Shimbalaie Chords: Learn To Play Natalia Lafourcade's Hit!

Nov 3, 2025 by Team 59 views

Hey music lovers! Want to learn how to play the beautiful song "Shimbalaie" by Natalia Lafourcade? You've come to the right place! This guide will break down the chords, strumming patterns, and everything you need to start playing this tune. "Shimbalaie" is a favorite for its simple yet enchanting melody, and with a few basic chords, you'll be able to impress your friends and family in no time. So, grab your guitar (or ukulele!), and let's dive in!

Understanding the Basic Chords

First things first, let's get acquainted with the essential chords you'll need for "Shimbalaie." The song primarily revolves around a few easy-to-learn chords, making it perfect for beginners. Here are the chords we'll be using:

G Major (G): This is a fundamental chord in many songs. Place your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret; your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all six strings.
D Major (D): Another common chord. Place your index finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret; your middle finger on the 1st string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 2nd string, 3rd fret. Strum all strings except the 6th.
E Minor (Em): A slightly melancholic chord. Place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings.
C Major (C): A bright and cheerful chord. Place your index finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret; your middle finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret. Strum all strings except the 6th.

These four chords – G, D, Em, and C – form the backbone of "Shimbalaie." Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly. A good exercise is to switch between G and D, then D and Em, and so on. Repetition is key to building muscle memory and making your chord changes seamless. Don't worry if it feels awkward at first; everyone starts somewhere. Keep practicing for at least 15-20 minutes each day, and you'll notice a significant improvement in just a few days. Try to maintain a consistent rhythm while switching chords. You can use a metronome or a simple backing track to help you stay in time. As you become more comfortable, you can experiment with different fingerings for these chords. For example, you might find it easier to play the G chord using all three fingers on the 5th fret of the E string. The goal is to find what feels most comfortable and efficient for your hand. Remember to keep your fingers close to the fretboard and apply just enough pressure to produce a clear sound. Avoid pressing down too hard, as this can cause unnecessary strain and make it harder to switch chords quickly. With consistent practice and a bit of patience, you'll master these chords and be well on your way to playing "Shimbalaie" like a pro!

Strumming Pattern

Now that we have the chords down, let's talk about the strumming pattern. "Shimbalaie" doesn't have a super complicated strumming pattern, which makes it even more beginner-friendly. A simple and effective strumming pattern to use is: Down, Down, Up, Down, Up.

Here's how it breaks down:

Down: Strum all the strings from the thickest (lowest E) to the thinnest (highest E).
Up: Strum all the strings from the thinnest (highest E) to the thickest (lowest E).

Practice this pattern slowly at first. Use a metronome to keep a steady beat. Once you're comfortable with the rhythm, try applying it to the chord progression of "Shimbalaie." Start with just one chord, like G, and strum the pattern repeatedly. Then, try switching to D, Em, and C, always maintaining the same strumming pattern. As you become more proficient, you can add variations to the strumming pattern. For example, you might want to emphasize certain strums or add a slight pause between strums. Experiment with different techniques to find what sounds best to you. You can also try using different types of picks or your fingers to strum the strings. A thinner pick will produce a brighter sound, while a thicker pick will give you a more mellow tone. Fingerpicking can add a softer, more delicate touch to the song. Remember to keep your wrist relaxed while strumming. Avoid tensing up, as this can lead to fatigue and make it harder to maintain a consistent rhythm. Use your whole arm to generate the strumming motion, rather than just your wrist. This will help you maintain a smooth and fluid strumming pattern. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! The more you practice, the more natural the strumming pattern will become, and you'll be able to play "Shimbalaie" with confidence and ease.

Chord Progression of Shimbalaie

The basic chord progression for "Shimbalaie" is:

G - D - Em - C

This progression repeats throughout most of the song. The verses and chorus all follow this pattern, making it easy to memorize and play along. Let's break down how to play this progression smoothly. Start by playing the G chord for four beats, then transition to D for four beats, followed by Em for four beats, and finally, C for four beats. Repeat this sequence over and over, focusing on making the chord changes as seamless as possible. As you become more comfortable with the progression, you can start to add variations to your playing. For example, you might want to strum each chord for only two beats instead of four, which will speed up the tempo of the song. Alternatively, you could add a short pause between each chord to create a more dramatic effect. Experiment with different dynamics as well. Try playing the chords softly at first and then gradually increase the volume as you move through the progression. This can add a sense of depth and emotion to your performance. Pay attention to the transitions between the chords. Try to anticipate the next chord and position your fingers accordingly. This will help you make the changes more quickly and smoothly. You can also practice the transitions separately from the full progression. For example, you could focus on just the transition from G to D, and then from D to Em, and so on. By breaking down the progression into smaller parts, you can identify and address any specific challenges you may be facing. Remember to listen carefully to the original recording of "Shimbalaie" to get a sense of the rhythm and feel of the song. Try to emulate Natalia Lafourcade's style of playing, but also don't be afraid to add your own personal touch. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning to play this beautiful song!

Tips for Beginners

Learning guitar can be challenging but also incredibly rewarding. Here are a few tips to help beginners who are just starting with "Shimbalaie":

Start Slow: Don't rush! Focus on getting the chords right first, then gradually increase your speed.
Practice Regularly: Even 15-20 minutes a day can make a huge difference.
Use a Metronome: This will help you develop a sense of timing and rhythm.
Record Yourself: Listening back to your playing can help you identify areas for improvement.
Be Patient: It takes time to develop the necessary skills, so don't get discouraged if you don't sound perfect right away.
Finger Exercises: Before you even pick up your guitar, try some simple finger exercises. These can help improve your dexterity and coordination, making it easier to form chords and switch between them quickly. Try tapping each finger on a table or squeezing a stress ball to strengthen your hand muscles. Stretching your fingers can also help prevent cramping and fatigue. There are many online resources that offer a variety of finger exercises specifically designed for guitar players.
Proper Posture: Maintaining good posture is essential for comfortable and efficient playing. Sit up straight with your shoulders relaxed, and make sure your guitar is positioned correctly. Your wrist should be straight, and your fingers should be curved slightly. Avoid slouching or hunching over, as this can lead to back pain and make it harder to reach certain chords.
Tuning: Before you start practicing, make sure your guitar is properly tuned. A guitar tuner is an essential tool for any beginner. There are many affordable and easy-to-use tuners available, both physical and digital. You can also use online tuning websites or apps to tune your guitar. Tuning your guitar regularly will ensure that the chords sound accurate and that you're developing a good ear for pitch.

Adding Your Own Flair

Once you're comfortable with the basic chords and strumming pattern, feel free to add your own personal touch to "Shimbalaie." Here are a few ideas:

Change the Strumming Pattern: Experiment with different rhythms and variations.
Add Fingerpicking: Incorporate fingerpicking patterns for a more delicate sound.
Transpose the Song: If the original key doesn't suit your vocal range, try transposing the song to a different key.
Add a Solo: If you're feeling adventurous, try adding a short instrumental solo to the song.

Remember, music is all about expression and creativity. Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it. Try adding some embellishments to the chords, such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides. These techniques can add a bit of flair and personality to your playing. You can also try changing the dynamics of the song, playing some parts softly and others more loudly. This can create a sense of drama and emotion. Listen to other versions of "Shimbalaie" to get inspiration and ideas. There are many covers and arrangements of the song available online, and each one offers a unique perspective. Pay attention to the different ways that other musicians interpret the song and see if you can incorporate any of their ideas into your own playing. Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and playing music. The more you practice and experiment, the more confident and skilled you will become. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be creating your own original songs and sharing them with the world!

Conclusion

So there you have it! Learning to play "Shimbalaie" on guitar is totally achievable, even for beginners. With a bit of practice and patience, you'll be strumming this beautiful song in no time. Remember to take it slow, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun! Keep exploring new songs and techniques, and you'll be amazed at how far you can go on your musical journey. Happy playing, guys!