Hey guys! Today we're diving into one of the most uplifting and beloved songs in the Beatles' catalog: "Here Comes The Sun." Written by the legendary George Harrison, this tune is pure sunshine in musical form. And guess what? Learning the chords in the key of A is actually super accessible, making it a fantastic song for beginner and intermediate guitarists alike. Whether you're strumming on an acoustic for a campfire singalong or jamming on an electric, this song will bring a smile to your face. We're going to break down the chords, the structure, and some tips to get you playing this masterpiece smoothly. So grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's get ready to feel the warmth of "Here Comes The Sun" together!

Understanding the Key of A Major

Alright, let's talk about the key we're in: A Major. Why is this important? Knowing the key helps us understand the basic building blocks of the song – the chords that sound 'right' and 'at home' within that key. In A Major, the main chords you'll find are A, D, E, F#m, Bm, and C#m. "Here Comes The Sun" mostly sticks to the core family of chords, which is why it feels so cohesive and pleasant to listen to. The primary chords we'll be focusing on are A, D, and E, with a brief venture into F#m. This simplicity is a huge part of the song's charm and why it's so darn fun to learn. It doesn't throw a million complicated chords at you; it relies on a strong foundation. We'll explore how these chords are used in the song's progression to create that instantly recognizable, hopeful feeling. Understanding the key is like knowing the neighborhood where the song lives – it makes navigating its musical streets so much easier!

The Core Chords You'll Need

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the actual chords for "Here Comes The Sun" in the key of A. The beauty of this song is its relatively simple chord vocabulary. You'll mainly need to know how to play A Major (A), D Major (D), and E Major (E). You'll also encounter F# Minor (F#m), which is a common chord in the key of A Major and adds a touch of melancholy before resolving back to the brightness. Let's quickly review how to play these:

• A Major (A): This is your home base chord. You can play it open with the standard A shape: index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. All other strings are open.
• D Major (D): Another super common and bright chord. The standard D shape is played with your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Make sure to avoid strumming the low E string!
• E Major (E): A fundamental chord. The open E Major is played with your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
• F# Minor (F#m): This one can be a little trickier for absolute beginners, but it's totally manageable! A common way to play it is with your index finger barring the 2nd fret across all strings, your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string, and your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the G string. Alternatively, you can use a simpler F#m shape if the barre chord is too much initially: index on the 2nd fret of the G string, middle on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and ring on the 2nd fret of the B string (this is often called an F#m shape in the key of E, but works fine here too).

Mastering these four chords will get you 90% of the way through the song. Practice switching between them smoothly, especially between D and A, and A and E. Those transitions are key to nailing the song's flow.

The Song Structure: Verse, Chorus, and Bridge

Understanding the structure of "Here Comes The Sun" is crucial for learning it effectively. Like many great songs, it follows a fairly standard verse-chorus structure, but with a little twist that makes it so engaging. We've got the main sections, and they all contribute to that feeling of emerging light and optimism. Let's break it down:

The Verse

The verses of "Here Comes The Sun" are where George Harrison sets the scene, describing the long, cold, lonely winter and the relief of the sun finally appearing. The chord progression here is quite straightforward and relies heavily on the A, D, and E chords. It typically goes something like: A - D - A - E - A - D - A - E. This creates a pleasant, predictable movement that's easy to follow. The repetition here is what builds the feeling of anticipation, like waiting for that warm sun to break through the clouds. The strumming pattern in the verse is usually a bit more laid-back, letting the melody and lyrics shine. Think of a gentle, steady rhythm that doesn't overpower the narrative. It's simple, effective, and sets the perfect mood for the lyrical content.

The Chorus

The chorus is the heart of the song, the moment the sun actually arrives. This is where the energy lifts, and the feeling of relief and joy really takes hold. The phrase "Here comes the sun, doo-doo-doo-doo" is instantly recognizable and incredibly singable. The chord progression in the chorus is where we see the introduction of the F#m chord, adding a slightly more complex emotion before resolving back to the bright A Major. A common progression for the chorus is: A - E - F#m - A - D - A - E - A. Notice how the E chord leads into the F#m, creating a slight tension, and then the D and E chords pull it back towards the stable A Major. This movement is what gives the chorus its uplifting quality. The strumming pattern often becomes a bit more energetic here, reflecting the joy and release described in the lyrics. It's the payoff after the verses!

The Bridge/Instrumental Section

While "Here Comes The Sun" doesn't have a traditional 'bridge' in the sense of a contrasting musical section, it does feature a beautiful instrumental break that acts similarly. This section often uses a variation of the verse or chorus chords and features George's iconic slide guitar solo. For learning purposes, you can often get away with strumming the verse or chorus chords during this part, or simply focus on listening to the melodic lines. The key is that it provides a moment of musical exploration before returning to the main themes. Some interpretations might use slightly different chord voicings or a simplified progression here, but the essence remains the same: a melodic interlude that enhances the song's overall journey. Understanding these sections helps you anticipate where the song is going and how to play it with the right feel and dynamics.

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm

Beyond just the chords, the strumming pattern is what really brings "Here Comes The Sun" to life. The rhythm and feel are essential to capturing that optimistic, hopeful vibe. While there are many ways to interpret the rhythm, the goal is to create a sense of forward motion and lightness. For the verses, a good starting point is a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. This pattern is versatile and can be played with varying intensity. You want it to feel gentle and flowing, almost like a gentle breeze. Avoid heavy, aggressive downstrokes; think more shimmering than thudding. As you move into the chorus, you can add a bit more emphasis and energy. You might stick with the same basic pattern but strum a bit harder, or you could introduce a slightly more syncopated rhythm. Some players like to use a pattern like down-down-up-down-up or even a simple down-down-down-down, played with a bit more swing. The key is to listen to the original recording and try to emulate that feeling of gentle propulsion and joy. Experiment with muting strings slightly between strums to get that percussive, rhythmic feel that's characteristic of many Beatles songs. Remember, the strumming should support the melody and the lyrics, not overpower them. It's all about finding that sweet spot that makes you want to tap your feet and smile!

Tips for Playing "Here Comes The Sun"

Alright, guys, let's talk about making this song sound great. Learning the chords is one thing, but playing it with the right feel is another. Here are some tips for playing "Here Comes The Sun" that will help you nail that iconic Beatles sound:

1. Smooth Chord Transitions: The biggest hurdle for many is switching between chords quickly and cleanly. Practice the transitions slowly at first. Focus on moving your fingers efficiently. The A to D and A to E transitions are super common, so get those down. Try practicing just two chords back and forth until it feels natural before adding the next one.
2. Listen to the Original: Seriously, spend time just listening to the recording. Pay attention to the dynamics – when does it get louder or softer? How does George play the chords? Does he use a pick or fingerstyle? Emulating the nuances of the original is a fantastic learning tool.
3. Vary Your Strumming: As we discussed, don't be afraid to experiment with your strumming pattern. Sometimes a slightly different rhythm can completely change the feel of a section. Try playing the verses a bit more softly and the chorus with more energy. This dynamic variation makes the song much more interesting.
4. Embrace the F#m: Don't let the F#m chord intimidate you! It's a crucial part of the chorus's emotional arc. If the barre chord version is too tough, use a simpler shape and focus on getting the notes to ring out clearly. The momentary melancholy it provides makes the return to A Major even sweeter.
5. Tempo and Feel: "Here Comes The Sun" has a natural, relaxed tempo. Don't rush it! Let the song breathe. The feel is light, optimistic, and slightly breezy. Try to channel that feeling into your playing.
6. Sing Along!: This is a song that begs to be sung. Once you're comfortable with the chords, try singing the lyrics while you play. This helps you internalize the song's structure and timing even further. Plus, it's just more fun!

By focusing on these aspects, you'll be well on your way to playing a fantastic rendition of "Here Comes The Sun." It's a journey, but a very rewarding one!

Conclusion: Bask in the Sunny Chords

So there you have it, guys! We've broken down the chords for "Here Comes The Sun" in the key of A, explored its structure, and talked about strumming and playing tips. This song is a testament to the power of simple, beautiful music. It’s a reminder that even after the longest, coldest winter, the sun will eventually come out. Learning this song on your guitar is not just about mastering a few chords; it's about connecting with a piece of music that has brought joy to millions. Remember to practice those chord changes, feel the rhythm, and most importantly, have fun with it! The key of A makes it accessible, and the song's inherent warmth makes it a joy to play. Keep strumming, keep smiling, and let the sunshine in! You've got this!