Learn How to Play 'Riptide' on Guitar: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

How To Play Riptide Guitar

Learn how to play Riptide on guitar with these easy-to-follow steps! Master the chords and strumming patterns for this popular Vance Joy song.

Are you ready to learn how to play Riptide on guitar? Well, you've come to the right place! This upbeat tune by Vance Joy has captured the hearts of millions since its release in 2013. But don't let its cheerful melody fool you; it's not the easiest song to play. However, with some dedication and practice, you'll be strumming along like a pro in no time. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Greetings fellow guitar enthusiasts!

Today, we’re going to delve into the intricacies of playing one of the most iconic songs of our time - Riptide by Vance Joy. This song has been a staple in many acoustic guitarists’ repertoires since its release in 2013, and for good reason. The catchy melody and simple chord progression make it an easy song to learn, but there are still some nuances that can elevate your playing to the next level.

Riptide

The Chords

Let’s start with the basics - the chords. The song uses only four chords - Am, G, C, and F. These are all basic open chords that most guitarists are familiar with. To play the song, you’ll need to be able to switch between these chords smoothly and quickly. The strumming pattern is also fairly simple, with a basic down-up-down-up rhythm.

Guitar

The Intro

The intro to the song is instantly recognizable, with its distinctive riff played on the ukulele. However, it can also be played on the guitar for a slightly different sound. To play the intro on the guitar, you’ll need to use fingerpicking instead of strumming. The riff consists of three parts - the bassline, the melody, and the harmony. Take your time learning each part individually before putting them together.

Guitar

The Verse

The verse of the song is where the chords come in. The strumming pattern is fairly simple, but it’s important to keep a steady rhythm throughout the song. Pay attention to the dynamics as well - the verse should be played softly, with a gentle touch on the strings. This will create a contrast with the chorus, which is more upbeat and energetic.

Guitar

The Chorus

The chorus of the song is where you can really let loose and have fun. The chords are the same as in the verse, but the strumming pattern is more upbeat and energetic. You can also add some palm muting to give the chords a more percussive sound. Don’t be afraid to sing along as well - the chorus is meant to be catchy and singable.

Guitar

The Bridge

The bridge of the song is where things get a little more complex. The chords are different from the rest of the song, and the strumming pattern is more syncopated. This can be challenging at first, but with practice, you’ll be able to master it. The bridge is also where you can add some flourishes and embellishments to make the song your own.

Guitar

The Outro

The outro of the song is a repeat of the intro, with a few minor variations. This is a great opportunity to showcase your fingerpicking skills and add your own personal touch to the song. Take your time and play the outro slowly and delicately, building up to a satisfying finish.

Guitar

Practice Tips

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of playing Riptide on the guitar, here are a few practice tips to help you master the song:

  • Start slow and gradually build up speed
  • Focus on accuracy and clean chord changes
  • Record yourself playing and listen back for areas that need improvement
  • Experiment with different strumming patterns and fingerpicking styles
  • Have fun and don’t be afraid to make the song your own!

Conclusion

Playing Riptide on the guitar is a fun and rewarding experience for guitarists of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, there’s always something new to learn and discover in this timeless song. So grab your guitar, practice those chords and strumming patterns, and get ready to make some beautiful music!

Guitar

Alright folks, it's time we dive into the nitty-gritty of playing one of the most iconic guitar riffs in modern music - Riptide. Now, I'm Guthrie Govan and I'm here to break it down for you. So, grab your guitar and let's get started!

Firstly, it's important to understand the basic structure of the Riptide riff. It consists of three chords, played in a specific order, with a simple fingerpicking pattern. The three chords you'll need to play Riptide are Am, G, and C. These are relatively easy chords to learn but make sure you practice transitioning smoothly between them.

The fingerpicking pattern for Riptide is quite unconventional. It involves plucking all the strings simultaneously with your thumb, followed by a specific pattern of plucking the melody with your index and middle finger. To add a bit of complexity and interest to your Riptide playing, try alternating the bass notes in the fingerpicking pattern. Another technique you can try to spice up your Riptide playing is adding pull-offs to the melody notes or adding hammer-ons to the melody notes to give it a smoother, more fluid sound.

One of the trickiest things about playing Riptide is getting the tempo just right. You need to keep it steady and consistent throughout the entire song, so practice with a metronome to get it perfect. While the original Riptide riff is played with fingerpicking, you can also experiment with strumming variations to add your own personal touch. The chorus of Riptide is a great place to experiment with adding strumming in between the fingerpicking pattern, which can really add some depth and richness to your sound.

Putting it All Together

Finally, once you've mastered each of these individual techniques, it's time to put them all together and play Riptide from start to finish. When you nail it, there's nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction that comes with playing this classic riff like a pro. So keep practicing, experimenting, and enjoying the process - before you know it, you'll be impressing audiences with your Riptide skills in no time!

How To Play Riptide Guitar: A Guide by Guthrie Govan

Hey there, fellow guitar enthusiasts! Today, I'm going to teach you how to play one of the most popular songs of recent times - Riptide by Vance Joy. Let's dive in!

Step 1:

Get yourself a standard-tuned acoustic guitar and make sure it's in tune. Riptide is played in the key of D, so make sure your guitar is tuned to EADGBE.

Step 2:

Start with the opening riff. It goes like this:

  1. Place your first finger on the second fret of the fifth string
  2. Place your second finger on the third fret of the sixth string
  3. Place your third finger on the second fret of the first string
  4. Strum the strings from the fifth string down to the first string, then back up
  5. Lift your fingers off the strings and strum the open strings

Practice this riff until you can play it smoothly and without mistakes.

Step 3:

Learn the chord progression for the verse. It goes like this:

  1. D - D - D - D
  2. Bm - Bm - G - G
  3. D - D - D - D
  4. A - A - G - G

Strum each chord four times and make sure you're switching between them smoothly.

Step 4:

Learn the chord progression for the chorus. It goes like this:

  1. G - G - D - D
  2. Em - Em - Bm - Bm
  3. G - G - D - D
  4. A - A - A - A

Strum each chord four times and again, make sure you're switching between them smoothly.

Step 5:

Put it all together! Start with the opening riff, then play the verse, then the chorus. Repeat this pattern throughout the song.

And that's it! You now know how to play Riptide by Vance Joy on guitar. Remember to practice regularly and have fun!

Well folks, I hope you've enjoyed this little journey on how to play Riptide guitar. As always, it's been a pleasure to share my knowledge and passion for music with you all.

I know that learning any instrument can be challenging at times, but trust me when I say that the hard work pays off in the end. And with a song like Riptide, you'll have a blast playing it once you get the hang of it.

So keep practicing, stay dedicated, and most importantly, have fun! Remember, music is about expressing yourself and enjoying the process. Don't be too hard on yourself if you make mistakes along the way. Just keep pushing forward and you'll get there eventually.

And who knows? Maybe one day you'll be able to play Riptide just like Guthrie Govan himself. But until then, keep on strumming those chords and making beautiful music.

Greetings, fellow guitar enthusiasts! I'm Guthrie Govan, and I'm here to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about how to play Riptide on guitar.

Here are some of the most common inquiries:

  1. What is the tuning for Riptide?
  2. The tuning for Riptide is standard tuning, which means that the strings are tuned to E-A-D-G-B-E from low to high.

  3. What are the chords for Riptide?
  4. The chords for Riptide are Am, G, and C. The song follows a simple chord progression throughout, with each chord being played for one bar. The strumming pattern is also quite straightforward, with a down-up-down-up strumming pattern repeated throughout the song.

  5. How do I play the intro riff to Riptide?
  6. The intro riff to Riptide is played on the ukulele in the original recording, but it can be played on the guitar as well. To play it, start by placing your index finger on the fifth fret of the A string and your ring finger on the seventh fret of the D string. Pluck the two strings simultaneously and slide your fingers up to the seventh fret on the A and ninth fret on the D. Repeat this pattern twice more before sliding up to the tenth fret on the A and twelfth fret on the D, and then playing an open G chord.

  7. What are some tips for playing Riptide on guitar?
  8. One tip for playing Riptide on guitar is to practice the chord changes slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you get more comfortable with the song. Another tip is to pay attention to your strumming pattern, making sure to keep a steady rhythm throughout the song. Finally, don't be afraid to put your own spin on the song – experiment with different strumming patterns and chord voicings to make the song your own.

Thanks for tuning in! I hope these answers help you on your journey to mastering Riptide on guitar.

Learn How to Play 'Riptide' on Guitar: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners. There are any Learn How to Play 'Riptide' on Guitar: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners in here.


close