[Intro]
C
Ooh
F
Mm
[Verse 1]
C
I'm gon' keep you guessin'
C
If it was up to me, I wouldn't
F
Sometimes I keep hidden
F
The things that I shouldn't
Am F
The look on my face ain't gonna give away a lot
Am G
I'll say I'm fine even when I'm not
[Chorus]
F
Oh, baby, I'm hard to read
F
Give it time and you'll see
C
I don't hate the world when I get mad
C
Sometimes I don't cry when I get sad
F
This open book ain't always open
F
High and low, ain't always showin'
Am G
If you're gonna go all in on lovin' me
F C F
You gotta love a little hard-to-read
[Verse 2]
C
Mm, I won't always say it
C
Baby, the way you're drivin' me wild
F
But you'll learn how to see it
F
The way you're makin' me smile
Am F
Sometimes I need space, sometimes I don't
Am G
Sometimes my love will show, sometimes it won't
[Chorus]
F
Baby, I'm hard to read
F
Give it time and you'll see
C
I don't hate the world when I get mad
C
Sometimes I don't cry when I get sad
F
This open book ain't always open
F
High and low, ain't always showin'
Am G
If you're gonna go all in on lovin' me
F C
You gotta love a little hard-to-read
[Guitar Solo]
C Fmaj7
Just a little bit hard to read, yeah
[Bridge]
Am G F
Just 'cause I don't wear my heart on my sleeve
Fm
Don't mean it ain't yours to keep
[Chorus]
F
Baby, I'm hard to read
F
Give it time and you'll see
C
I don't hate the world when I get mad
C
Sometimes I don't cry when I get sad
F
This open book ain't always open
F
High and low, ain't always showin'
Am G
If you're gonna go all in on lovin' me
F C
You gotta love a little hard-to-read
[Outro]
C
(A little bit hard to read)
C
(A little bit, I'm a little bit hard to read)
F
(A little bit, I'm a little bit hard to read)
C
(A little bit, I'm a little bit hard to read)
How to play "Hard To Read" by Gabby Barrett on guitar offers an
intimate look into the complexities of expressing emotions and the
nuances of personal relationships. This song, primarily built around
the chords C, F, Am, and G, with a touch of Fmaj7 and Fm, unfolds a
narrative that many find relatable. It's a beautiful piece for guitarists
looking to explore songs that convey deeper emotional stories.
Intro and Verse Chords
The song starts with a simple yet evocative intro on the C chord, setting
a reflective mood. This chord progression continues into the verses,
emphasizing the lyrical theme of keeping one's feelings guarded. To play
these chords:
C Major: Place your index finger on the first fret of the B (2nd) string, your
middle finger on the second fret of the D (4th) string, and your ring finger
on the third fret of the A (5th) string.
F Major: For a simpler version, especially for beginners, place your index
finger across the first and second strings at the first fret, your middle finger
on the second fret of the G (3rd) string, and your ring finger on the third fret
of the D (4th) string. This is often called Fmaj7 when you leave the high
E (1st) string open, adding a more melodic sound.
Chorus
The chorus maintains the established pattern but adds emotional depth
through its lyrics and the inclusion of the Am and G chords. Here, the
song opens up about the complexity of emotional expression:
A Minor (Am): Position your index finger on the first fret of the B (2nd) string,
your middle finger on the second fret of the D (4th) string, and your ring
finger on the second fret of the G (3rd) string.
G Major: Place your index finger on the second fret of the A (5th) string,
your middle finger on the third fret of the low E (6th) string, and your ring
finger on the third fret of the high E (1st) string.
Bridge and Solo
The bridge introduces an Fm chord, adding a twist to the song's emotional
journey. This chord shift reflects a deeper dive into the heart's complexities:
F Minor (Fm): For a simplified version, barre your index finger across the
first frets of the high E (1st) and B (2nd) strings, and place your middle
finger on the first fret of the G (3rd) string. This creates a somber tone,
contrasting with the major chords.
The guitar solo over the C and Fmaj7 chords provides a moment of
musical reflection, mirroring the introspective nature of the lyrics.
Outro
The outro revisits the theme and chords of the intro and verses,
providing a gentle resolution to the song's exploration of emotional vulnerability.
As you play "Hard To Read," focus on the emotional nuances of
the chords and lyrics. This song is a wonderful opportunity to express
the subtleties of human emotions through music, making it a fulfilling
piece for guitarists to both learn and interpret.
|