Goodbyes By Post Malone Guitar Tutorial
Hey guitar buddies! Ever found yourself humming along to Post Malone's "Goodbyes" and thinking, "Man, I wish I could play that on my guitar?" Well, guess what? You totally can! Today, we're diving deep into a super chill guitar tutorial that'll have you strumming those familiar chords in no time. "Goodbyes" is one of those tracks that just sticks with you, right? It's got that perfect blend of melancholy and a catchy beat that makes it a blast to learn on the six-string. So, grab your acoustic or electric, tune her up, and let's get this party started! We're gonna break down the chords, the strumming patterns, and even some of those iconic riffs that make this song so special. Whether you're a total beginner just starting your guitar journey or you've been shredding for a while, this tutorial is designed to be easy to follow and fun. We'll go step-by-step, making sure you don't miss a beat. Get ready to impress your friends or just jam out solo – either way, playing "Goodbyes" is gonna feel awesome. Let's make some music, guys!
Understanding the Chords: The Building Blocks of "Goodbyes"
Alright, let's talk about the core of "Goodbyes" on guitar: the chords! Post Malone's music often features a blend of pop sensibilities with a hint of R&B and hip-hop, and "Goodbyes" is no exception. To really capture the essence of this track, you'll need to get familiar with a few key chords. The most common progression you'll find in "Goodbyes" revolves around a set of relatively simple, yet effective, chords that create that signature melancholic yet groovy feel. We're talking about chords like G Major, E Minor, C Major, and D Major. These are pretty standard guitar chords, so if you've been playing for a bit, you might already know them. If not, no worries! We'll break them down. For the G Major, you're looking at barring the third fret on the low E string, then placing your ring finger on the fifth fret of the A string, your pinky on the fifth fret of the D string, and your middle finger on the fourth fret of the G string. For E Minor, it's a classic: middle finger on the A string, second fret, and your ring finger on the D string, second fret. C Major is also super common: index finger on the B string, first fret, middle finger on the D string, second fret, and ring finger on the A string, third fret. And finally, D Major: index finger on the G string, second fret, middle finger on the high E string, second fret, and ring finger on the B string, third fret. It's crucial to practice switching between these chords smoothly. The magic of "Goodbyes" lies in the flow of these transitions. Spend time just moving from G to E minor, then to C, then to D, over and over again. Don't rush it! Focus on clean chord changes where each note rings out clearly. This foundational understanding of the chords is absolutely essential before we even think about strumming patterns or melodies. Mastering these four chords will unlock the entire song for you, allowing you to play the verses, chorus, and even some of the bridge sections with authenticity. We'll delve into how these chords are arranged in the song's structure next, but for now, dedicate some serious practice time to hitting each chord cleanly and transitioning between them without hesitation. Trust me, guys, this foundation is everything!
Strumming Patterns: Bringing "Goodbyes" to Life
Now that we've got the chords down, let's talk about the rhythm – the strumming patterns that give "Goodbyes" its signature pulse. Post Malone isn't known for super complex guitar work, but his strumming is always on point, and it's key to capturing the feel of his songs. For "Goodbyes," the strumming is generally quite straightforward but has a groovy, syncopated feel that you really need to nail. Think of it as a mix between a standard down-up strum and a slight emphasis on certain beats to create that hip-hop-infused vibe. A common pattern you can use that works really well for "Goodbyes" is something like: Down, Down-Up, Up, Down-Up. Let's break that down. You'll typically want to keep your strumming hand moving consistently, almost like a metronome, even when you're not hitting the strings. This 'air strumming' helps maintain the rhythm. So, on the beat: Down. Then, a quick Down-Up as the beat continues. Then, you lift your pick slightly for an Up strum, and finish with another Down-Up. The key here is timing and dynamics. You don't want to strum every chord with the same force. Often, the first down strum of a pattern will be a bit stronger, followed by lighter strums. Listen closely to the original track – pay attention to when the "chick-a" sounds happen or when the rhythm feels like it's pushing forward. You'll notice that "Goodbyes" often uses a slightly laid-back feel, so don't be afraid to let the rhythm breathe. Experiment with muting the strings slightly with your fretting hand between strums to get that percussive effect that's common in this style of music. Another way to think about it is to feel the "pocket" of the beat. It's not always strictly on the one and three, or two and four. Sometimes, the emphasis is slightly off the main beat, creating that subtle swing. Try playing the chord progression (G-Em-C-D) with this strumming pattern. At first, it might feel a little awkward, but keep at it. The more you practice, the more natural it will become. Remember, the goal is to make it feel effortless and cool, just like Posty himself. Don't be afraid to simplify if needed – a basic Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up can also work wonders if the more syncopated pattern is giving you trouble. The most important thing is to keep that consistent rhythm and feel the groove. We're building towards playing the whole song, and this strumming pattern is your ticket to making it sound authentic and engaging. Keep that rhythm tight, guys!
The Melancholy Melody: Playing the Main Riff
Beyond the chords and strumming, "Goodbyes" has this haunting little melody that floats over the top, especially in the intro and between vocal lines. Learning this riff is what will really elevate your playing and make people say, "Whoa, you can actually play that song!" This is where we get to add a bit of flair and capture that signature Post Malone sound. The main riff is played on the higher strings and often sounds like it's played on a keyboard or synth, but it translates beautifully to guitar. You'll typically be playing single notes, focusing on clarity and a smooth, legato feel. The riff generally follows a pattern that emphasizes the notes within the chords we've already discussed, but it's arranged in a melodic sequence. Let's think about the notes involved. While the exact tab can vary slightly depending on interpretation and the specific octave you're playing in, a common rendition of the riff focuses on notes like B, A, G, E, and D. A good starting point for the tab might look something like this (assuming standard tuning EADGBe): On the high E string, you might play the 5th fret (A), then the 3rd fret (G). Then, moving to the B string, you might play the 5th fret (E), then the 3rd fret (B). You could also incorporate notes on the G string. The key is to listen intently to the original song. Try to hum the melody yourself and then find those notes on your fretboard. Many online tabs will provide precise fingerings, but understanding the underlying notes and how they fit within the chord progression is more valuable in the long run. Practice this riff slowly at first. Focus on hitting each note cleanly. Use your pick for a clear attack, or try fingerpicking for a softer, more nuanced sound. The goal is to make it sound fluid, almost effortless. Once you can play it slowly and accurately, start gradually increasing the tempo. The riff in "Goodbyes" isn't played at breakneck speed; it has a relaxed, almost floating quality. So, focus on that vibe. You can even try adding a little vibrato to the sustained notes to give it more emotion, mirroring the vocal delivery. Incorporating this riff into the song will take your "Goodbyes" cover from just strumming chords to a full, recognizable rendition. It's that melodic hook that makes the song so memorable, and mastering it will be a huge payoff for your practice. So, get those fingers moving and let's bring that iconic melody to life, guys!
Putting It All Together: Playing "Goodbyes" from Start to Finish
Okay, guys, we've covered the essential chords, nailed down some groovy strumming patterns, and even learned that memorable main riff. Now it's time to put it all together and play "Goodbyes" from start to finish! This is where all your hard work pays off. Remember, the song generally follows a structure that repeats verses, choruses, and bridges, making it quite accessible once you know the parts. We'll start with the intro, which usually features that signature riff we just learned. Play it through once or twice, letting it establish the mood. Then, as the vocals come in, transition smoothly into your verse chord progression. Typically, this will be something like G - E minor - C - D, played with the strumming pattern we practiced. Focus on clear chord changes and keeping that rhythm consistent. Don't rush! The verse is where Post Malone often delivers his lyrics with a more laid-back, conversational tone, so your playing should reflect that. As you move into the chorus, you might want to slightly increase the intensity of your strumming. The chorus is usually the most energetic part of the song, and your playing should build with it. The chord progression often remains similar, but the feel changes. Really dig into those down strums to emphasize the hook. Listen to how the song builds dynamically – try to emulate that with your guitar. When the bridge section comes around, the song might shift slightly. Sometimes, the chord progression might change, or the strumming pattern could become simpler or more complex. Pay close attention to the original recording during the bridge. You might find that a simpler strumming pattern, or even just arpeggiating the chords (playing the notes one by one), can add a nice dynamic contrast. After the bridge, the song typically returns to the chorus, often with even more energy. So, amp up your strumming and really make it soar! Finally, as the song winds down, you can return to a more relaxed strumming pattern, perhaps even ending with a final strum on the G chord, or letting the main riff play out one last time. The key to playing "Goodbyes" convincingly is smooth transitions between sections and dynamic variation. Don't play every part with the same volume or intensity. Listen to the song, feel the emotion, and let that guide your playing. Practice playing along with the original track. This is invaluable for timing, dynamics, and nailing the overall feel. Start by playing just the chords, then incorporate the strumming, and finally, add the main riff where appropriate (like during instrumental breaks or the intro/outro). It might take a few tries to get it all down, but don't get discouraged. Every practice session makes you better. So, keep strumming, keep listening, and enjoy the process of bringing this awesome song to life on your guitar! You got this, guys!
Advanced Tips and Variations for "Goodbyes"
Alright, rockers and strummers, you've got the basics of "Goodbyes" down pat! But you know us guitarists, we always want to take things to the next level, right? So, let's talk about some advanced tips and variations that'll make your rendition of "Goodbyes" truly stand out. First off, let's talk about fingerpicking. While strumming is king for this track, incorporating fingerpicking during the verses or the bridge can add a beautiful, delicate texture that really complements the lyrical content. Try picking out the individual notes of the G, E minor, C, and D chords. You can follow the same rhythm as your strumming pattern, just with individual fingers instead of a pick. This adds a whole new dimension and shows off your dexterity. Another cool trick is to experiment with different voicings of the chords. While we focused on the most common shapes, there are other ways to play G, E minor, C, and D that can add subtle harmonic color. For example, try adding a G/B chord (a G chord with B as the lowest note) or a Cadd9 (a C chord with an added D note). These little additions can make the progression sound richer and more complex, even if the basic structure remains the same. Just a quick search for "G/B guitar chord" or "Cadd9 guitar chord" will show you the fingerings. Speaking of riffs, don't be afraid to improvise around the main melody. Once you're comfortable with the core riff, try adding your own embellishments. Maybe add a few passing notes, or try playing the riff an octave higher or lower. You could also try hammer-ons and pull-offs within the riff to make it flow even more smoothly, adding a touch of bluesy feel that Post Malone often incorporates. For those of you with an electric guitar, don't shy away from using effects pedals. A touch of reverb can really enhance the atmospheric quality of "Goodbyes," making it sound more spacious and echoing, similar to the production on the record. A subtle delay can also add depth. If you're feeling really adventurous, you could even try to transcribe parts of the synth lines or vocal melodies and adapt them for your guitar. This is a challenging but incredibly rewarding way to deepen your understanding of the song and make it uniquely your own. Finally, song structure variations are key. While we outlined a standard structure, Post Malone often plays with expectations. Listen for opportunities to extend sections, create dramatic pauses, or even add a short guitar solo where you can showcase the riff or your improvisational skills. Remember, the goal is to make the song your own while still respecting the original's feel. These advanced techniques aren't about making the song harder; they're about adding layers of expression and creativity. So, experiment, have fun, and keep pushing your guitar playing forward, guys!
Conclusion: Keep on Jamming "Goodbyes"!
And there you have it, my awesome guitar-playing pals! We've journeyed through the chords, rhythms, and melodies of Post Malone's "Goodbyes," and hopefully, you're now feeling super confident about playing it yourself. Remember, the beauty of learning a song like "Goodbyes" isn't just about hitting the right notes; it's about capturing the feeling. It's that blend of emotion, rhythm, and melody that makes the track so compelling. So, keep practicing those chord changes, keep grooving with those strumming patterns, and don't forget to add that signature riff to really make it shine. Whether you're playing solo in your room or jamming with friends, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process. Learning guitar is a journey, and every song you master is a milestone. "Goodbyes" is a fantastic addition to any guitarist's repertoire, offering a great balance of accessibility and musicality. Don't be afraid to experiment with the advanced tips we discussed – add your own flair, try different voicings, or even experiment with fingerpicking. Make the song your own! And hey, if you ever get stuck or want to explore other Post Malone tracks or different guitar tutorials, you know where to find us. Keep those fingers calloused, keep that passion burning, and most importantly, keep on jamming! You guys absolutely crushed it! See you in the next lesson!
