the A string, and third finger on the fifth fret of the D string. The high E string should be open.
- B7: Place your first finger on the second fret of the low E string, second finger on the second fret of the A string, third finger on the third fret of the D string, and fourth finger on the first fret of the G string. The high E string should be open.
- A: Place your first finger on the second fret of the low E string, second finger on the second fret of the A string, third finger on the second fret of the D string, and fourth finger on the second fret of the G string. The high E string should be open.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “I Hurt Myself Today” is relatively simple, focusing on a downstroke-based rhythm. Here’s a basic pattern you can use:
- Downstroke: Play the E minor chord for one measure, followed by the B7 chord for one measure.
- Downstroke: Play the A chord for one measure, followed by the E minor chord for one measure.
- Downstroke: Play the B7 chord for one measure, followed by the A chord for one measure.
- Downstroke: Play the E minor chord for one measure, followed by the B7 chord for one measure.
Feel free to experiment with the strumming pattern to add more dynamics and expression to your playing.
Techniques and Tips
Here are some techniques and tips to help you play “I Hurt Myself Today” on guitar:
- Use a metronome to keep a consistent tempo.
- Practice fingerpicking to add texture to your playing.
- Focus on the rhythm of the song to ensure you’re playing in time.
- Experiment with different guitar tunings to find the best sound for the song.
By following these guidelines and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to master “I Hurt Myself Today” on guitar and enjoy the satisfaction of playing a challenging and rewarding rock song.
