Mastering the guitar chords for "What's Up" opens a direct line to one of the most recognizable anthems of the 1990s. This song, performed by the Scottish rock band 4 Non Blondes, features a powerful vocal performance and a chord progression that is both driving and accessible for players of various skill levels. Learning these shapes allows you to capture the raw energy and emotional depth that made the track a global phenomenon, transforming your instrument into the vehicle for its iconic hook.
The Essential Chord Progression
The foundation of "What's Up" rests on a repeating sequence that drives the song forward with relentless momentum. The core progression primarily revolves around the I-V-vi-IV pattern in the key of E Major, which translates to specific shapes that are vital for any guitarist aiming to play the song authentically. These chords create the dramatic tension and release that define the track's character, making them the first set of shapes you should internalize.
Breaking Down the Primary Shapes
To translate the progression into music, you need to understand the specific fingerings for each chord in the sequence. The progression moves through E major, B major, C# minor, and A major, and each shape requires precise finger placement to sound clean and resonant. Focusing on minimizing muted strings and ensuring each note rings clearly will drastically improve your sound and timing when navigating these changes.
Rhythm and Strumming Dynamics
Beyond the static shapes, the rhythm is the soul of "What's Up". The song relies on a syncopated, percussive strumming pattern that gives it its signature groove. This involves a mix of downstrokes and upstrokes that create a sense of urgency and release, pushing the vocals and melody forward. Capturing this feel is essential; simply playing the correct chords in the wrong rhythm will fail to recreate the song's spirit.
The tempo sits at a moderate pace, which provides a solid framework for emphasizing the off-beats and creating dynamic shifts. Pay close attention to the verses, where the strumming might be more restrained, and the chorus, where it explodes into full force. This contrast is key to delivering a performance that feels authentic and powerful, allowing you to express the song's inherent drama.
Navigating the Verse and Chorus Variations
While the core progression remains constant, subtle variations occur between the verse and the chorus sections that add texture to the arrangement. During the verses, the chord voicings might lean towards simpler, higher-position shapes that create a sense of intimacy. As the song transitions into the explosive chorus, the guitarist often utilizes the full, resonant open shapes to maximize the sonic impact and drive.
