Hey there guitar enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the chords of a classic tune that's bound to make your fingers dance and your heart sing – "After the Rain" by Nelson. This song has a timeless charm that fits any setting, whether you're strumming by a campfire or jamming with friends.
Before we delve into the chords, let's chat about why mastering them is crucial, especially for budding guitarists like you. Understanding chords is like unlocking a whole new world of music. They form the backbone of every song you'll play, from simple campfire melodies to epic rock anthems. So, trust me, investing time in learning chords is totally worth it!
"After the Rain" marked the debut album of the American rock group Nelson, hitting the shelves in 1990 under DGC Records. It quickly soared to success, reaching number 17 on the Billboard 200 and spending an impressive 64 weeks on the charts. The album's lead single, "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection," snagged the top spot on the charts and earned gold status. Following closely behind, the title track "After the Rain" also cracked the top 10 on the Hot 100, peaking at number 6 in February 1991. RIAA later certified the album double platinum. Matthew and Gunnar Nelson's journey to securing a record deal with Geffen Records was persistent, involving numerous meetings with A&R executive John Kalodner. Collaborating with songwriter Marc Tanner, the duo crafted most of the album's tracks, with Tanner also taking on the producer role. Despite facing challenges, including Gunnar Nelson's initial guitar-playing abilities and disputes over producers, the band persevered, ultimately delivering a radio-friendly sound that resonated with audiences.
I like "After the Rain" by Nelson for many reasons. Its catchy melody and infectious rhythm instantly draw me in, making it impossible not to tap my foot along to the beat. The heartfelt lyrics speak to me on a personal level, evoking emotions of nostalgia and hope with each listen. The song's timeless quality also allows it to transcend generations, making it just as relevant and enjoyable today as it was when it first graced the airwaves. Whether I'm feeling happy, sad, or somewhere in between, "After the Rain" has a way of lifting spirits and putting a smile on faces; it's a musical masterpiece that never fails to brighten my day and remind me of the beauty of music.
If we look closer at the chords used, we'll see that they mainly revolve around the E Major key, forming the basis of the song's harmony. In this key, we often encounter the E major chord, which acts as the main chord, giving the song a stable foundation. Additionally, you'll find chords like A major and B major, which fit well with E major and add to the song's overall sound. Moving these chords around makes the song flow smoothly from one part to another. Sticking to chords in the key of E Major helps make the song sound cohesive and unified. Here are the guitar chords used in the song:
Intro:
A5add9, E, B5add11 = 2X with 4/4 Time Signature
Verse:
A5add9, E, B5add11 = 3X with 4/4 Time Signature
Bridge:
F#m, A5add9 = 1X with 4/4 Time Signature
B5add11 - 2X with 4/4 Time Signature
Chorus:
C#m, B5add11, A5add9, E, A5add9, F#11/A# - 1X with 4/4 Time Signature
B5add11 = 2x with 4/4 Time Signature
Alright, time to get visual! Below, you'll find easy-to-read chord diagrams for each chord used in "After the Rain." Don't panic if you're not familiar with reading chord diagrams – I'll walk you through it step by step.
Take Note: Letters at the left is the Actual String eg. E String, the numbers are the fretting hand where you place your fingers on the fret-board. X- is muted string; 0-open string.
Chords:
A5add9 | E | B5add11 |
E ⇢ 0 B ⇢ 0 G ⇢ 2 D ⇢ 2 A ⇢ 0 E ⇢ X |
E ⇢ 0 B ⇢ 0 G ⇢ 1 D ⇢ 2 A ⇢ 2 E ⇢ 0
|
E ⇢ 0 B ⇢ 0 G ⇢ 4 D ⇢ 4 A ⇢ 2 E ⇢ X |
F#11/A# | F#m | C#m |
E ⇢ 0 B ⇢ 0 G ⇢ 3 D ⇢ 4 A ⇢ 1 E ⇢ X |
E ⇢ 2 B ⇢ 2 G ⇢ 2 D ⇢ 4 A ⇢ 4 E ⇢ 2 |
E ⇢ 2 B ⇢ 2 G ⇢ 2 D ⇢ 4 A ⇢ 4 E ⇢ 2 |
When strumming, it's important to remember that you don't have to follow the exact strumming pattern used in the song. What truly matters is learning to stay in sync with the song's rhythm. So, while practicing in 4/4 time at 124 BPM provides a good starting point, feel free to experiment with different strumming patterns that match the song's feel and groove. The key is to stay connected to the song's beat and maintain a consistent rhythm throughout your playing. As you become more comfortable, you'll find your unique strumming style that complements the music while keeping you in perfect harmony with the song's tempo.
If you're facing challenges while learning the chords, know that you're not alone, so there's no need to fret! It's common to encounter hurdles on your journey to mastering the guitar. Check out these typical issues and their solutions to help you overcome any difficulties:
If you're struggling with transitioning between chords, focus on precision and finger placement as you gradually switch chords during your practice sessions.
When it comes to practicing "After the Rain," remember that practice is key to improvement. Here are some tips to make the most of your practice time:
Set aside dedicated time each day to practice the song. Break the song into smaller sections and work on perfecting each one before moving on.
Look no further if you're hungry for more guitar tutorials beyond "After the Rain" by the Nelson twins! Expand your repertoire with some of my other guitar tutorials, such as "Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House and "You've Got to Hide Your Love Away" by The Beatles. These iconic songs offer fantastic opportunities to enhance your guitar skills and explore new musical territories. By incorporating these diverse tunes into your practice sessions, you'll expand your musical horizons and gain valuable insights and inspiration to fuel your guitar journey. So why wait? Dive into these tutorials and let your guitar ideas soar to new heights!
This concludes our comprehensive tutorial on how to play "After the Rain" by Nelson on the guitar. I hope this journey has been as enjoyable for you as it has been for me and that it has motivated you to take up your guitar and start playing.
Recall that picking up guitar chords is a process rather than a final goal. Therefore, if you don't instantly become an expert at the song, don't give up. Continue honing your craft, challenging yourself, and most of all, having fun! That is, after all, the main purpose of music. Go, my pals!
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Important Message From Abba Father
Psalm 25:4-5
Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.