How to Play “Suddenly” by Billy Ocean on Guitar
Learning how to play “Suddenly” by Billy Ocean on guitar can be a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced players alike. This iconic song, with its smooth melody and catchy rhythm, has been a staple in the pop music scene for decades. In this article, we will guide you through the essential steps and techniques to master this classic tune on the guitar.
Before diving into the guitar tabs and chords, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the song’s structure. “Suddenly” is a pop song with a moderate tempo, and it follows a typical verse-chorus pattern. The song is in the key of G major, and the tempo is around 120 beats per minute. Now, let’s get started with the guitar tabs and chords.
1. Tuning
Start by tuning your guitar to the key of G major. The standard tuning for this song is EADGBE. Use a guitar tuner to ensure your strings are in tune.
2. Chords
The song primarily uses the following chords: G major, C major, D major, and E minor. Familiarize yourself with these chords and practice them until you can play them smoothly and accurately.
3. Guitar Tabs
Here’s a basic guitar tab for the verse and chorus of “Suddenly”:
Verse:
“`
e|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
B|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
G|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
D|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
A|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
E|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
“`
Chorus:
“`
e|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
B|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
G|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
D|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
A|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
E|——————-|——————-|——————-|——————-|
“`
4. Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Suddenly” is a simple up-down-up-down pattern. Practice this pattern while playing the chords to get a smooth and consistent sound.
5. Practice and Tips
Practice playing the song slowly at first, focusing on accuracy and smooth transitions between chords. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo. Here are a few tips to help you master “Suddenly”:
- Focus on the timing and rhythm of the song.
- Experiment with different strumming patterns to add variety to your playing.
- Record yourself playing the song and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to playing “Suddenly” by Billy Ocean on guitar like a pro. Enjoy the process and have fun with your newfound skills!
