Are you ready to learn one of the most iconic and beloved guitar riffs of all time? “Come As You Are” by Nirvana is a classic rock anthem that has captivated audiences for decades, and now it’s time for you to master the strumming pattern that drives this unforgettable song. With just a few simple chords and a catchy rhythm, you’ll be playing like a pro in no time. So grab your guitar, and let’s dive into the world of “Come As You Are” strumming pattern. Get ready to rock!

Understanding the Song Structure

Verse

The verse of “Come As You Are” is the opening section of the song and serves as an introduction to the main chord progression. It sets the melody and tempo for the rest of the song, establishing a foundation for the listener to follow along with.

In the verse, the chord progression follows a I-IV-V pattern, with the first chord being the tonic or root chord, the fourth chord being the subdominant chord, and the fifth chord being the dominant chord. This progression is a common structure in many popular songs and provides a sense of stability and familiarity to the listener.

The tempo of the song is moderate, with a consistent rhythm that helps to keep the listener engaged. The melody is primarily driven by the vocals, with the guitar providing a supporting role in the form of strumming patterns and chord progressions.

To master the strumming pattern for the verse, it’s important to focus on the rhythm and timing of each chord change. This can be achieved by practicing with a metronome, gradually increasing the speed as you become more comfortable with the progression. It’s also helpful to listen to recordings of the song to get a sense of the rhythm and feel of the verse.

In addition to the chord progression, the verse of “Come As You Are” also features a memorable melody that helps to drive the song forward. This melody is often played on the guitar by incorporating specific notes into the strumming pattern. By paying close attention to the melody and incorporating it into your strumming pattern, you can add an extra layer of depth and emotion to your playing.

Overall, mastering the strumming pattern for the verse of “Come As You Are” requires a focus on rhythm, timing, and melody. By practicing these elements separately and then combining them, you can create a powerful and memorable guitar part that contributes to the overall success of the song.

Pre-Chorus

• Introduces the main chord progression before the chorus
• Establishes the key and tempo of the song
• Provides a smooth transition from the verse to the chorus

The pre-chorus is an essential part of the song structure that builds anticipation for the chorus and creates a sense of tension before the release of the chorus. It serves as a bridge between the verse and the chorus, providing a smooth transition that keeps the listener engaged.

One of the main functions of the pre-chorus is to introduce the main chord progression that will be featured in the chorus. By doing so, it helps the listener to orient themselves in the key and tempo of the song, making it easier to follow the rest of the song.

Another important function of the pre-chorus is to establish the rhythm and groove of the song. By using different chord progressions and rhythms than the verse, the pre-chorus creates a sense of contrast that helps to keep the listener interested. This contrast also helps to build anticipation for the chorus, as the listener waits for the return of the familiar chord progression and rhythm.

To master the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” on guitar, it is important to understand the role of the pre-chorus in the song structure. By focusing on the rhythm and groove of the pre-chorus, you can create a smooth transition from the verse to the chorus and build anticipation for the chorus. With practice and repetition, you can master the strumming pattern and create a powerful and engaging guitar part for this classic song.

Chorus

• The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, featuring the song’s main hook and message.
• It is repeated throughout the song, serving as a refrain that reinforces the song’s theme and melody.
• The chorus features a simple strumming pattern that is easy to learn and remember.
• It consists of four chords: C, G, Am, and F.
• The strumming pattern for the chorus is down-up-down-up, with a steady quarter-note rhythm.
• It is important to practice the chorus strumming pattern slowly and steadily, ensuring that each chord change is clean and precise.
• As you become more comfortable with the strumming pattern, you can experiment with variations and embellishments to add your own personal style to the song.

Bridge

The bridge of “Come As You Are” is an essential element of the song that adds variety and interest to the song structure. It typically appears after the second chorus and is often characterized by unexpected chord changes and progressions. By mastering the strumming pattern for the bridge, guitar players can enhance the overall performance of the song and create a more engaging listening experience for their audience.

One key aspect of the bridge is the use of different chord progressions that deviate from the verse and chorus patterns. For example, the bridge of “Come As You Are” includes a progression of Am – G – F – C, which creates a sense of tension and anticipation that is released when the verse returns. By experimenting with different chord progressions in the bridge, guitar players can create a dynamic and engaging performance that keeps the audience interested and engaged.

Another important element of the bridge is the tempo and rhythm. While the verse and chorus of “Come As You Are” typically maintain a steady tempo, the bridge may include a slight increase or decrease in tempo to create a sense of build-up or release. By mastering the strumming pattern for the bridge, guitar players can control the tempo and rhythm of the song, creating a more dynamic and engaging performance.

Additionally, the bridge of “Come As You Are” often includes instrumental breaks or solos that allow guitar players to showcase their technical skills and creativity. By mastering the strumming pattern for the bridge, guitar players can create a solid foundation for these instrumental breaks, ensuring that the overall performance of the song remains cohesive and engaging.

Overall, mastering the strumming pattern for the bridge of “Come As You Are” is essential for creating a dynamic and engaging performance. By understanding the song structure and experimenting with different chord progressions, tempo, and rhythm, guitar players can enhance the overall performance of the song and create a more captivating listening experience for their audience.

The Strumming Pattern

D and C Chord Progression

Overview

The D and C chord progression is the most commonly used chord progression in the song “Come As You Are” by Nirvana. This progression provides a sense of stability and predictability, allowing the listener to anticipate the next chord and creating a sense of harmonic flow.

Techniques for Mastering the D and C Chord Progression

To master the D and C chord progression, it is important to understand the techniques used by the guitarist. Here are some tips for playing the D and C chord progression in “Come As You Are”:

1. Start by playing the D chord with your thumb on the low E string and your index, middle, and ring fingers on the D, G, and B strings.
2. Strum each chord four times before moving on to the next one. This will help you to maintain a steady rhythm and ensure that you are transitioning smoothly between the chords.
3. Use a downward strumming motion for the D chord and an upward strumming motion for the C chord. This will create a sense of movement and flow between the chords.
4. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find the one that works best for you. Try using a steady, consistent pattern or a more varied pattern that incorporates syncopation and accentuation.
5. Practice playing the D and C chord progression slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the progression.

Importance of the D and C Chord Progression

The D and C chord progression is crucial to the overall sound and feel of “Come As You Are.” This progression provides a sense of structure and predictability, allowing the listener to anticipate the next chord and creating a sense of harmonic flow. By mastering the D and C chord progression, you will be able to play “Come As You Are” with confidence and create a sense of harmonic stability in your playing.

Am and Em Chord Progression

Understanding the Chord Progression

The “Come As You Are” song by Nirvana primarily consists of a simple and repetitive chord progression, which consists of the Am and Em chords. These two chords create a unique sound that is characterized by a sense of dissonance and tension. This chord progression provides a stark contrast to the D and C chord progression that follows it in the song.

Creating a Sense of Dissonance and Tension

The Am and Em chord progression creates a sense of dissonance and tension because of the intervals between the root notes of the two chords. The interval between the Am and Em chords is a minor second, which is a very small interval that creates a sense of tension when played in succession. This tension is resolved when the D and C chord progression follows, creating a sense of resolution and release.

Using the Chord Progression Effectively

To effectively use the Am and Em chord progression in your playing, it is important to pay attention to the rhythm and strumming pattern. The strumming pattern for this chord progression is typically played with a down-up-down-up rhythm, with the emphasis on the down strums. This creates a driving and energetic sound that is perfect for rock and grunge music.

Additionally, experimenting with different variations of the strumming pattern can add a new dimension to the chord progression. For example, adding a syncopated rhythm or varying the intensity of the strums can create a unique and dynamic sound.

In conclusion, mastering the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” on guitar requires understanding the Am and Em chord progression and how it creates a sense of dissonance and tension. By focusing on the rhythm and strumming pattern, you can effectively use this chord progression to create a driving and energetic sound that is perfect for rock and grunge music.

Variations and Fills

Adding variations and fills to the strumming pattern is a great way to keep the listener engaged and add interest to the song. Here are some techniques you can try:

• Playing with different rhythms: Try experimenting with different rhythms by changing the length of the notes or adding rests in certain parts of the strumming pattern. This can create a more dynamic and interesting sound.
• Incorporating rests: Incorporating rests into the strumming pattern can add a more sophisticated sound to the song. You can try adding rests in certain parts of the pattern to create a more interesting rhythm.
• Using different techniques: Try using different techniques such as fingerpicking or using a different picking hand technique to add variety to the strumming pattern. This can create a more dynamic and interesting sound.
• Changing the strumming pattern: You can also try changing the strumming pattern to create a more interesting sound. For example, you can try playing the pattern in a different key or changing the timing of the pattern.

Overall, adding variations and fills to the strumming pattern is a great way to keep the listener engaged and add interest to the song. By experimenting with different rhythms, techniques, and strumming patterns, you can create a more dynamic and interesting sound that will keep the listener engaged.

Tips for Practice

Start Slow

When it comes to mastering the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” on guitar, starting slow is essential. This approach will help you focus on getting the chord changes and strumming pattern right before speeding up. Here are some tips to help you start slow and build your skills:

• Practice each chord change and strumming pattern separately: Before you put everything together, practice each chord change and strumming pattern separately. This will help you become familiar with the individual components of the song, which will make it easier to put everything together later on.
• Use a metronome: A metronome is a helpful tool for keeping a steady tempo. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the strumming pattern.
• Focus on accuracy: It’s important to focus on accuracy rather than speed when starting slow. Rushing through the song can lead to mistakes and a loss of accuracy. Take your time and make sure each chord change and strumming pattern is executed correctly.
• Break the song down into smaller sections: “Come As You Are” is a relatively long song, and it can be overwhelming to try to learn it all at once. Break the song down into smaller sections, such as the verses, choruses, and bridges, and practice each section separately before moving on to the next.
• Record yourself: Recording yourself while you practice can help you identify areas where you need to improve. Listen back to your recordings and pay attention to areas where you might be rushing or making mistakes.

Use a Metronome

When practicing the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” on guitar, it’s important to use a metronome. This tool can help you maintain a steady tempo and timing, which is crucial for mastering the song’s strumming pattern. Here are some specific benefits of using a metronome when practicing:

• Maintaining a steady tempo and timing: The metronome will ensure that you keep a consistent rhythm throughout the song. This will help you develop a solid foundation for the strumming pattern and make it easier to play along with the rest of the song.
• Gradually increasing the tempo over time: As you become more comfortable with the strumming pattern, you can gradually increase the tempo of the metronome. This will help you build up your speed and endurance, which is important for playing the song with confidence and precision.

To use a metronome effectively, start by setting it to a slow tempo that’s comfortable for you. Then, practice the strumming pattern while the metronome is running. Gradually increase the tempo over time as you become more comfortable with the pattern. Be sure to listen closely to the metronome and adjust your strumming accordingly to ensure that you’re keeping a steady rhythm. With consistent practice and the help of a metronome, you’ll be able to master the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” on guitar in no time.

Jamming with Other Musicians

Jamming with other musicians is an excellent way to practice the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” on guitar. This activity provides a sense of rhythm and groove, allowing you to experiment and improvise with different strumming patterns and techniques.

Here are some benefits of jamming with other musicians:

• Developing your sense of timing and rhythm: When you play with other musicians, you are forced to play in time with them, which helps you develop a better sense of timing and rhythm.
• Experimenting with different strumming patterns: Jamming with other musicians gives you the opportunity to try out different strumming patterns and techniques that you might not have thought of on your own.
• Learning from other musicians: When you play with other musicians, you can learn from their playing style and technique, which can help you improve your own playing.
• Improving your overall musicianship: Jamming with other musicians is a great way to improve your overall musicianship, as it helps you develop your ability to play in time with others, listen to others, and respond musically.

Overall, jamming with other musicians is a fun and effective way to practice the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” on guitar. It provides an opportunity to experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques, learn from other musicians, and improve your overall musicianship.

Experimenting with Different Techniques

Experimenting with different techniques is a great way to add depth and complexity to the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” on guitar. By incorporating fingerpicking, hybrid picking, and other techniques, you can create unique variations of the strumming pattern that will make your playing stand out. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Try different combinations of down and up strokes: The basic strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” is down-up-down-up. You can experiment with different combinations of down and up strokes to create a more dynamic and interesting sound. For example, you could try down-up-down-up-down-up or down-up-down-up-up-down.
• Add accents and variations: You can add accents and variations to the basic strumming pattern to make it more interesting. For example, you could add a loud strum on the second or third beat of each measure, or you could play a louder or softer strum on certain beats. You could also try adding palm muting or slapping the strings to create a more percussive sound.
• Incorporate fingerpicking: Fingerpicking is a great way to add complexity and interest to your playing. You can incorporate fingerpicking patterns into the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” to create a more unique sound. For example, you could try playing a fingerpicking pattern on the off-beats while strumming on the main beats.
• Try hybrid picking: Hybrid picking is a technique that involves using a pick and your fingers to play the guitar. You can use hybrid picking to create a more complex and interesting strumming pattern for “Come As You Are”. For example, you could use a pick to play the downstrokes and your fingers to play the upstrokes.

Experimenting with different techniques is a great way to expand your skillset and knowledge as a guitarist. By trying out new techniques and incorporating them into your playing, you can create unique and interesting strumming patterns for “Come As You Are” that will impress your listeners.

FAQs

1. What is the strumming pattern for “Come As You Are”?

The strumming pattern for “Come As You Are” is a combination of downstrums and upstrums, creating a steady and rhythmic beat. The pattern is generally played as follows: “down-down-up-up-down-down-up-up.” This pattern is repeated throughout the song, providing a solid foundation for the melody and lyrics.

2. How do I keep the rhythm while playing the strumming pattern?

Maintaining the rhythm while playing the strumming pattern is all about keeping a steady beat. One way to do this is to use a metronome or a drum machine to help you stay on track. You can also practice playing along with a recording of the song, which will help you get a feel for the rhythm and tempo. Additionally, focusing on the downbeats and accenting them with your strumming can help you keep the rhythm consistent.

3. What type of guitar should I use for playing “Come As You Are”?

Any type of guitar can be used to play “Come As You Are,” but a six-string electric or acoustic guitar is the most common choice. The song features a simple chord progression and a relatively straightforward strumming pattern, so any guitar with working tuning pegs and strings should suffice. That being said, using a guitar with a pickup or an external pickup can help you achieve a more accurate amplified sound when playing live or recording.

4. What are some tips for playing the chords in “Come As You Are”?

Playing the chords in “Come As You Are” requires a bit of finger strength and dexterity, especially for the power chords used in the verse and chorus. One tip is to use your thumb to fret the low E string while using your index, middle, and ring fingers to fret the D, G, and B strings. Another tip is to practice the chord changes smoothly and quickly, focusing on the transition between the C and G power chords in particular. Finally, be sure to adjust your hand positioning and finger placement as needed to achieve a clear and clean sound.

5. How can I improve my strumming technique for “Come As You Are”?

Improving your strumming technique for “Come As You Are” involves practice and patience. Start by focusing on the strumming pattern and keeping a steady beat, then gradually work on increasing the speed and intensity of your strumming. You can also experiment with different strumming patterns and variations to find what works best for you and the song. Additionally, incorporating dynamics into your strumming, such as louder or softer strums, can add depth and interest to your playing.

“Come As You Are” Guitar Tutorial – Nirvana | Easy Guitar Lesson – Riff, Chords & Strumming