Learn The 'World Was Ending' Chords: JP Saxe's Guide

by Jhon Lennon 53 views

Hey everyone! Ever felt that pull of a song that just hits you right in the feels? Well, the track "If The World Was Ending" by JP Saxe, featuring the incredibly talented Julia Michaels, is one of those for me. It's a tune that resonates with so many of us, especially with its lyrics about finding comfort and connection during uncertain times. And let's be real, who hasn't needed a little comfort lately? If you've ever wanted to learn how to play this beautiful song on your guitar or piano, you're in the right place, guys! We're diving deep into the chords, the structure, and even some tips and tricks to make your playing sound amazing. So grab your instrument, and let's get started on learning those JP Saxe chords! This guide will cover everything you need, from the basic chord shapes to the song's overall feel. Are you ready?

Decoding the Main Chords: Your 'World Was Ending' Chord Cheat Sheet

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and break down the primary chords you'll need to play "If The World Was Ending." This is where the magic really begins, right? The good news is, while the song is emotionally powerful, the chord progression isn't super complicated, making it a perfect pick for both beginners and experienced players. We're going to use standard chord notations, and I'll provide tips for both guitar and piano players. Here's your cheat sheet:

  • G Major (G): This is a foundational chord and appears throughout the song. On guitar, the standard shape involves your second finger on the E string (3rd fret), third finger on the A string (2nd fret), and first finger on the high E string (2nd fret). Strum all six strings for a full sound. For piano, play the notes G-B-D.
  • C Major (C): Another essential chord in this song. On guitar, place your fingers on the D string (2nd fret with your second finger), A string (3rd fret with your third finger), and B string (1st fret with your first finger). On piano, play the notes C-E-G.
  • Em (E minor): This adds a touch of melancholy, which fits the song's vibe perfectly. On guitar, put your second finger on the A string (2nd fret) and your third finger on the D string (2nd fret). Strum all six strings, avoiding the low E string if you want to keep it simple. For piano, play the notes E-G-B.
  • D Major (D): Use this to add some fullness to the song. On guitar, use your first finger on the G string (2nd fret), second finger on the high E string (2nd fret), and third finger on the B string (3rd fret). On piano, play the notes D-F#-A.

That's it, those are the main players! You'll find these chords repeated throughout the song. The key is to practice the chord changes smoothly. Start slow, focus on clean transitions, and gradually increase your tempo. Remember, practice makes perfect! We're not just learning chords; we're learning the language of the song, so have fun with it! Keep in mind, the key to really getting the hang of this song is to understand the transitions between the chords. Smooth transitions make all the difference between sounding like a beginner and sounding like you know what you're doing. Let's see some tips about that.

Mastering the Chord Progression: Tips and Tricks

Now that you know the chords, let's talk about how to string them together to play the song. The main chord progression in "If The World Was Ending" is relatively simple, but getting the transitions right can make a huge difference. The primary progression you'll be working with is G - C - Em - D. You can practice this by strumming each chord for four beats, then moving to the next. The rhythm is pretty straightforward, which is one of the reasons it's so popular to play! Focus on making smooth, clean transitions between the chords.

  • Guitar Transition Tips: For guitar players, focus on minimizing hand movement. Try to keep your fingers close to the fretboard. Practice going from G to C; a good way to do this is to keep your first finger on the high E string and slide your other fingers into their respective positions. For the G to Em transition, the shape is similar, so it should be relatively easy. The D to G transition can be a bit trickier, but with practice, it'll become natural.
  • Piano Transition Tips: Piano players, focus on the hand movements and finger placement. For instance, the transition from G to C will involve moving your hand a bit, but try to keep your wrist relaxed. When going from Em to D, try to visualize the next chord before you play it to get your fingers ready. Proper finger placement will help you change between chords fluidly. The goal is to make these transitions feel seamless, and trust me, it’s all about practice.

Another thing that really helps is to listen to the song repeatedly while you play. This will help you get a feel for the rhythm and timing. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns on the guitar or different rhythms on the piano. This is your chance to add your own personal touch to the song. The goal is not just to play the right chords but to convey the song's emotion. So, listen closely, feel the music, and let your heart guide you!

Strumming Patterns and Rhythmic Feel: Adding Soul to Your Playing

Alright, let's talk about adding some soul to your playing. Understanding the strumming patterns and rhythmic feel is crucial for capturing the song's essence. This isn't just about playing the right chords; it's about making them sound alive. For guitar, the main strumming pattern is relatively straightforward, a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. It may seem simple, but this pattern provides the song's drive and emotion. You can adapt it by adding variations like muted strums or accenting certain beats to make it your own. If you're a beginner, start by mastering the basic pattern slowly and gradually increase your tempo. You can also experiment with different patterns, like a simple down-down-down-down strumming pattern. It gives the song a different feel, more gentle, which is nice too!

For piano players, the rhythmic feel is about the timing and the way you phrase the chords. You can play a basic quarter-note rhythm or experiment with a more complex rhythm, depending on your skill level. The key is to match the rhythm of the guitar and the vocals. When you're playing the chords, try to think about how the rhythm complements the melody. Experiment with different dynamics and accents to make the music more engaging.

One tip is to listen closely to the song and try to emulate the rhythm. The most important thing is to have fun with it. Don't worry about being perfect; focus on feeling the music and expressing yourself through it. Try to put your own twist on it! You'll be surprised at how much difference these small touches make in the overall sound. Don't forget that music is an art form. It's about expressing yourself and connecting with others. You can also use a capo on your guitar to make the song easier to play. The use of a capo, for example, on the second fret, makes the song in the key of A. Just remember to adjust the chords accordingly. It's really fun to find out how to play with different variations!

The Song's Structure: Verse, Chorus, and Beyond

Okay, let's dive into the song structure of "If The World Was Ending." Knowing the structure is vital to understanding the song. It guides you through the musical journey and helps you organize your playing. Knowing the structure isn't just about knowing where to play the chords; it's about understanding how the song builds and releases tension, and where to place emphasis.

The song typically follows a familiar structure, like this:

  • Verse 1: Introduces the story and sets the scene.
  • Chorus: The emotional core of the song, where the main theme is expressed.
  • Verse 2: Develops the story further.
  • Chorus: Reinforces the main theme.
  • Bridge: A contrasting section, often with different chords or a different feel.
  • Chorus: The climax of the song.
  • Outro: A final section that concludes the song.

As you practice, focus on these sections and how the chords shift. In "If The World Was Ending," the chorus is the most important part because it's where the lyrics and emotions come together. Pay attention to how the chords in the chorus build the energy of the song. As you play, try to bring out the song's main theme, its emotional core. Try to emphasize the transitions and the key moments. Use the structure as a roadmap for your performance. Try to feel the rhythm and build and release tension with your playing.

Tips for Practice and Performance: Level Up Your Skills

Alright, you've got the chords, you've got the structure, so let's get you ready to play this song like a pro! I'm going to share some tips for practice and performance to really level up your skills. The most important thing is consistent practice. The more you play, the better you'll become! It is true! Even a little bit of practice every day is better than a long session once a week.

  • Start Slow and Gradually Increase Speed: Don't rush; start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. This is the best way to master the chord changes and ensure clean transitions.
  • Practice with a Metronome: A metronome will help you develop a sense of rhythm and keep your timing consistent. It's super helpful. Trust me!
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve.
  • Play Along with the Original Song: This will help you get a feel for the rhythm and timing.
  • Perform for Others: Don't be afraid to perform for others. Playing in front of others is a great way to build confidence.

Focus on the parts you find difficult. If a transition is challenging, break it down and practice it separately until you get it right. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques and add your personal touch to the song. As you get better, you can start to incorporate more advanced techniques like fingerpicking or adding variations to the chords. The sky's the limit! Also, don't forget to have fun! Playing music should be enjoyable, so relax and enjoy the process. Learning new things is really fun! The more you enjoy the process, the more you'll want to practice, and the better you'll become. So go out there and play, guys!

Final Thoughts: Keep the Music Playing!

Well, there you have it, folks! I hope this guide helps you learn and enjoy playing "If The World Was Ending." Remember, the key is to practice consistently, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun! Music is all about expression, so let your heart and soul shine through your playing! Keep exploring new songs, keep practicing, and most importantly, keep the music playing. And remember, everyone starts somewhere. Don't get discouraged if it takes a while to get the hang of it; the journey is what counts! I wish you all the best in your musical journey. Happy playing, and until next time, keep strumming! Thanks for reading this guide, and I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any questions or want to suggest another song, feel free to let me know!