Fight Song: Rachel Platten Chords & How To Play It

Hey guys! You wanna learn how to play "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten? Awesome! This song is super inspiring and it's a great one to have in your repertoire. We're going to break down the chords, strumming patterns, and give you some tips to really nail it. Trust me, once you get the hang of it, you'll be belting it out everywhere you go! Let’s dive in and get those fingers moving!

Understanding the Emotional Power of "Fight Song"

Before we even touch our guitars, let's talk about why "Fight Song" resonates with so many people. This isn't just a catchy tune; it's an anthem about resilience, inner strength, and finding your voice. When Rachel Platten wrote this song, she was at a point in her career where she felt like giving up. But instead of succumbing to those feelings, she channeled them into this incredible song. Understanding the emotional weight behind the lyrics will not only make you appreciate the song more but also influence how you play it. Think about what the song means to you personally. What challenges have you overcome? What battles are you currently fighting? Channeling those emotions will add depth and authenticity to your performance. When you sing and play, let the emotion shine through. Don't just play the notes; feel them. Connect with the message and let your audience connect with you. Remember, music is a language, and emotions are its vocabulary. When you infuse your playing with genuine feeling, you're not just playing a song; you're telling a story. Use dynamics to your advantage. Soften your touch during the more introspective verses and build intensity as you approach the powerful chorus. Experiment with different strumming patterns to match the emotional arc of the song. Sometimes, a simple, steady strum is all you need. Other times, a more complex pattern can add depth and texture. The key is to listen to the song and let it guide you. Pay attention to the nuances in Rachel Platten's vocal delivery. How does she build intensity? Where does she pull back? Try to mirror those choices in your guitar playing. Remember, you're not just accompanying her; you're supporting her message. Ultimately, playing "Fight Song" is about more than just hitting the right notes. It's about connecting with the song's message and sharing it with others. So, grab your guitar, open your heart, and let's make some music!

Essential Chords for "Fight Song"

Okay, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. The chords you'll need for "Fight Song" are relatively simple, making it accessible for beginner guitarists. You'll be using D major, G major, Bm (B minor), and A major. These chords are common and once you master them, you'll find them in tons of other songs too! If you’re new to guitar, don’t worry; we’ll go through each one. For D major, place your index finger on the third string, second fret; your middle finger on the first string, second fret; and your ring finger on the second string, third fret. Strum all strings. Next, G major involves placing your middle finger on the fifth string, second fret; your index finger on the sixth string, third fret; and your ring finger on the first string, third fret. Strum all strings. Bm (B minor) can be a bit tricky for beginners as it's a barre chord. Place your index finger across all strings on the second fret (that’s the barre). Then, place your middle finger on the third string, third fret; your ring finger on the fifth string, fourth fret; and your pinky on the fourth string, fourth fret. Strum all strings. Finally, A major requires placing your index finger on the third string, second fret; your middle finger on the fourth string, second fret; and your ring finger on the second string, second fret. Strum all strings, but avoid the sixth string. Practice transitioning between these chords slowly at first. Use a metronome to keep a steady beat and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Smooth transitions are key to making the song sound fluid. Don't get discouraged if you struggle with the Bm chord at first. Barre chords take time and practice to master. Keep at it, and you'll get there eventually. There are also simplified versions of the Bm chord that you can use until you're ready to tackle the full barre. Focus on accuracy over speed. It's better to play the chords correctly at a slower tempo than to rush through them and make mistakes. Pay attention to the clarity of each chord. Make sure each note rings out clearly and that you're not muting any strings accidentally. Use your fretting hand to mute any unwanted noise. Experiment with different fingerings for each chord to find what's most comfortable for you. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to guitar playing. The most important thing is to find what works best for your hand size and finger strength. Once you're comfortable with the chords, start practicing the song along with a recording. This will help you get a feel for the timing and dynamics of the song. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you play, the better you'll become.

Strumming Patterns That Work

Alright, let's talk about strumming! For "Fight Song", a simple and effective strumming pattern is Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up. This pattern provides a good balance between rhythm and dynamics. However, don't feel limited to just one pattern. Experiment with different variations to find what sounds best to you. You could try emphasizing the downstrokes for a more driving feel or adding some palm muting for a more percussive sound. Pay attention to the dynamics of the song. During the verses, you might want to use a softer strumming pattern to create a more intimate feel. As you build towards the chorus, you can increase the intensity by strumming harder and using a more aggressive pattern. Listen to the original recording and try to emulate Rachel Platten's guitar playing. Pay attention to the nuances in her strumming and try to incorporate them into your own playing. Don't be afraid to experiment with different techniques, such as raking or ghost notes, to add some flair to your strumming. Raking involves strumming all the strings but only hitting a few of them cleanly, while ghost notes are muted strums that add a percussive element to your playing. Use a metronome to keep your strumming consistent and in time. This is especially important when you're learning a new strumming pattern. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Practice strumming the pattern on its own before you try to combine it with the chords. This will help you internalize the rhythm and make the transitions smoother. Don't be afraid to simplify the strumming pattern if you're struggling to keep up. It's better to play a simpler pattern well than to try to play a more complex pattern poorly. Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and express yourself through your playing. Don't get too caught up in the technical details. Just let the music flow and enjoy the process.

Putting It All Together: Song Structure

Now for the fun part – putting everything together! "Fight Song" follows a pretty standard song structure: Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus. Knowing this structure will help you anticipate the chord changes and strumming patterns. During the verses, focus on a softer, more intimate sound. Use a gentle strumming pattern and pay attention to the dynamics of your playing. As you approach the chorus, build intensity by strumming harder and using a more aggressive pattern. The chorus is the emotional heart of the song, so let it shine. The bridge is a contrasting section that provides a break from the repetition of the verses and choruses. Use this section to experiment with different chord voicings and strumming patterns. You might even try adding a little bit of improvisation to make it your own. Pay attention to the transitions between sections. Smooth transitions are key to making the song sound cohesive. Practice transitioning between the verses, choruses, and bridge until it feels natural. Use dynamics to your advantage. Vary the volume and intensity of your playing to create a sense of drama and excitement. Start soft and build to a crescendo, or start loud and gradually fade to a whisper. Listen to the original recording and pay attention to how Rachel Platten structures the song. Notice how she uses dynamics and instrumentation to create different moods and emotions. Don't be afraid to experiment with your own arrangement of the song. You might try adding a guitar solo or changing the order of the sections to create a unique version. Remember, the most important thing is to make the song your own. Don't just copy what you hear on the recording. Let your personality and style shine through. Once you're comfortable playing the song on your own, try playing it with other musicians. Playing with others can be a great way to improve your skills and learn new things. It can also be a lot of fun. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep practicing. With practice and dedication, you'll be able to play "Fight Song" like a pro.

Tips for Mastering "Fight Song"

Okay, let’s boost your performance to the next level! First, practice with a metronome. Seriously, this is non-negotiable. A metronome will help you develop a strong sense of timing and rhythm. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Record yourself playing and listen back critically. This is a great way to identify areas where you can improve. Pay attention to your timing, dynamics, and chord transitions. Watch videos of Rachel Platten performing "Fight Song" live. Pay attention to her body language, vocal delivery, and guitar playing. Try to emulate her performance style. Sing along while you play. This will help you connect with the song on a deeper level and improve your vocal and instrumental coordination. Practice performing the song in front of a mirror. This will help you become more aware of your body language and stage presence. Get feedback from other musicians. Ask them to listen to you play and provide constructive criticism. Be open to their suggestions and use them to improve your performance. Practice consistently. The more you practice, the better you'll become. Even just 15-20 minutes of practice each day can make a big difference. Be patient with yourself. Learning to play an instrument takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually get there. Have fun! Playing music should be enjoyable. If you're not having fun, you're doing it wrong. Choose songs that you love to play and that inspire you. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. The more you experiment, the more you'll learn. Find other musicians to play with. Playing with others can be a great way to improve your skills and learn new things. It can also be a lot of fun. Don't be afraid to make mistakes. Mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. The important thing is to learn from your mistakes and keep practicing. With practice and dedication, you'll be able to play "Fight Song" like a pro. Remember, the journey of learning to play an instrument is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, persistent, and most importantly, have fun!

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Playing "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten is totally achievable with a bit of practice and patience. Remember those chords – D, G, Bm, and A – nail that strumming pattern, and most importantly, connect with the emotion of the song. Keep practicing, and you'll be rocking this tune in no time! You got this! Now go make some music!