If you’re a fan of acoustic guitar and indie music, chances are you’ve heard the song “Road Trip” by Dream. This catchy tune is a great addition to any guitarist’s repertoire, whether you’re playing for your own enjoyment or performing for an audience. In this tutorial, we’ll walk you through the chords and strumming patterns needed to play “Road Trip” on the guitar.
The Chords
To play “Road Trip,” you’ll need to know four basic chords: G, D, Em, and C. If you’re new to the guitar or just need a refresher on how to play these chords, here’s a quick rundown:
- G – Place your middle finger on the third fret of the low E string (the thickest string), your index finger on the second fret of the A string (the second thickest), and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string (the thinnest).
- D – Place your index finger on the second fret of the G string (the third thickest), your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string (the second thinnest).
- Em – Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string (the fourth thickest).
- C – Place your ring finger on the third fret of the A string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your index finger on first fret of B-string.
The Strumming Pattern
Once you’ve got those chords down pat, it’s time to work on your strumming pattern. The strumming pattern for “Road Trip” is fairly straightforward and can be broken down into four beats per measure. Here’s how it goes:
Verse:
- G – D – Em – C
- Down, down, up, down, up
Chorus:
- G – D – Em – C
- Down, down, up, up, down, up
Tips for Playing “Road Trip” on the Guitar
Now that you know the chords and strumming pattern for “Road Trip,” there are a few tips that can help you play the song more smoothly and confidently:
- Practice transitioning between chords. The key to playing any song on the guitar is being able to smoothly transition between chords.
Start by practicing the chord changes slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with them.
- Experiment with different strumming patterns. While the strumming pattern we’ve outlined above is what’s used in the actual song, feel free to experiment with different patterns until you find one that feels comfortable for you.
- Sing along while you play. Not only will this help you keep time with the song, but it’ll also make playing guitar more fun and engaging.
In Conclusion
“Road Trip” by Dream is a fun and catchy tune that’s sure to impress your friends and family when played on the guitar. By mastering the four basic chords and strumming pattern we’ve outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to playing this indie classic in no time. So grab your guitar and get ready for a musical adventure!