How To Play Treat You Better On Guitar

Unlocking the Gentle Giant: Your "Treat You Better" Guitar Journey Begins!

So, you want to play "Treat You Better" by Shawn Mendes, huh? Excellent choice! It's a song that's both catchy and surprisingly easy to learn on guitar. Forget about needing to be a rock god overnight. We're aiming for campfire cool, not stadium shredder.

Think of learning guitar like learning to ride a bike. You might wobble a bit at first. But with a little practice, you'll be cruising along belting out those high notes (or trying to, anyway).

The Core Ingredients: Chords that Don't Bite

"Treat You Better" is built around a few key chords. Don't worry, we're not talking about crazy jazz chords that require finger gymnastics. These are the friendly neighborhood chords that every beginner guitar player should know.

You'll be hanging out with Am (A minor), G (G major), C (C major), and F (F major). Think of them as your trusty sidekicks. They're always there for you, and they'll get you through almost any pop song.

Now, the F chord... It has a reputation. Some guitarists see it as a friendly chord, others as their nemesis. Don't fear it. There are easier versions, and eventually you will get it.

Taming the F Chord: A Shortcut (Shhh!)

Let's be honest, the full F chord can be a bit of a finger twister. So, for now, let's use a simplified version. You just need your index finger on the first fret of the B string (the second string from the bottom). Boom! F chord, simplified.

This little cheat will get you through the song without sacrificing too much of the original sound. Later, you can come back and conquer the full F. But baby steps.

The Rhythm Recipe: Keeping the Beat Alive

The rhythm in "Treat You Better" is fairly straightforward. A simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern will work wonders. Imagine you're gently brushing crumbs off your guitar. That's the vibe we're going for.

Don't get hung up on being perfect right away. The most important thing is to keep the beat steady and consistent. Think of it as the heartbeat of the song.

Putting It All Together: The Moment of Truth

Now for the fun part! Start by practicing the chord changes slowly. Go from Am to G, then to C, then to F. Repeat this sequence until your fingers feel comfortable. Think of it as a mini-workout for your hand.

Once you feel confident with the chord changes, try strumming along with the song. You might stumble at first, but don't give up. Remember, even Shawn Mendes probably had to practice this song at some point.

Hum along to the music while you play. This will help you stay in rhythm and make the whole process more enjoyable. You might even find yourself accidentally singing along.

Embrace the Imperfections: It's All Part of the Fun

Don't stress if you don't sound exactly like Shawn Mendes on your first try. Guitar playing is a journey, not a destination. Each mistake is a learning opportunity.

Record yourself playing and listen back. It can be painful, but it's also a great way to identify areas where you can improve. Plus, you'll have a hilarious memory to look back on later.

Most importantly, have fun! Learning guitar should be an enjoyable experience. If you're not enjoying it, you're doing it wrong. So grab your guitar, strum those chords, and let the music flow.