CAPO: 3rd FRET
[Intro]
C C Fmaj7 Fmaj7
E ---------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
B -----5-3-------|-----1-----|-----1-----|-----1-----|-----1-----|
G ---------4-5-5-|-0h2---2-0-|-0h2---2-0-|-0h2---2-0-|-0h2---2-0-|
D -3h5-----5-----|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
A ---------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
E ---------------|-----------|-----------|-----------|-----------|
[Verse]
C
Your memories won't quit
Fmaj7 F
The ones I'm out here dying to forget
Dm
They ain't let up, not one moment or one bit
G
And if they're gonna, well, they haven't done it yet
G
So I just keep drinking
[Chorus]
F
I thought that I could drown 'em
G
In some magic whiskey fountain
C
But the only thing I'm drowning is me
F
And if all this climbing walls
G
Could lead to somewhere better off
C F
I wouldn't be so lost in misery
C Dm
Oh, believe me
G C
It ain't as easy as I thought it would be
C
E -----------|-----------|
B -----1-----|-----1-----|
G -0h2---2-0-|-0h2---2-0-|
D -----------|-----------|
A -----------|-----------|
E -----------|-----------|
[Verse]
C
Same old silly me
F
Thinking I could finally set my heart free
Dm
The one you tore apart when you just had to leave
G Dm
And leave me with all these dreams
G
That'll never come true
[Chorus]
F
I thought that I could drown 'em
G
In some magic whiskey fountain
C
But the only thing I'm drowning is me
F
And if all this climbing walls
G
Could lead to somewhere better off
C F
I wouldn't be so lost in misery
Dm
Oh, believe me
G C C
It ain't as easy as I thought it would be
[Break]
Dm7 G7
So what if I don't
Get over you?
Dm G
It looks like I won't
Get over you
[Chorus]
F
I thought that I could drown 'em
G
In some magic whiskey fountain
C
But the only thing I'm drowning is me
Dm C F
And if all this climbing walls
G
Could lead to somewhere better off
C F
Well I wouldn't be so lost in misery
Dm7
Oh, believe me
G Am
It ain't as easy as I thought it would be
D7
Oh oh
[Outro]
Dm7
Aw, believe me
G C
It ain't as easy as I thought it would be
C
E -----------|-----------|-----------|-0-|
B -----1-----|-----1-----|-----1-----|-1-|
G -0h2---2-0-|-0h2---2-0-|-0h2---2-0-|-0-|
D -----------|-----------|-----------|-2-|
A -----------|-----------|-----------|-3-|
E -----------|-----------|-----------|-x-|
To play "Ain't As Easy" by Ernest on the guitar, you'll want to start by putting
a capo on the 3rd fret. This setup lets you play the chords like you're in the key of C major,
but the sound actually comes out in the key of Eb major.
The song mixes simple open chords with some neat hammer-ons within those chords
to really give the music some flair.
[Intro & Verses] Chord Progression:
The intro and verses follow a C to Fmaj7 progression. Here’s what you should do:
Play the C chord normally but make sure you transition smoothly to the Fmaj7.
With the Fmaj7, let the open E string ring to add a beautiful melodic quality to the chord.
[Intro] Specific Playing Tips:
Start with an arpeggiated picking pattern on C, then mix it up with some strumming
and picking on the Fmaj7.
The tabs show some hammer-ons (marked as 'h') on the G string when you’re playing C and Fmaj7.
[Verse] Lyric Emphasis:
While playing the C chord, sing "Your memories won't quit" at a relaxed pace.
Move smoothly to the Fmaj7 as you sing "The ones I'm out here dying to forget".
Match the deep feeling of the lyrics with the rich sound of the Fmaj7.
[Chorus] Chord Transitions:
The chorus starts with an F, goes to a G, and then back to C. This movement is
key to the emotional impact of the song.
Focus on shifting smoothly between these chords, keeping your rhythm consistent.
[Chorus] Strumming Pattern:
Use a mix of down and up strums, emphasizing the downstrokes to highlight the
poignant mood of the chorus.
Strum the F and G chords a bit harder to boost the dynamic feel.
[Break & Outro] Handling Dm7 and G7:
In the break and outro, where you play Dm7 and G7, pay attention to how you
deliver the lyrics.
Play these chords softly to create a contrast with the bolder chorus.
General Tips:
Always make sure your guitar is tuned correctly with the capo on the 3rd fret.
Keep your picking hand relaxed for easy transitions between picking and strumming.
Start by practicing at a slower tempo to get the transitions right, then speed up to the
original tempo of the song as you get more comfortable.
Common Mistakes:
If the capo isn’t placed right on the 3rd fret, your playing might sound off-key.
Avoid rushing through the chord transitions; time them well with the lyrics.
Be careful not to over-strum on the Fmaj7 to avoid overpowering the melody made
by the open strings.
"Ain't As Easy" is a beautifully written song that combines deep lyrics with melodious
guitar play, demanding good rhythm strumming and precise picking.
