Learning the chords for "Here Comes the Sun" is often the first step for many guitarists into the rich world of Beatles harmony. This iconic track, written by George Harrison and featured on the Abbey Road album, relies on a bright and uplifting chord progression that captures the feeling of relief and optimism. The song primarily utilizes chords from the G major scale, creating a sonic landscape that is both simple in structure and profound in emotional resonance.
The Foundational Chord Progression
The core progression that drives the verse and chorus relies heavily on a sequence of chords that flow together with remarkable smoothness. The magic lies in the movement between these shapes, where even a simple shift can create a vibrant, ringing sound. For anyone looking to capture the essence of the song, mastering these transitions is more important than achieving a perfect strum pattern initially.
Primary Chords Used
The song predominantly lives in the key of G major, and the chords you will use most frequently are built around this tonal center. These shapes form the foundation upon which the entire feel of the song is constructed, and practicing them in isolation will yield the best results for clean transitions.
Deconstructing the Sequence
If you break down the song measure by measure, you will find that the progression follows a logical path that minimizes difficult stretches on the neck. The inclusion of the Em7 chord is particularly important, as it adds a subtle jazziness that differentiates this pop song from standard three-chord changes. This specific voicing keeps the sound open and airy, allowing the high strings to ring freely.
Variations and Advanced Shapes
While the basic open chords are perfectly suitable for beginners, experienced players often look to add color and complexity to the arrangement. Substituting standard shapes with more sophisticated voicings can transform the sound from a simple cover into a nuanced interpretation that highlights the guitar's melodic potential.
Using a Dsus4 before resolving to D adds a moment of tension that mirrors the lyrical "sun is coming out."
Experimenting with a partial barre chord shape for the G major can create a smoother transition to the C chord.
Omitting the low E string on the Em7 prevents muddiness and keeps the high end sparkling.
Strumming directly over the fret wire produces a percussive attack that complements the acoustic rhythm.
The Rhythm and Right Hand
Even with the correct chords for here comes the sun, the song will feel flat without the proper rhythmic interpretation. The original recording features a gentle, almost reggae-inspired downstroke pattern that avoids frantic energy. Keeping a relaxed wrist and focusing on the space between notes is the key to achieving that laid-back, sunny groove that George Harrison envisioned.
Transitioning Through the Song
One of the hallmarks of this composition is the seamless way the chords glide into one another, particularly when moving from the G to the C. Paying attention to your fretting hand's thumb position can drastically improve your ability to switch quickly without breaking the rhythm. The goal is to make the technical aspects of the song invisible to the listener, allowing the emotion of the music to shine through clearly.
