In this lesson, we'll learn how to play For What It's Worth by Buffalo Springfield on the guitar. This iconic song is a timeless classic that's been inspiring guitarists for generations. The song's simple yet effective arrangement makes it particularly accessible for beginners while still maintaining its distinctive sound and feel. It features simple chord progressions and straightforward strumming patterns, making it an excellent choice for those just starting their guitar journey.
Before we dive in, it's worth noting that the original recording is slightly flat compared to the standard concert pitch. While this might make playing along with the record a bit tricky, we'll be learning it in standard tuning, which works perfectly for performing the song on your own.
The song primarily uses three basic chords: A, D, and E. You'll learn these fundamental chords in any beginner guitar course, making this song an excellent practice piece for new guitarists. The progression flows naturally, creating that signature hypnotic feel that makes the song so memorable.
In this lesson, we'll explore two main strumming approaches. For beginners, we'll start with a simple, steady pattern that captures the song's essence. As you get more comfortable, we'll introduce a more nuanced strumming pattern that adds texture and dynamics to your playing.
One of the beautiful aspects of this song is how it creates contrast between verses and choruses through different strumming patterns. The verses feature a floating, atmospheric feel, while the chorus tightens up with a more structured rhythm. This variation keeps the song interesting while remaining manageable for newer players.
This song is an excellent choice for practicing singing while playing guitar. The rhythm naturally complements the vocal melody, especially in the chorus, where the strumming pattern follows the vocal phrasing. This natural alignment makes it easier to coordinate your playing and singing.
For those looking to expand their skills, we'll also explore some optional advanced techniques, including harmonics and effects that can add extra dimension to your playing. These aren't necessary for performing the song but can be fun to experiment with as you progress.
Remember to practice with a steady rhythm, using your foot to tap along and keep time. Start slowly and gradually build up speed as you become more comfortable with the chord changes and strumming patterns. The key is to develop muscle memory so you can play the basic progression without thinking about it.
Watch the video to see detailed demonstrations of all these techniques, and follow along as we break down this classic song step by step. Whether you're a complete beginner or an intermediate player looking to add another great song to your repertoire, you'll find something valuable in this lesson.
So, grab your guitar and start learning! For what it's worth (pun intended), I'm sure you'll master this song in no time! Happy playing!
Check out the original
