Hey guys! Ever wanted to play "My Portion You Will Ever Be" and just couldn't find the right chords? Well, you've come to the right place! This guide will break down everything you need to know to play this beautiful song. We'll cover the basic chords, some variations, and even a few tips and tricks to make it sound amazing. So grab your guitar, tune up, and let's get started!

Understanding the Basic Chords

First, let's dive into the essential chords you'll need. Knowing these chords inside and out is super important, kind of like knowing your multiplication table before tackling algebra. These form the backbone of the song, providing the harmonic structure that makes it recognizable and emotionally resonant. Without a solid grasp of these fundamental chords, it’s like trying to build a house on a shaky foundation – it might stand for a little while, but eventually, things will start to wobble.

The primary chords often include familiar shapes like G major, C major, D major, and E minor. Don't worry if you're not a pro yet; practice makes perfect! Start by ensuring that your fingers are correctly positioned on the fretboard. A common mistake beginners make is not pressing down hard enough, which can result in buzzing or muted sounds. Experiment with the amount of pressure you apply until you get a clear, ringing tone. Also, pay attention to your finger placement – make sure you're not accidentally muting adjacent strings. Finger exercises, like scales and arpeggios, can significantly improve your finger strength and dexterity, making chord transitions smoother and more efficient. Understanding the theory behind these chords—why they sound the way they do and how they relate to each other—can also be incredibly helpful. Knowing the key of the song and the role each chord plays within that key can give you a deeper appreciation for the music and make it easier to learn and memorize the chord progression. Trust me, a little music theory goes a long way! Furthermore, try to listen to the song while following along with the chord charts. This will help you internalize the rhythm and timing of the changes, making your playing more natural and musical. And don't be afraid to slow down! Learning a song at a slower tempo can help you focus on accuracy and clarity before gradually increasing the speed. Remember, the goal is not just to play the chords correctly, but to express the emotion and beauty of the song through your playing.

Chord Variations and Embellishments

Once you're comfortable with the basic chords, it's time to spice things up with some variations! Adding chord variations can really elevate your playing and make the song sound richer and more interesting. Think of it like adding different spices to a dish – each one brings a unique flavor that enhances the overall taste. Common variations include adding sevenths (like G7, Cmaj7), suspensions (like Dsus4), or inversions. These variations add color and depth to the harmony, creating a more nuanced and sophisticated sound.

For example, instead of playing a plain C major chord, try playing a Cmaj7. The added major seventh interval creates a smooth, jazzy feel. Similarly, a Dsus4 can add a touch of unresolved tension that resolves beautifully when you move to a D major. Experiment with different voicings of the same chord as well. A voicing refers to the specific arrangement of notes within a chord. For example, you can play a G major chord in several different positions on the neck, each with its own unique sonic character. Try to find voicings that sound good to your ear and that are comfortable for you to play. Don't be afraid to experiment and discover new sounds! Another cool trick is to use passing chords to smooth out the transitions between chords. A passing chord is a chord that is inserted between two other chords to create a smoother harmonic motion. For example, you could insert an E minor chord between a C major and a G major. This creates a more interesting and dynamic progression. Also, consider adding some embellishments to your chords, such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides. These little touches can add a lot of personality and flair to your playing. A simple hammer-on from the open B string to the C note on the same string can transform a basic G major chord into something much more captivating. The key is to use these variations and embellishments tastefully and in a way that complements the song. Listen carefully to the original recording to get a sense of how the variations are used, and then try to incorporate them into your own playing. Remember, the goal is not just to play the chords correctly, but to make the song your own and to express your own unique musical voice.

Tips and Tricks for Smooth Transitions

Smooth chord transitions are crucial for playing any song well. Nothing sounds worse than choppy, disjointed chord changes. So, how do you achieve those seamless transitions? Practice, practice, practice! But also, here are a few tips to help you along the way. Firstly, focus on efficiency. Try to minimize the distance your fingers have to travel between chords. Look for common fingers that can stay anchored on the fretboard while other fingers move to form the new chord. This is especially useful when transitioning between chords that share some common tones.

For instance, when moving from a C major to a G major, your middle finger can stay on the second string, first fret (the C note), while your other fingers adjust to form the G major chord. Secondly, practice the transitions slowly and deliberately. Don't try to rush through them. Focus on making each movement precise and controlled. Use a metronome to keep a steady beat and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Thirdly, visualize the chord changes in your mind before you actually play them. This mental rehearsal can help you anticipate the movements and make the transitions smoother. Think of it like a dancer rehearsing a routine in their head before performing it on stage. Also, pay attention to your strumming hand. A smooth and consistent strumming pattern can help to mask any slight imperfections in your chord changes. Try to maintain a steady rhythm and avoid abrupt stops or starts. Furthermore, practice chord progressions rather than isolated chords. This will help you to develop muscle memory for the specific sequences of chords that you'll be playing in the song. Create your own practice exercises that focus on the most challenging transitions in the song. Record yourself playing and listen back to identify areas where you can improve. And most importantly, be patient and persistent. Learning smooth chord transitions takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing and you will eventually get there. The satisfaction of playing a song smoothly and effortlessly is well worth the effort.

Putting It All Together: Playing the Song

Alright, you've got the chords, the variations, and the smooth transitions down. Now it's time to put it all together and play "My Portion You Will Ever Be"! Start by playing along with the original recording. This will help you to get a feel for the rhythm, timing, and dynamics of the song. Pay attention to the way the chords are voiced and the way the transitions are handled. Try to emulate the sound of the original recording as closely as possible.

Once you're comfortable playing along with the recording, try playing the song on your own. Start slowly and focus on maintaining a steady tempo and making clean chord changes. Don't worry about playing it perfectly at first. Just focus on getting the basic structure of the song down. As you become more comfortable, you can start to add in the variations and embellishments that you've learned. Experiment with different dynamics and articulations to add your own personal touch to the song. Remember, music is about expression, so don't be afraid to put your own spin on it. Also, consider playing the song with other musicians. Playing with others can be a great way to improve your timing, listening skills, and overall musicality. It's also a lot of fun! Find some friends who play instruments and jam together. You can learn a lot from each other and create some really cool music. Furthermore, record yourself playing the song and listen back to identify areas where you can improve. This is a great way to track your progress and stay motivated. Be honest with yourself and don't be afraid to critique your own playing. And most importantly, have fun! Playing music should be enjoyable. If you're not having fun, you're doing something wrong. Relax, let go, and let the music flow through you. The more you enjoy playing, the better you'll become.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play "My Portion You Will Ever Be" is a rewarding journey. It takes time, patience, and dedication, but the end result is well worth the effort. By mastering the basic chords, exploring chord variations, and practicing smooth transitions, you'll be able to play this beautiful song with confidence and expressiveness. So keep practicing, keep experimenting, and keep enjoying the music! And who knows, maybe you'll even inspire others to learn to play as well. Happy playing, everyone!