You Are The Reason: Chords & Lyrics - Easy Play Guide
Hey guys! Today, let’s dive into a super popular and emotional song, "You Are The Reason." Whether you're a beginner guitarist or just love belting out heartfelt tunes, this guide will provide you with the chords and lyrics to get you playing and singing along in no time. We’ll break it down simply, so everyone can join in on the fun. Let's get started and make some beautiful music together!
Introduction to "You Are The Reason"
"You Are The Reason," performed by Calum Scott, is a powerfully moving ballad that resonates with anyone who has ever experienced deep emotion. The song’s beauty comes not just from its lyrics, but also from its simple yet effective chord progression. It's perfect for learning because the chords are relatively straightforward, making it accessible to beginner guitarists. Understanding the emotional context of the song can truly enhance your performance, allowing you to convey the heartfelt message embedded in every note and word.
The Emotional Power of Music: Before we get into the specifics of chords and lyrics, let’s quickly touch on why this song is so loved. Music has a unique ability to express feelings that words sometimes fail to capture. "You Are The Reason" speaks of love, regret, and reconciliation, themes that are universally relatable. When you play this song, you're not just playing notes; you're conveying a story of deep human connection.
Why This Song is Great for Beginners: For those just starting with guitar, "You Are The Reason" offers a fantastic opportunity to improve your skills. The chords are relatively simple and commonly used, which means you’ll be building a solid foundation for learning more complex songs in the future. Moreover, playing a song that you genuinely enjoy can be incredibly motivating. It makes the practice sessions more fun and less like a chore. So, grab your guitar, and let’s embark on this musical journey together!
Chords Used in "You Are The Reason"
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty! To play "You Are The Reason," you'll need to know a few basic chords. Don't worry if you're a beginner; we'll walk through each one step by step. The primary chords used in this song are G, D, Em, and C. These are foundational chords that appear in countless songs, so mastering them will be super beneficial for your musical journey. Let's break down each one:
G Major: The G Major chord is a staple in almost every guitarist's repertoire. To play it, 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. This chord has a bright, uplifting sound and forms the backbone of many popular songs.
D Major: The D Major chord is another essential 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 only the bottom four strings (D, G, B, and high E). The D Major chord brings a sense of resolution and warmth to the song.
Em (E minor): The E minor chord adds a touch of melancholy to the song. Place your middle finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings. E minor is often used to convey feelings of sadness or introspection, making it a perfect fit for the emotional tone of "You Are The Reason."
C Major: The C Major chord provides a gentle contrast to the other chords. 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 but the 6th (low E). C Major offers a bright, hopeful sound that balances the minor chords in the song.
Tips for Changing Chords: One of the biggest challenges for beginner guitarists is smoothly transitioning between chords. Here are a few tips to help you out:
- Practice Slowly: Start by practicing the chord changes slowly. Focus on accuracy rather than speed.
- Use Finger Memory: Try to memorize the shape of each chord. This will help you transition more quickly.
- Keep Fingers Close to the Fretboard: Minimize the distance your fingers travel between chords. This reduces unnecessary movement and speeds up the process.
- Practice Common Transitions: Focus on practicing the transitions that occur most frequently in the song. For "You Are The Reason," practice transitioning between G, D, Em, and C.
"You Are The Reason" Lyrics and Chord Chart
Now that we've covered the chords, let's put it all together with the lyrics. Here’s a simplified chord chart to help you play along. Remember, the key to mastering this song is to take it slow and practice regularly. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away. Keep at it, and you’ll be playing beautifully in no time!
(Verse 1) [G]I'd climb every mountain [D]And swim every ocean [Em]Just to be with you [C]And fix what I've broken
(Chorus) [G]Oh, 'cause I need you to see [D]That you are the reason [Em]You are the reason [C]You are the reason
(Verse 2) [G]I'm sorry I hurt you [D]It's something I'll live with [Em]Everyday [C]And all I can do
(Chorus) [G]Oh, 'cause I need you to see [D]That you are the reason [Em]You are the reason [C]You are the reason
(Bridge) [Em]I'm not a perfect person [C]I'll never be [G]But I'm trying to make it right [D]For you, baby
(Chorus) [G]Oh, 'cause I need you to see [D]That you are the reason [Em]You are the reason [C]You are the reason
(Outro) [G]You are the reason [D]You are the reason [Em]You are the reason [C]You are the reason
Tips for Playing "You Are The Reason"
Okay, so you've got the chords down and you're familiar with the lyrics. Awesome! Now, let's talk about how to really nail your performance. Playing a song isn't just about hitting the right notes; it's about conveying the emotion and connecting with the music. Here are some tips to help you bring "You Are The Reason" to life:
Focus on Dynamics: Dynamics refer to the volume and intensity of your playing. Try varying your strumming strength to create contrast between verses and choruses. For example, you might play the verses more softly and build up to a louder, more intense chorus. This can add a lot of emotional depth to your performance.
Pay Attention to Tempo: The tempo is the speed at which you play the song. "You Are The Reason" is typically played at a slower tempo, which gives it a more intimate and heartfelt feel. Make sure you're not rushing through the song. Keep a steady, consistent tempo throughout.
Add Your Own Flair: While it's important to stay true to the original song, don't be afraid to add your own personal touches. This could mean using a different strumming pattern, adding a few embellishments to the chords, or even changing the key to better suit your vocal range. Experiment and have fun with it!
Sing with Emotion: "You Are The Reason" is a deeply emotional song, so it's important to sing with feeling. Think about the meaning of the lyrics and try to convey those emotions through your voice. Even if you're not a professional singer, you can still connect with the audience by singing from the heart.
Practice with a Metronome: A metronome is a tool that helps you keep time. Practicing with a metronome can help you develop a better sense of rhythm and timing. Start by practicing slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing and singing can be a great way to identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your recording and pay attention to your timing, pitch, and dynamics. Be honest with yourself and focus on making small improvements each time you practice.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Even the most seasoned musicians make mistakes from time to time. The key is to learn from those mistakes and keep improving. Here are some common mistakes that beginner guitarists make when playing "You Are The Reason," along with tips on how to avoid them:
Rushing the Chord Changes: One of the most common mistakes is rushing the chord changes. This can result in choppy, uneven playing. To avoid this, practice the chord changes slowly and deliberately. Focus on making smooth transitions between chords.
Not Using Proper Finger Placement: Proper finger placement is crucial for playing chords accurately. Make sure your fingers are positioned correctly on the fretboard and that you're applying enough pressure to get a clear sound. Avoid muting strings or buzzing.
Strumming Too Hard or Too Soft: Strumming too hard can result in a harsh, unpleasant sound, while strumming too softly can make the song sound weak and lifeless. Experiment with different strumming techniques to find the right balance.
Not Tuning Your Guitar: Playing a song on an out-of-tune guitar is never a good idea. Always make sure your guitar is properly tuned before you start playing. Use a tuner or an app to check the tuning.
Giving Up Too Easily: Learning to play guitar takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing and be patient with yourself. The more you practice, the better you'll become.
Conclusion
So there you have it, guys! You now have everything you need to start playing "You Are The Reason" on your guitar. Remember, the key to mastering any song is practice, patience, and passion. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; they’re a natural part of the learning process. Embrace the journey, and most importantly, have fun! Keep strumming, keep singing, and keep making beautiful music. You’ve got this!
Happy playing, and I can’t wait to hear your rendition of this beautiful song. Keep practicing, and remember, every great musician started exactly where you are right now. Rock on!