Learn 'Treat You Better': Chords, Plucking & Guitar Guide

Oct 23, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 58 views

Hey guitar enthusiasts! Are you ready to dive into a fantastic song that's perfect for learning and showing off your skills? Today, we're going to explore the world of Shawn Mendes' hit, "Treat You Better." We'll break down the chords, delve into the plucking patterns, and give you a complete guide to playing this popular tune. Whether you're a beginner or have been strumming for a while, this guide will help you master "Treat You Better" and add a new song to your repertoire. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started! This guide will cover everything from the basic chords to more advanced techniques, ensuring you have a solid understanding of how to play this amazing song. We will be covering the song's chords, the plucking patterns, and offer tips and tricks to make your playing sound fantastic. This will be a comprehensive guide, guys, so get ready to learn!

Understanding the Basic Chords of "Treat You Better"

First things first, let's look at the chords! The foundation of any song is the chord progression, and "Treat You Better" relies on a few core chords that are relatively easy to learn. These chords are used throughout the song, so mastering them is key to playing the song. Don't worry, even if you are new to the guitar, these chords are not too difficult, and with a bit of practice, you will be strumming along in no time. The main chords you'll need are A minor (Am), C major (C), G major (G), and F major (F). Learning these chords will open up a lot of musical possibilities, so it's a great investment of your time.

Let's break them down:

Am (A minor): Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the G string. Strum from the A string down. Remember to avoid strumming the low E string.
C (C major): Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all strings except the low E string.
G (G major): Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the second fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string. Strum all strings.
F (F major): Place your index finger on the first fret of the E string and the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string. Strum all strings.

Practice transitioning between these chords slowly at first. Focus on clear finger placement and smooth changes. As you get comfortable, you can gradually increase the speed. Guys, don't worry if it feels a little awkward at first; it takes time to build muscle memory. Consistent practice is the key! It's better to practice slowly and accurately than to rush through and make mistakes. If you are struggling with a specific chord, try searching for visual aids online. There are tons of diagrams and videos that can help you with your finger placement. This might seem like a lot, but after some practice, it will be so natural, and you will be able to play the song like a pro. These chords form the backbone of "Treat You Better," so make sure to get them down! Remember that the most important thing is to have fun while you're learning. Keep practicing, and before you know it, you'll be playing this awesome song. With some dedication and patience, you'll be playing like a pro in no time, and your friends will be super impressed.

Exploring Plucking Patterns: Fingerstyle for "Treat You Better"

Now that you know the chords, let's explore the fun part: plucking! Fingerstyle is a beautiful way to play guitar, adding depth and emotion to your music. For "Treat You Better," we will look into simple yet effective patterns that can give your playing a unique touch. Plucking, or fingerpicking, involves using your fingers to pluck the strings instead of strumming with a pick. This technique allows for more control over the dynamics and can create a softer, more intimate sound. It's a great way to add expression and character to your playing. Let's start with a basic pattern that works well with the song's chord progression. Here's a pattern you can try:

Index finger (i): Plucks the G string.
Middle finger (m): Plucks the B string.
Ring finger (r): Plucks the high E string.
Thumb (p): Alternates between the low E string and the A string, depending on the chord.

With Am, you'll play the A string with your thumb; with C, G, and F, you'll play the E string with your thumb. Repeat this pattern throughout the chord progression. This plucking pattern provides a good balance between the melody and the bassline, making the song sound fuller. Remember to practice slowly at first, focusing on the coordination between your fingers. As you get more comfortable, you can increase the speed. If you find the pattern challenging, don't get discouraged! Keep practicing, and your fingers will eventually get used to it. One of the great things about fingerstyle is the ability to create unique variations. Once you're comfortable with the basic pattern, you can experiment with different finger combinations and rhythms. You can also add embellishments like hammer-ons and pull-offs to make your playing even more interesting. Fingerstyle is all about experimentation and finding what sounds best to you. By trying different techniques and approaches, you will develop your own unique style. Don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to the song.

Combining Chords and Plucking: Playing "Treat You Better"

Alright, let's put it all together! Now that you know the chords and a plucking pattern, it's time to play "Treat You Better." The chord progression for the main part of the song is Am - C - G - F. You will repeat this sequence throughout the verses and chorus. The song has a steady tempo, so maintain a consistent rhythm when transitioning between chords. Start by playing the Am chord and plucking the pattern we discussed earlier. Then, smoothly transition to the C chord and continue the pattern. Repeat this for the G and F chords. Repeat this sequence throughout the verses and choruses. To make it sound more like the original song, you can add the hammer-ons and pull-offs on the 2nd fret of the B string (the fingerstyle part). This adds a nice touch to the music. While playing, pay attention to the dynamics of the song. Mendes' vocals are emotional, so try to convey that emotion through your playing. You can vary the intensity of your plucking to match the song's mood. For the quieter parts, pluck more softly. During the chorus, you can strum a bit more forcefully. This will create a dynamic contrast that makes your performance more engaging. Don't be afraid to experiment with your playing style. Try different variations of the plucking pattern. Add some embellishments like hammer-ons and pull-offs to the melody. You can also incorporate different strumming patterns if you want to. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and enjoy the process. To make sure you're playing the song correctly, listen to the original recording and compare your playing. Pay attention to the transitions between chords and the rhythm of the song. Practice along with the recording until you feel comfortable playing at the same tempo. This is a great way to improve your timing and coordination. Playing along with the recording will also help you develop your ear and improve your musicality. Try to incorporate the emotion of the original recording into your performance. Feel free to let your own personality shine through.

Tips and Tricks to Improve Your Playing

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to improve your playing of "Treat You Better" and other songs:

Practice Regularly: Consistency is key! Even 15-30 minutes of practice each day can make a big difference.
Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you maintain a steady tempo and improve your timing.
Record Yourself: Listening to your recordings can help you identify areas for improvement.
Watch Tutorials: There are tons of online tutorials that can teach you different techniques and help you learn songs. YouTube is a great resource.
Learn from Others: Play with other musicians and learn from their experience. This will expose you to different styles and techniques.
Focus on Accuracy: Prioritize clear finger placement and smooth transitions between chords.
Have Fun: Music should be enjoyable, so don't be afraid to experiment and express yourself.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

As you practice "Treat You Better," you might encounter some common mistakes. Here's how to avoid them:

Incorrect Chord Shapes: Ensure your finger placement is accurate to get the right sound. Use chord diagrams and practice until the shapes become natural.
Poor Timing: Use a metronome to keep a steady beat. Practice slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
Muffled Sound: Make sure your fingers are pressing down firmly on the strings and that you are not touching other strings accidentally.
Skipping Practice: Practice every day. Practice even when you don't feel like it. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Straining Your Hands: Don't practice for too long if your hands feel tired. Take breaks and stretch your hands and fingers. Proper posture can also help.
Not Listening to the Song: Listen carefully to the original song to get the feel for the rhythm, melody, and dynamics. This will help you to play the song more accurately and expressively.

Conclusion: Your Journey to Playing "Treat You Better"

Congratulations! You've now taken the first steps toward playing "Treat You Better" on your guitar. This song is a great addition to your guitar skills. Remember that learning any instrument takes time and dedication. Be patient with yourself, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun! As you continue to practice, you'll improve your technique, build your musical skills, and start to feel more comfortable and confident playing. Keep experimenting with different plucking patterns, and try adding your own personal touch to the song. Consider learning other songs to expand your repertoire and challenge yourself. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different plucking patterns and embellishments. The more you practice, the better you'll get, and the more fun you'll have! We covered the chords, plucking patterns, and some useful tips to help you along the way. Now go out there and play!

Keep practicing, keep playing, and keep the music alive!