Maddie James
Candle in the Wind is a threnody-style ballad written by English musician Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin. It was originally written in 1973 as a tribute to Marilyn Monroe, who had died 11 years earlier. In 1997, John performed a rewritten version of the song as a tribute to Princess Diana of Wales, who had died in a car crash. The song has since been covered by artists such as Ed Sheeran and Bruce Springsteen, and it has been recognised as one of the greatest songs of all time by Rolling Stone magazine. To strum Candle in the Wind on the guitar, one can use the suggested strumming pattern D - DU - UDU with the chords [A], [G], [D], [A7], [Bm] in the original key (D).
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What You'll Learn
The D – DU – UDU strumming pattern
To strum "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John, one suggestion is to use the D – DU – UDU strumming pattern. This pattern can be used to play the song on a guitar in the original key of D.
To strum using this pattern, start by placing your fingers in a D chord shape, and strum down. Then, keeping your fingers in the same position, strum down and immediately up. Finally, without changing your finger placement, strum up, and then down. This completes one repetition of the D – DU – UDU strumming pattern.
This pattern can be repeated throughout the song, providing a steady and consistent rhythm. The pattern is relatively simple, making it accessible to beginner guitarists. However, it is important to maintain a steady tempo and ensure that each strum is evenly spaced to create a smooth and flowing sound.
Additionally, it is worth noting that this strumming pattern can be combined with various chord progressions to add variation and interest to the song. The suggested chords to use in conjunction with this strumming pattern for "Candle in the Wind" are A, G, D, A7, and Bm. These chords will allow you to play the song in its original key while incorporating the D – DU – UDU strumming pattern.
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How to strum and sing at the same time
Learning to strum and sing simultaneously can be challenging, but with practice, it can become second nature. Here are some tips to help you learn how to strum and sing "Candle in the Wind" or any other song:
Start with the Basics:
Before attempting to strum and sing simultaneously, ensure you have a good grasp of the song's lyrics and the strumming pattern on your guitar. Practice them separately until you can perform each effortlessly. This foundational work is crucial for your success in the next steps.
Slow and Steady:
Begin practicing strumming and singing together at a slower tempo. Playing at a reduced speed gives you more control and allows you to synchronize your strumming with your vocals. Gradually increase the tempo as you feel more comfortable, eventually aiming for the original song pace.
Simplify the Strumming Pattern:
If you find the strumming pattern of "Candle in the Wind" too challenging to pair with your vocals, simplify it. Opt for a basic strumming pattern that you can more easily coordinate with your singing. As you improve, you can reintroduce the original strumming pattern or create your own variation.
Focus on Rhythm:
Maintain a steady rhythm by ensuring your strumming hand moves consistently. Aim for fluid motion, even when transitioning between chords. This consistency will provide a solid foundation for your singing. Work on balancing the rhythms of your strumming and vocals to ensure they complement each other.
Chords and Transposition:
If the original key of the song strains your vocal range, consider transposing it to a more comfortable key. This adjustment can make it easier to focus on coordinating your strumming and singing. Additionally, practice changing chords smoothly to maintain the flow of the song.
Practice, Practice, Practice:
Mastering the art of strumming and singing simultaneously takes dedication and time. Regular practice is key. Focus on perfecting small sections of the song before moving on. With persistence, you'll soon strum and sing "Candle in the Wind" with ease and confidence.
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The guitar chords for the original key
To play "Candle in the Wind" by Elton John in the original key on the guitar, use the chords [A], [G], [D], [A7], and [Bm]. The suggested strumming pattern is D - DU - UDU. The original version of the song is in the key of E major and was released in 1973 on the album "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road". It was released as a single in 1974 and reached No. 11 in the UK charts.
The song is a threnody-style ballad written by Elton John and songwriter Bernie Taupin. It was originally written in honour of Marilyn Monroe, who had died 11 years prior to the song's release. The lyrics are a sympathetic portrayal of Monroe's life, with the opening line "Goodbye, Norma Jean" referring to her real name, Norma Jeane (commonly spelled Jean) Mortenson.
The phrase "candle in the wind" was used by Clive Davis in tribute to Janis Joplin, and Taupin was inspired to write the lyrics after hearing this phrase. The song is considered one of the best marriages of lyric and melody by Taupin, although he has stated that he was not particularly enamored by Marilyn Monroe.
To play "Candle in the Wind" on the guitar in the original key, use the chords listed above and follow the suggested strumming pattern. This will allow you to play the song as it was originally written and performed by Elton John.
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Reading chord charts and fretboard diagrams
Reading chord charts and understanding fretboard diagrams are essential skills for any guitarist, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player. These skills will enable you to play a wide variety of chords and songs, and they can be learned in just a few months with the right guidance.
Chord charts are visual representations of the fretboard, showing you where to place your fingers to form chords. The vertical lines on a chord chart represent the six strings of the guitar, with the leftmost line being the thickest string (closest to your head), and the rightmost line being the thinnest string. The horizontal lines represent the frets, and the thickest top horizontal line is the nut or "zero fret".
Dots or circles on the chord chart indicate where to place your fingers on the corresponding string and fret. Some charts include finger numbers within the dots, telling you which finger to use. For example, "1" typically represents your index finger, "2" is your middle finger, "3" is your ring finger, and "4" is your little finger. An "O" above a string means that the string should be played in the open position (without pressing down on any frets), while an "X" indicates that the string should be muted.
Fretboard diagrams are another way to visualize chord shapes and patterns. Like chord charts, they use vertical lines to represent strings and horizontal lines to represent frets. Root notes are usually indicated by black dots or circles, and additional information such as note names, intervals, or fingerings may be included within the dots. Fretboard patterns differ from chord diagrams in that you play one note at a time instead of strumming all the notes together.
With these tools, you can quickly learn and communicate chord shapes, enabling you to play your favourite songs and even perform on stage. So, whether you're strumming along with "Candle in the Wind" or any other tune, a solid understanding of chord charts and fretboard diagrams will be invaluable.
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Learning the basics of fingerstyle guitar
Learning to play the guitar is an exciting endeavour, and fingerstyle guitar is a great style of music to learn for both the acoustic and electric guitar. It tends to sound very piano-like, as you play the bass and melody parts simultaneously. Here are some steps to help you get started with the basics of fingerstyle guitar:
Understanding Fingerstyle Guitar
Fingerstyle guitar is a technique where you play the guitar using only your fingers, without a pick or plectrum. This style allows you to play both the bass and melody parts together, creating a rich, piano-like sound. It's perfect for solo performances or when you want to play without other musicians.
Fundamental Techniques
Before delving into fingerstyle, ensure you have a solid grasp of the guitar fundamentals. Familiarize yourself with reading sheet music and understanding which fingers to use when playing chords and melodies. Basic techniques such as rolling up and rolling down are essential for fingerstyle playing and can be practised slowly at first.
Fingerpicking Patterns
Fingerpicking patterns are at the heart of fingerstyle guitar. Start with simple patterns, such as a T123 pattern, and practice them until they become second nature. You can use a metronome to help you stay on beat and increase your speed gradually. Remember to focus on your thumb movements separately first and then integrate them with the rest of your fingers.
Chord Progressions
Choose a chord progression that you're comfortable with and practice picking through it instead of strumming. You can use simple chord progressions, such as a 4-chord progression, to create an easy fingerstyle piece. As you advance, you can explore more complex chord progressions and incorporate them into your fingerpicking patterns.
Practice and Motivation
Once you've mastered the basics, it's time to apply your skills to actual music. Look for songs that were written to be played without a pick and choose a tune that you genuinely enjoy. This motivation will help you work on the specific techniques needed to play that song. Remember that consistency and patience are key, so keep practising and give yourself time to improve.
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Frequently asked questions
The suggested strumming pattern for Candle in the Wind is D - DU - UDU.
The chords for Candle in the Wind are A, G, D, A7, and Bm.
The original key for Candle in the Wind is D.
Some tips for strumming and singing Candle in the Wind include learning the vocal melody notes and practicing strumming while playing the melody.
