Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the awesome world of 5 Seconds of Summer (5SOS) and learn their hit song, "Easier"? I'm going to walk you through how to play this banger on the guitar, and guess what? We're aiming to get you playing it in about an hour! That's right, one hour! This guide is designed to be super easy to follow, whether you're a total beginner or have been strumming for a while. We'll break down the chords, the strumming pattern, and even some cool tips and tricks to make you sound like a pro. So grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's get started! This tutorial focuses on the core elements, ensuring you can play the song without getting bogged down in overly complex techniques. It's all about making it fun and accessible, so you can start rocking out to "Easier" ASAP. We'll cover the essential components in a way that is easy to understand, even if you are just starting out. The goal is simple: get you playing the song quickly and enjoying every moment of it. Throughout this guide, I'll use a conversational tone, so it feels like you're learning from a friend. Let's make this an awesome experience, yeah?

Getting Started: Gear and Tuning

Alright, before we get into the nitty-gritty of playing "Easier," let's make sure we have everything we need. First, of course, you'll need your guitar! Any acoustic or electric guitar will work for this song. If you're using an electric guitar, make sure it's plugged into an amp, or use headphones so you can hear the sound of the guitar. Also, having a guitar pick is a must. It helps with strumming and gives you a cleaner sound. You can use any pick, but I recommend a medium thickness. Now, let's talk about tuning. "Easier" is in standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-e), which means the strings are tuned to E, A, D, G, B, and e (from thickest to thinnest). Make sure your guitar is properly tuned before we begin, otherwise, the chords will sound off. There are several ways to tune your guitar. You can use a digital tuner, a tuning app on your phone, or even tune it by ear using another instrument or a reference tone. If you're new to tuning, using a digital tuner or an app is the easiest and most accurate way to go. Once your guitar is tuned, we're ready to learn the chords. Make sure your guitar is in tune and ready to rock. Proper tuning is crucial, and it’s the foundation for making the song sound correct. This step is super important, so don't skip it! We want to ensure that all the chords and notes sound right, so our version of the song sounds just like the original. Remember, a well-tuned guitar is the key to a great sound.

Essential Chords for "Easier"

Okay, guys, let's learn the chords! "Easier" is pretty straightforward when it comes to chords, which makes it perfect for beginners. The song mainly uses four chords. These are: G major, C major, D major and Em (E minor). Don't worry if you don't know these chords yet; I'll show you how to play them. Remember, practice makes perfect! So, let's break down each of these chords one by one. I'll provide you with some chord diagrams to help you place your fingers correctly on the fretboard. Once you understand the basic shapes, you will easily be able to transition between these chords. Let's begin with G major chord. Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string, your middle finger on the third fret of the E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings. Next up, the C major chord. Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string, your middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the A string. Strum all six strings. Following that we have the D major chord. Place your index finger on the second fret of the G string, your middle finger on the second fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum the top four strings (D, G, B, and e). Lastly, the Em (E minor) chord. Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the second fret of the D string. Strum all six strings. Don't worry if it takes a little bit to get your fingers in the right place. Just take your time, and soon these chord shapes will become second nature.

The Strumming Pattern: Get the Rhythm Right!

Alright, now that we have the chords down, let's talk about the strumming pattern. This is what gives "Easier" its rhythm and groove. The strumming pattern in "Easier" is pretty simple and consistent throughout the song, making it perfect for beginners. The main pattern is: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up. Down means strumming down with your pick, and Up means strumming up with your pick. Practice this pattern slowly at first. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but with a little practice, you will get the hang of it. You can start by strumming the pattern on an open string, like the low E string, to get the feel of it. Once you're comfortable, try strumming the pattern while holding each of the chords we learned. Start slowly and gradually increase the speed as you get more comfortable. Remember to keep a steady beat. You can use a metronome or a drum machine to help you stay on time. Try to keep the rhythm steady. Now we'll begin by practicing the strumming pattern on a single chord. Once you get the strumming pattern and chords down, you'll be able to play "Easier." Practice strumming on each chord for a few measures before moving on to the next. Consistency is key when it comes to developing your strumming skills. Practicing the strumming pattern with a metronome is going to help you play the song in time and develop your rhythm. So let's take a closer look and practice this strumming pattern.

Putting it Together: Chord Progression and Song Structure

Okay, so we have our chords and the strumming pattern. Now, let's put it all together and play the song! "Easier" follows a relatively simple structure, making it easy to learn. The main chord progression in the verse and chorus is: G - C - D - Em. You'll play each chord for four counts, then transition to the next chord in the sequence. For the verse, play the G, C, D, and Em chords. Now comes the chorus. The chorus will follow the same chord progression: G, C, D, and Em. To make it sound like the song, you'll have to play the chords in the correct order and maintain the same strumming pattern we learned. Remember to keep the rhythm steady and transition smoothly between the chords. That's the main structure! Now you can easily transition between chords and play the entire song. This is the basic framework of the song, and you can play along with the original recording or create your version. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly and keeping the rhythm steady. Listen to the original song to get a feel for the timing and transitions. Pay attention to how the chords change and how the strumming pattern fits with the vocals and other instruments. Once you can comfortably play the song, you can add your style and get creative with the chords.

Tips and Tricks to Level Up Your Playing

Alright, you're almost there! Here are some tips and tricks to help you play "Easier" even better. First of all, focus on clean chord changes. Make sure each chord rings out clearly before switching to the next. It might take some practice to get your fingers in the right position quickly and accurately, but it's worth the effort. Practice transitioning between the chords as smoothly as possible. This will make your playing sound much more professional. Next, listen to the original song. Pay attention to how the guitar part fits with the vocals and other instruments. Try to mimic the feel and energy of the original. Don't be afraid to add your style. Once you're comfortable with the basics, you can experiment with different strumming patterns or add variations to the chords. Play along with the original recording to get a sense of the timing and feel of the song. Remember, the key is to have fun and enjoy the process. Music is all about expression, so let your personality shine through. Be patient with yourself, and don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. It takes time and practice to master any instrument. Keep practicing, and you'll get better with each session. Keep practicing and experimenting. Try different strumming patterns and variations to make it your own. Lastly, if you can, record yourself playing the song. This will help you identify areas where you can improve and track your progress.

Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Wow, you've made it! You should now be able to play "Easier" by 5 Seconds of Summer on the guitar. Hopefully, you've had a blast learning this song. Remember, the key is consistent practice. Keep strumming those chords, and you'll get better every day. If you want to take your skills to the next level, I suggest learning more 5SOS songs. There are plenty of tutorials online. You can also explore other songs that use similar chords and strumming patterns to expand your repertoire. And finally, don't forget to have fun! Playing guitar should be a source of enjoyment, so keep experimenting, playing, and making music. Experiment with different songs, styles, and techniques to keep your practice sessions engaging and fun. I hope this guide has helped you on your musical journey. Happy playing, and keep rocking!