Learn To Play 'Inmortal' By La Oreja De Van Gogh On Guitar

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey guitar enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into the beautiful world of La Oreja de Van Gogh and learn to play their iconic song, "Inmortal"? This tutorial is your ultimate guide to mastering this emotional ballad on your guitar. We'll break down the chords, strumming patterns, and even some tips and tricks to help you capture the song's essence. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

The Allure of 'Inmortal': A Song That Touches the Soul

"Inmortal" by La Oreja de Van Gogh isn't just a song; it's an experience. It's a journey through emotions, a story told through music. The song's melody, combined with the poignant lyrics, has resonated with countless listeners. This makes it a fantastic choice for guitar players of all levels. Learning "Inmortal" is about more than just playing notes; it's about understanding the feeling behind the music. The song's popularity stems from its relatable themes of love, loss, and the enduring nature of memories. Therefore, as you learn the chords and strumming patterns, think about the story behind the song and how you can use your guitar to convey those feelings. This approach will make your playing more expressive and engaging. The song's structure is relatively straightforward, making it accessible for intermediate guitar players, but it also offers opportunities to add your own personal touch and style. This is something that I always appreciate, it allows you to grow as a musician. You'll not only learn a song but also improve your technique, timing, and overall musicality.

Learning to play "Inmortal" allows you to connect with a broader audience. The song's accessibility and emotional depth make it a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're playing for friends, family, or even in a band, this song will surely be appreciated. The chord progressions are beautiful and the vocal melody is very catchy. The band has a unique sound and style that makes learning this song more enjoyable. Many guitarists are looking for new songs to play, and La Oreja de Van Gogh is an excellent choice. By learning "Inmortal," you're joining a community of musicians who appreciate the power of music to connect and express emotions. You're also exploring a musical style and culture that is worth knowing. I recommend listening to the song several times before starting, which will allow you to familiarize yourself with the song's structure, melody, and overall feel. This initial familiarization will make the learning process much smoother and enjoyable. It also helps you anticipate the transitions between different sections of the song. You can then start breaking down the song into smaller parts and focusing on mastering each of them individually. It's a great opportunity to explore the guitar and find new and exciting ways to practice and improve.

Essential Chords for Playing 'Inmortal'

Before we jump into the tutorial, let's go over the essential chords you'll need to play "Inmortal." The song primarily uses a few basic chords, making it relatively easy to learn for guitarists. If you're new to guitar, don't worry! These chords are fundamental and can be easily learned with a little practice. The song mainly revolves around these chords: G major, C major, D major, and Em (E minor).

  • G Major: This is a very common chord and forms the backbone of many songs. Place your second finger on the sixth string (E) at the second fret, your first finger on the fifth string (A) at the second fret, and your third finger on the first string (E) at the third fret. Strum all six strings.
  • C Major: Another core chord. Place your third finger on the fifth string (A) at the third fret, your second finger on the fourth string (D) at the second fret, and your first finger on the second string (B) at the first fret. Strum the strings from the fifth string.
  • D Major: This chord can be a bit tricky at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Place your third finger on the first string (E) at the third fret, your second finger on the third string (G) at the second fret, and your first finger on the third string (D) at the second fret. Strum all four strings.
  • E Minor: This is a simple minor chord. Place your second finger on the fifth string (A) at the second fret and your first finger on the fourth string (D) at the second fret. Strum all six strings.

Practice transitioning between these chords. The key is to switch between chords smoothly and quickly. You can start by practicing each chord individually and then gradually try transitioning between them. Start slowly, focusing on clean changes and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Consistency is key! Spend some time each day practicing these chord changes, and you'll see a noticeable improvement in your playing. It's super important to memorize the finger positions for each chord and strive for consistency in your strumming. This will help you develop muscle memory, making the transitions between chords more fluid and natural. The more you practice these chords, the easier it will become to play "Inmortal" and many other songs. These four chords are the foundation, so once you master them, you'll be well on your way to playing a wide variety of songs. Also, don't forget to use a tuner to make sure your guitar is in tune. This ensures that you're playing the correct notes and makes your playing sound much better.

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm: Giving Life to the Song

Once you've got the chords down, it's time to work on the strumming pattern. The strumming pattern is what brings the song to life, giving it its unique rhythm and feel. For "Inmortal," the strumming pattern is relatively simple, but it is super important to get it right to capture the song's emotional essence. The most common strumming pattern used in "Inmortal" is a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. This pattern may seem complicated at first, but with practice, it will become second nature. You can also vary the strumming pattern to add your own personal touch to the song. Practice the strumming pattern slowly, focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm and feel. Use a metronome to help you stay in time, especially when you're first learning. A metronome is an invaluable tool for any guitarist, as it helps you develop a strong sense of rhythm. Start at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques. While the basic pattern is effective, adding variations can make your performance even more interesting and engaging. Maybe try adding some accents on certain beats or using different strumming techniques, such as palm muting or fingerpicking. The goal is to bring out the song's emotion, and your personal interpretation will make it your own. It's a beautiful song to play and the strumming is really important!

The strumming pattern usually works like this:

  • Down (D): Strum down on the beat.
  • Down (D): Strum down on the beat.
  • Up (U): Strum up on the beat.
  • Up (U): Strum up on the beat.
  • Down (D): Strum down on the beat.
  • Up (U): Strum up on the beat.

As you practice, focus on coordinating your strumming hand with your fretting hand to ensure that your chord changes are clean and precise. This takes time and patience, but it's totally worth it. And remember, the goal is to make the song sound beautiful!

Section-by-Section Breakdown of 'Inmortal'

Now, let's break down the song section by section, providing you with the chord progressions and strumming patterns for each part.

Verse 1

The verse typically starts with a simple progression that sets the mood for the song. Here's what you'll need:

  • G Major: 4 counts
  • C Major: 4 counts
  • G Major: 4 counts
  • D Major: 4 counts

Strumming pattern: Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly and in time.

Chorus

The chorus is the heart of the song, often building in intensity. The chord progression is:

  • G Major: 4 counts
  • C Major: 4 counts
  • Em: 4 counts
  • D Major: 4 counts

Strumming pattern: The same Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up pattern, with emphasis on the downstrokes to give the chorus a fuller sound.

Verse 2

The second verse follows the same chord progression as the first verse.

Chorus

Repeat the chorus progression and strumming pattern as before.

Bridge

The bridge is a crucial part, offering a change in the song's structure. Here's a common bridge progression:

  • Em: 4 counts
  • C Major: 4 counts
  • G Major: 4 counts
  • D Major: 4 counts

Strumming pattern: Use a slower, more deliberate strumming to create a different feel.

Chorus

Repeat the chorus progression and strumming pattern again.

Outro

The outro often repeats the chorus chords, fading out or ending on a sustained G major chord.

  • G Major: Fade out

Tips and Tricks for Playing 'Inmortal'

  • Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Dedicate time each day to practice, even if it's just for 15-30 minutes. Regular practice helps solidify your technique and improve your ability to play the song.
  • Listen to the Original: Listen to La Oreja de Van Gogh's original version of "Inmortal" to get a feel for the song's rhythm, melody, and dynamics. This will help you understand the nuances of the song and make your playing more authentic.
  • Use a Metronome: A metronome is your best friend when learning a song. It helps you keep time and develop a strong sense of rhythm. You can find metronome apps for your phone or use a physical metronome.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. This allows you to listen back and identify areas for improvement. You can catch mistakes you might not notice while you're playing. Recording also provides an opportunity to reflect on your progress and make sure you're improving. It's an excellent method for self-assessment.
  • Play with Feeling: Remember that music is about expressing emotions. Connect with the song's lyrics and let your feelings guide your playing. This will make your performance more engaging and meaningful.
  • Vary Your Strumming: Experiment with different strumming patterns and techniques to add your own personal touch to the song. Don't be afraid to get creative and find what works best for you.
  • Learn the Lyrics: Knowing the lyrics will help you connect with the song and understand its meaning. This can enhance your performance and make it more emotionally resonant. Knowing the lyrics will make it easier to synchronize your playing with the vocals.
  • Start Slow: When learning a new song, it's essential to start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. This helps you build muscle memory and avoid mistakes.
  • Have Fun: Music should be enjoyable! Remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and playing. It's the most important thing. If you're not having fun, then it's hard to stay motivated. If you approach learning the song with enthusiasm, you'll be more likely to stick with it.

Beyond the Basics: Adding Your Personal Touch

Once you've mastered the basic chords and strumming patterns, it's time to add your personal touch to "Inmortal." Here are a few ideas:

  • Fingerpicking: Try fingerpicking the chords instead of strumming. This can add a delicate and intimate feel to the song, especially during the verses or bridge. Fingerpicking involves using your fingers to pluck the strings individually, creating a more intricate and nuanced sound. It adds a layer of complexity and beauty.
  • Add a Vocal Harmony: If you have a friend who sings, consider adding a vocal harmony to the chorus or bridge. This can create a richer and more layered sound. Harmonizing with other voices adds a unique dimension to the song.
  • Experiment with Dynamics: Use dynamics (variations in volume) to create contrast and emotion in your playing. Play softly during the verses and build up to a crescendo in the chorus. The song will feel more lively and it will catch the attention of the listeners.
  • Improvise: Once you're comfortable with the song, try improvising some of the lead lines or fills. This can add a unique and personalized element to your performance. This is something that you can add in the bridge.
  • Transcribe and Learn the Solo: If you want to take it to the next level, you can try to transcribe the guitar solo. It will improve your ear training and also your guitar skills.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Playing 'Inmortal'

Learning to play "Inmortal" by La Oreja de Van Gogh is a rewarding experience. It's a beautiful song that allows you to express your emotions and connect with others through music. With the right approach and practice, you can master this song and impress your friends and family. Remember to be patient, persistent, and, most importantly, have fun! With consistent effort, you'll be playing "Inmortal" with confidence and passion in no time. Keep practicing, stay inspired, and keep exploring the amazing world of music!

I hope this tutorial was helpful. Now, go forth and make some music! And don't forget to enjoy the journey. Happy playing, and rock on!