[Intro] D G D D/C# Bm A G (x2) [Verse 1] D G D Bring me down and beat me blue Bm A G There ain't a beauty on the planet comin' close to you D G D In the hot shade of summer or a cool, crisp fall Bm A G I'd rather be ruined by you than be loved at all [Chorus] D G D Well, my chest-talking, jaywalking, Levi jean queen Bm A G I've been everywhere, I swear, and you're the finest I've seen [Break] D G D D/C# Bm A G [Verse 2] D G D Bring me down and beat me blue Bm A G There ain't a kindness on the planet that compares to you D G D In the dark of the night or the light of day Bm A G I'll long for you tomorrow as I did today [Chorus] D G D Well, my daydreaming, people-pleasing, bright-on-dark-days girl Bm A G I've fell hard and I've loved wide, and you're the rarest in the world [Break] D G D D/C# Bm A G [Bridge] Bm G D A Well, I've been known to chase endless dreams Bm G D But in my dreams, it seems I'm only chasin' you Bm G D A Break me, beat me, tear me down, and drag my ass all over town Bm G D I'll whisper you these sonnets 'til I'm blue Bm G D Oh, I'll whisper you these sonnets 'til I'm blue [Break] D G D D/C# Bm A G (x2) [Verse 3] D G D Bring me down and beat me blue Bm A G There ain't a heaven on the planet that saves me like you D G D Hallelujahs, oh, 'til you go on for miles Bm A G A grown-ass man grinnin' like a child D G D High on the mountain or the valley low Bm A G Only thing that heals my blues no matter where I go How to play "Blue" by Bryan Zach involves a more complex chord progression than the previous song, incorporating chords like D, G, Bm, A, and an interesting variation, D/C#. This song captures an emotional depth through its lyrics, supported by a melodic chord progression that emphasizes the sentiment of being deeply moved and transformed by love. Intro and Breaks: The intro and breaks follow a sequence of D G D D/C# Bm A G, played twice for the intro and used similarly for the breaks. This progression sets a reflective tone right from the start, moving from a sense of contemplation to a deeper, more introspective feel as it progresses. D Major: Index on the 2nd fret of the G string, ring on the 3rd fret of the B string, and middle on the 2nd fret of the high E string. G Major: Middle on the 3rd fret of the low E string, index on the 2nd fret of the A string, and ring on the 3rd fret of the high E string. Bm: Barre your index finger across all strings on the 2nd fret, place your ring and pinky fingers on the 4th frets of the D and G strings, respectively, and your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. A Major: Index on the 2nd fret of the D string, middle on the 2nd fret of the G string, and ring on the 2nd fret of the B string. D/C#: Similar to the D major chord but with your thumb reaching over the neck to press the 2nd fret of the low E string, giving a bass note of C#. Verses and Chorus: The verses maintain the same chord progression as the intro, offering a sense of continuity and grounding. The movement between these chords underpins the narrative of the lyrics, which speak to a profound and transformative love. In the chorus, the progression simplifies slightly to focus on D, G, and Bm chords. This shift highlights the song's emotional climax, with the lyrics describing a significant other in endearing terms. The G chord acts as a pivot, brightening the melody and lifting the mood before returning to the reflective theme of the verses. Bridge: The bridge introduces a slightly varied progression, focusing on Bm, G, D, and A, which serves to deepen the emotional expression. This section is a confession of the singer's feelings and intentions, with the chords supporting a more introspective and heartfelt message. Guitar Lesson Overview: - Familiarize yourself with the chord shapes and practice transitioning smoothly between them, especially the D/C# which might be new to some. - Pay attention to the dynamics of your strumming. The emotional depth of the song calls for a sensitive approach, where louder strumming can emphasize moments of passion and softer strumming can underscore the more tender lines. - The bridge offers a moment of introspection; let the chords resonate and support the storytelling aspect of the lyrics. - Listen to the original track to get a feel for the rhythm and tempo. Try to match the emotional intensity of the performance with your strumming pattern and chord changes.