Intro]
G D/F# Em7 D/F#
[Verse]
G D/F#
Step one you say we need to talk
Em7 D/F# G
He walks you say sit down it’s just a talk
D/F# Em7
He smiles politely back at you
D G
You stare politely right on through
D/F# Em7
Some sort of window to your right
D/F# G
As he goes left and you stay right
D/F# Em7
Between the lines of fear and blame
D
You begin to wonder why you came
[Chorus]
C D Em
And where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
G D/F#
Somewhere along in the bitterness
C D Em7
And I would have stayed up with you all night
G D/F# G
Had I known how to save a life
[Instrumental]
G D/F# Em7 G
[Verse]
G D/F#
Let him know that you know best
Em7 D/F#
'Cause after all you do know best
G D/F#
Try to slip past his defense
Em D
Without granting innocence
G D/F# Em7
Lay down a list of what is wrong
D/F#
Things you’ve told him all along
G D/F#
And pray to God he hears you
Em7 D
And I pray to God he hears you
[Chorus]
C D Em7
And where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
G D/F#
Somewhere along in the bitterness
C D Em7
And I would have stayed up with you all night
G D/F# G
Had I known how to save a life
[Instrumental]
G D/F# Em7 D/F#
G D/F# Em7 D
[Verse]
G D/F#
As he begins to raise his voice
Em7 D/F# G
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
D/F#
Drive until you lose the road
Em7 D
Or break with the ones you’ve followed
G D/F# G/B
He will do one of two things
Em7 D/F#
He will admit to everything
G D/F#
Or he’ll say he’s just not the same
Em7 D
And you’ll begin to wonder why you came
[Chorus]
C D Em7
And where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
G G/B
Somewhere along in the bitterness
C D Em
And I would have stayed up with you all night
G D/F#
Had I known how to save
C D Em7
And where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
G G/B
Somewhere along in the bitterness
C D Em7
And I would have stayed up with you all night
G D/F# G
Had I known how to save a life
[Instrumental/Outro]
G D/F# Em
Em7 D/F# G D/F# Em7
How to save a life
Em7 D G
How to save a life
How to play "How To Save A Life" by Flores Wyatt on guitar
Tuning: Standard tuning (EADGBE)
Chords Used:
G - 320003
D/F# - 200232
Em7 - 022033
C - x32010
Em - 022000
Chord Progression Overview:
This song primarily uses a sequence of G, D/F#, Em7, and C,
creating an emotional tone that pairs well with the lyrics.
Intro and Verse Strumming Pattern:
- Strumming: D D UU DUDU (D = down, U = up)
- Play each chord for one measure unless noted otherwise.
Playing Style:
- For G and C, use a full strum to bring a rich sound.
- For D/F# and Em7, focus on the high strings to add brightness.
Intro:
G D/F# Em7 D/F#
Repeat the progression twice.
Verse:
- "Step one you say we need to talk"
G D/F# Em7 D/F#
Play the progression while focusing on clear transitions.
Chorus:
- "And where did I go wrong, I lost a friend"
C D Em G D/F#
This change introduces a new chord, C, enhancing the emotional
response. Ensure the C to D transition is smooth.
Instrumental:
G D/F# Em7 D
Continue with the verse pattern.
Bridge:
- Here, the lyrics "As he begins to raise his voice" can
coincide with a slightly louder strumming to match the increasing
emotional intensity.
General Tips:
- Practice transitions between D/F# and Em7, as they can be tricky for
beginners.
- Maintain a steady rhythm; avoid rushing the strumming pattern.
- Emotional delivery: Match your playing intensity with the song's mood.
Common Mistakes:
- Not maintaining consistent strumming patterns.
- Rushing through chord changes, especially in the chorus.
- Neglecting the emotional connection to the song, which can make the
performance feel flat.
Song Meaning:
The lyrics deal with a conversation between the singer and a friend who
is struggling, highlighting themes of misunderstanding and the desire to
help in times of distress.
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