Bring Me To Life Chords: Easy Guitar Tutorial
Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the iconic and super requested song, "Bring Me To Life" by Evanescence. This track is a total classic and learning to play it on guitar is seriously rewarding. Whether you're a beginner just starting out or an intermediate player looking to add a powerful song to your repertoire, this tutorial is for you. We’ll break down the chords, strumming patterns, and even some tips to make it sound just right. So, grab your guitar, tune up, and let’s get started!
Understanding the Basic Chords
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of the chords you'll need for "Bring Me To Life." The song primarily revolves around a few key chords, making it relatively accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. The main chords you'll be using are Em (E minor), C (C major), G (G major), and D (D major). These chords form the backbone of the song and are used throughout the verses, choruses, and bridge. It's super important to get these chords down pat, so take your time and practice transitioning between them smoothly. Remember, practice makes perfect, and the more comfortable you are with these basic shapes, the easier it will be to play along with the song. Don't worry if you struggle at first; everyone does! Just keep at it, and you'll get there.
Em (E minor)
First up, we have Em (E minor), a fundamental chord that adds a touch of melancholy to the song. To play Em, place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string (5th string) and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string (4th string). Leave the E string (6th string) open, and strum all six strings. This chord is frequently used in the verses, giving them that signature Evanescence vibe. Pay close attention to the clarity of each note; make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly behind the fret to avoid any buzzing. Also, experiment with different finger placements to find what feels most comfortable for you. Some guitarists prefer to use their index and middle fingers instead of middle and ring, so find what works best for you.
C (C major)
Next, let's tackle C (C major), a bright and uplifting chord that provides a nice contrast to the Em. To play C, place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string (5th string), your middle finger on the second fret of the D string (4th string), and your index finger on the first fret of the B string (2nd string). Avoid strumming the low E string (6th string) for a cleaner sound. C major often appears in the pre-chorus and chorus, adding a hopeful element to the song. When playing C, ensure that your fingers aren't muting any adjacent strings. A common issue is accidentally muting the high E string (1st string) with your ring finger. Adjust your finger placement as needed to allow all the notes to ring clearly. Like with Em, experiment with different fingerings to find the most comfortable and efficient way to play the C chord.
G (G major)
Moving on, we have G (G major), a powerful and resonant chord that adds a sense of strength to the song. There are a couple of ways to play G, but the most common is to place your middle finger on the second fret of the low E string (6th string), your index finger on the second fret of the A string (5th string), and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string (1st string). Strum all six strings. G major is used extensively throughout the song, particularly in the chorus and bridge. It's a versatile chord that can be used in many different contexts. When playing G, make sure that your fingers are arched enough to avoid muting any adjacent strings. A common issue is accidentally muting the B string (2nd string) with your middle finger. Adjust your finger placement as needed to allow all the notes to ring clearly. Another way to play G is using a three-finger version, where you use your middle finger on the 6th string, index finger on the 5th string, and pinky finger on the 1st string, which can be easier for some players.
D (D major)
Finally, we have D (D major), a bright and cheerful chord that adds a touch of optimism to the song. To play D, place your index finger on the second fret of the G string (3rd string), your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string (1st string), and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string (2nd string). Avoid strumming the low E string (6th string) and A string (5th string). D major is often used in the chorus and bridge, providing a sense of resolution. It's a classic chord that is used in countless songs. When playing D, make sure that your fingers are pressing down firmly behind the fret to avoid any buzzing. Also, make sure that you are not accidentally muting the adjacent strings. Experiment with different finger placements to find what feels most comfortable for you. Some guitarists prefer to use different finger combinations, so find what works best for you.
Strumming Patterns for “Bring Me To Life”
Okay, so now that you've got the chords down, let's talk strumming patterns. The rhythm in "Bring Me To Life" is actually pretty straightforward, which is great news for beginners! A common strumming pattern you can use throughout much of the song is Down, Down, Up, Down, Up. Try it slowly at first, focusing on keeping a steady beat. Once you feel comfortable, you can gradually increase the tempo. This pattern works well for both the verses and the chorus. However, don't be afraid to experiment with slight variations to add your own personal touch. For example, you might want to emphasize the downstrokes during the more intense parts of the song or add a few extra upstrokes to create a more driving rhythm. The key is to listen to the original recording and try to mimic the feel of the music. Also, try to feel the music and let your strumming flow naturally. Don't overthink it too much; just relax and have fun!
For the verses, you might want to use a slightly more subdued strumming pattern to create a sense of anticipation. Try using only downstrokes or alternating between downstrokes and muted strums. This can help to build tension and make the chorus feel even more powerful when it arrives. In the chorus, you can switch to a more aggressive strumming pattern to unleash the full energy of the song. Try using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes, with a strong emphasis on the downstrokes. This will help to create a driving rhythm that will get your head banging. Remember, the most important thing is to keep a steady beat and to have fun with it. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. With a little practice, you'll be able to nail the strumming pattern for "Bring Me To Life" and impress your friends with your guitar skills!
Tips and Tricks for Playing the Song
Alright, let's get into some tips and tricks that will help you nail "Bring Me To Life." First off, practice makes perfect. Seriously, the more you play it, the better you'll get. Start slow and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the chords and strumming pattern. Another great tip is to use a metronome. This will help you keep a steady beat and improve your timing. Even just a few minutes of practice with a metronome each day can make a big difference.
Smooth Chord Transitions
One of the biggest challenges for beginner guitarists is transitioning smoothly between chords. To improve your chord transitions, try practicing the transitions slowly and deliberately. Focus on moving your fingers from one chord shape to the next as efficiently as possible. Avoid lifting your fingers too high off the fretboard, as this can slow you down. Instead, try to keep your fingers close to the strings, so you're ready to play the next chord. Also, try to anticipate the chord changes and start moving your fingers into position slightly ahead of time. This will help you make the transitions more smoothly and seamlessly.
Listen to the Original
Another great tip is to listen to the original recording of "Bring Me To Life" closely. Pay attention to the dynamics, the rhythm, and the overall feel of the song. Try to mimic these elements as you play along. This will help you capture the essence of the song and make your performance more authentic. Also, try to listen to the different instruments in the song and see how they interact with each other. This can give you a better understanding of the song's structure and help you play your part more effectively.
Experiment with Dynamics
Don't be afraid to experiment with dynamics as you play "Bring Me To Life." Dynamics refers to the loudness and softness of your playing. By varying your dynamics, you can add more expression and emotion to your performance. For example, you might want to play the verses more softly and then build up to a louder, more intense chorus. This will help to create a sense of drama and excitement. Also, try to use dynamics to emphasize certain parts of the song, such as the bridge or the outro. This will help to make these sections stand out and add more impact to your performance.
Use a Guitar Pick
While it's possible to play "Bring Me To Life" using your fingers, it's generally easier to use a guitar pick. A pick will give you more control over your strumming and help you create a more consistent sound. Experiment with different types of picks to find one that feels comfortable in your hand and produces the sound you're looking for. Some guitarists prefer thin picks for a brighter sound, while others prefer thicker picks for a more powerful sound. Ultimately, the best pick is the one that feels the most comfortable and allows you to play your best.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even seasoned guitarists can stumble, so let's cover some common pitfalls. One frequent mistake is not pressing down hard enough on the strings, which results in buzzing or muted notes. Ensure your fingers are just behind the frets and applying enough pressure. Another common error is incorrect finger placement, which can lead to playing the wrong chord or muting adjacent strings. Double-check your finger positions and adjust as needed. Rushing through chord changes is also a common mistake, especially when starting out. Take your time to transition smoothly between chords before speeding up. Ignoring dynamics can make your playing sound monotonous. Vary your strumming intensity to add expression. Lastly, not tuning your guitar properly can make everything sound off. Always tune before playing! And hey, don't get discouraged if you mess up—everyone does. Just keep practicing, and you'll improve over time.
Conclusion
So there you have it, guys! Playing "Bring Me To Life" on guitar is totally achievable with a bit of practice and patience. Remember to focus on mastering the basic chords, getting the strumming pattern down, and paying attention to the tips and tricks we discussed. Most importantly, have fun with it! Music is all about expressing yourself and enjoying the process. Keep practicing, and you'll be rocking out to Evanescence in no time. Now go grab your guitar and bring this song to life! You got this!
