Understanding the After Dark Chords
Tito & Tarantula’s ‘After Dark’ is a captivating song, known for its distinctive sound and atmospheric quality. Learning the chords to this song is a rewarding experience for any guitarist. This guide focuses on making the process easy, breaking down the essential chords, and providing tips to help you play along. We’ll explore the core chords and how they fit together, enabling you to strum along with the song in no time. Understanding the basic chords is key, we’re going to walk through the most commonly used chords to play this hit song from Tito & Tarantula, including the chord shapes and how they are commonly used throughout the song. Let’s dive in and discover the magic of ‘After Dark’ through its chords.
The Basic Chords of After Dark
To play ‘After Dark’, you’ll primarily need to master just a few basic chords. These chords form the foundation of the song and are relatively easy to learn, even for beginners. Once you’ve grasped these chords, you’ll be able to play the main parts of ‘After Dark’. Remember, practice makes perfect. Don’t get discouraged if it takes some time to get the chords right; consistency is the key. These are the 5 essential chords for the song, including their shapes and how to play them, making the song very accessible for beginners.
Am Chord
The Am (A minor) chord is one of the most frequently used chords in popular music, and it’s a staple in ‘After Dark’. To play Am, place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the G string. Strum all the strings except the low E string (the thickest string). With the Am chord you’ll be able to play large parts of the song, and you’ll quickly grasp how the Am chord blends with the other ones. This chord is perfect for beginners due to its simplicity and is essential to master for playing the song correctly.
G Chord
The G chord brings a rich, warm sound to the song. To play the G chord, place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings. The G chord adds a lot of flavor and is a fundamental chord to learn for those wanting to play ‘After Dark’. Make sure your fingers are firmly pressed down behind the frets to get a clean sound.
C Chord
The C chord is another essential chord to learn for playing ‘After Dark’. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all the strings. The C chord is a cornerstone of the song’s progression. Pay close attention to your finger placement to ensure a clear sound, and practice transitioning smoothly between C and other chords for optimal results. You’ll find that the C chord creates a very harmonious sound.
F Chord
The F chord, though a bit more challenging for beginners, is crucial for completing the chord progression of ‘After Dark’. Place your index finger across the first fret, barring the E and B strings. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the D string. Strum all six strings. The F chord can be a bit tricky, but with practice, you’ll be able to play it smoothly. The F chord offers a unique sound, bringing depth and emotion to the song. Keep practicing, and you’ll master it in no time.
Common Chord Progressions in After Dark
Understanding the chord progressions in ‘After Dark’ will help you play the song more fluently. Recognizing the patterns will also make it easier to anticipate the upcoming chords. The song uses a few common progressions. By learning these, you will find playing along much simpler. Here we will identify two common progressions which are used frequently in the song. Practice these progressions, and you’ll soon be playing along with the original song with ease.
Progression 1
The most common progression is Am - G - C - F. This progression forms the backbone of many sections of the song. Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords. Start slowly, focusing on the accuracy of your finger placements and the clarity of the sound. Once you’re comfortable, gradually increase the speed. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory and make the transitions feel natural.
Progression 2
Another effective progression is G - C - Am - F. This variation adds depth to the song. Focus on the transitions between these chords, paying attention to your finger movements and timing. This progression brings a different feel to the song and can be used in various parts. With consistent practice, you’ll be able to switch between these progressions with ease.
Strumming Patterns for After Dark
The strumming pattern adds rhythm and feel to the song. The right strumming pattern will bring the song to life. While there are multiple ways to strum ‘After Dark’, a simple pattern is a great starting point. Experimenting with different patterns can add your personal touch. Here are a few simple strumming patterns and techniques to get you started.
Simple Down-Down-Up Strum
A basic down-down-up pattern is ideal for beginners. Strum down on the beat, down again, and then up. This pattern works well with most of the song’s sections. Try this pattern with each chord. Start slowly to get the rhythm, and then gradually increase the speed. Focus on keeping a consistent strumming motion. This basic pattern will give you a good foundation for playing ‘After Dark’.
Adding Variations to Your Strumming
Once you’re comfortable with the basic pattern, try adding variations. Vary the rhythm by adding more downstrokes or upstrokes. Experiment with muting the strings with your strumming hand to create a percussive effect. Listen to the original song to get a feel for the strumming. Experimenting with different strumming patterns will make your playing more dynamic. This can include altering the rhythm and adding percussive elements to your strumming.
Tips for Practicing the Chords
Practicing effectively is crucial for mastering the chords to ‘After Dark’. There are techniques to help you improve your skills and play with confidence. Consistency, focus, and patience are key. These tips will help you maximize your practice time. Remember to enjoy the process and celebrate your progress. Here’s a few practice tips for you.
Practice Slowly and Carefully
Start by practicing the chords slowly. Focus on making clean chord changes and ensuring each note sounds clear. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Slow practice is essential for building muscle memory. Taking your time helps you avoid forming bad habits. Remember to focus on precision. This will provide a solid foundation for your playing.
Use a Metronome
A metronome is a valuable tool for improving your timing and rhythm. Set the metronome to a slow tempo and practice changing chords in time with the clicks. This will help you develop a strong sense of rhythm. Gradually increase the tempo as you improve. Using a metronome ensures that your playing is consistent and on time. This is a crucial part of learning guitar.
Listen to the Original Song
Listening to the original song is a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the chord progressions, strumming patterns, and overall feel of the song. Pay attention to how the chords flow together and how the strumming complements the melody. Try to play along with the song as you listen. Doing this helps you understand the song better and identify any areas where you might need more practice. This is a key tip for learning any song.
Advanced Chord Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the basic chords and strumming patterns, you can explore more advanced techniques to add depth and complexity to your playing of ‘After Dark’. These advanced techniques can take your playing to the next level. Whether you want to add more flavor to your performance or challenge yourself, these techniques will help. Here’s a few to consider.
Adding a Bar Chord
Bar chords involve using your index finger to press down multiple strings at once. This technique can expand your chord vocabulary. For example, you can learn to play the F chord as a bar chord. This is the next step to learn as you progress. Learning bar chords allows you to play a wider range of songs and experiment with different sounds. It expands the possibilities of what you can play with a guitar.
Exploring Extended Chords
Extended chords, such as seventh chords and sus chords, add color and complexity to the song. These chords have additional notes, which can create more interesting harmonies. Experimenting with these chords can add a unique touch to your playing. Start with the seventh chords or sus chords. These chords will add a new dimension to the song. Incorporating extended chords will make your playing sound more sophisticated.
Final Thoughts on Playing After Dark Chords
Learning to play the chords to ‘After Dark’ is an achievable goal with dedication and practice. By understanding the basic chords, practicing the progressions, and experimenting with strumming patterns, you’ll be able to play along with the song. Remember to start slow, focus on accuracy, and enjoy the process. With consistent effort, you’ll soon be playing ‘After Dark’ with confidence and skill. Happy playing and enjoy the journey of learning guitar. Remember to keep practicing!