Learn 'Deserto' By Maria Marçal: Simplified Chords & Guide

by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey music lovers! Are you ready to dive into the beautiful world of Maria Marçal's "Deserto"? This song is a real gem, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on how to play it, even if you're just starting out on your musical journey. We'll be breaking down the simplified chords and offering some tips to make learning "Deserto" a breeze. So, grab your guitar (or your instrument of choice), and let's get started!

Decoding the Simplicity: Understanding the Chords

First things first, let's talk about the simplified chords for "Deserto." One of the amazing things about this song is that it's super accessible, meaning it's not overly complicated with tricky chord changes. The basic chords you'll need are: G, C, and D. That's it, guys! With these three chords, you can play the majority of the song. Isn't that fantastic?

  • G Major: This is a pretty common chord, and if you're familiar with guitar, you probably already know it. If you're new, don't worry! There are tons of resources online to help you with the finger placement. Essentially, you'll be placing your fingers on the second fret of the A string, the third fret of the low E string, and the third fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings for a full sound. Remember to keep those fingers curved and your thumb behind the neck to avoid muting strings.
  • C Major: Another essential chord, the C Major requires you to place your fingers on the first fret of the B string, the second fret of the D string, and the third fret of the A string. Strum all but the low E string for this chord. Make sure to clearly fret each note, pressing down just behind the fret to get a clean sound.
  • D Major: Finally, the D Major. Place your fingers on the second fret of the G string, the second fret of the high E string, and the third fret of the B string. Strum the top four strings. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don't be discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing and soon you'll be strumming these chords like a pro! It's all about consistency, and slowly but surely you'll get the hang of each chord transition. Don't underestimate the power of starting slow – it's crucial for building those muscle memories.

Now, these three chords form the foundation of most of "Deserto". It's incredible how a song can be so emotionally impactful with such a simple chord structure, right? This simplified approach is perfect for beginners and those who want to play along without getting bogged down in complex chord shapes. If you're comfortable with these three chords, you're well on your way to playing "Deserto".

Strumming Patterns and Song Structure: Putting It All Together

Alright, now that we've covered the chords, let's look at the strumming patterns and the structure of the song. Understanding how the chords fit together and the rhythm of the strumming is key to making the song sound great. The song's structure is fairly straightforward, making it easy to follow along.

Strumming Patterns

For a basic strumming pattern, I recommend starting with a simple down-down-up-up-down-up. This rhythm will fit the song perfectly, especially in the intro and verses. As you get more comfortable, you can experiment with different patterns, but this is a great starting point.

  • Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up: This is your bread and butter. Start by strumming down, hitting all the strings. Then strum down again. Now strum up, then up again. Finally, strum down and up. This pattern can be applied to each chord in a loop to get a base rhythm for the song. Try to keep a steady beat, even if you’re playing slowly. Consistency is the goal.
  • Variations: Feel free to change this basic pattern to fit your style. For example, add a mute (palm muting, by lightly resting your picking hand near the bridge) on the "up" strum, and try to have a rhythmic strumming that doesn't just feel like robotic movements. There are many other strumming pattern variations you can try.

Song Structure

The structure generally follows this pattern:

  • Intro: Start with the G chord and create the foundation for the song.
  • Verse 1: Typically starts with G, and then moves to C, and then D, back to G.
  • Chorus: The chorus often uses the same chords as the verse, but the rhythm or strumming might change. You could have a pattern that feels more impactful, maybe strumming twice for each chord, or playing with some percussive elements like muting the strings.
  • Verse 2: Back to the same chords and structure.
  • Chorus: Repeat the chorus, building the energy.
  • Bridge: The bridge might introduce some variations, or even other chords, but it usually keeps the structure simple.
  • Chorus: The grand finale, playing the chords in a more emphatic manner.

The verse-chorus structure is common in modern music, and "Deserto" follows this pretty closely. Once you understand this structure, you'll be able to anticipate the chord changes and make the song sound more polished. Remember to listen to the original song a few times to get a feel for the rhythm and how the chords are played. This will make it easier for you to apply the chords we've learned.

Practice Makes Perfect: Tips for Learning and Playing

Alright, let's talk about some tips to make your learning experience smoother and more enjoyable. Mastering a song, especially with the simplified chords approach, takes a bit of time and practice. But don't worry, it's totally achievable, and I'm here to give you some pointers.

  • Start Slow: Seriously, take it slow. Don't rush through the chord changes. Practice each chord individually, making sure you have a clean sound. Then, gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable. It's better to play slowly and accurately than to rush and make mistakes. This also helps build muscle memory, which is essential for playing smoothly.
  • Chord Transitions: Pay attention to the transitions between chords. This is where many people struggle. Practice transitioning from one chord to the next, slowly at first, until it becomes natural. Focus on making the changes as clean and seamless as possible.
  • Use a Metronome: A metronome is your best friend when it comes to practicing rhythm. It helps you keep a steady beat, which is crucial for playing in time. There are tons of free metronome apps available for your phone. Use it, and you'll improve your timing significantly. Playing with a metronome is especially helpful when you're working on strumming patterns.
  • Listen and Sing: Listen to the song repeatedly while following along with the chords. Sing along with the lyrics to get a feel for the rhythm and melody. This will help you understand how the chords fit into the song and make the learning process more intuitive. Singing while playing will also help you coordinate your hands and voice.
  • Break It Down: Divide the song into smaller sections (verse, chorus, bridge) and practice each section separately. Once you're comfortable with each part, put them together. This will make the learning process less overwhelming. Remember, it's like building with Legos, piece by piece.
  • Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve. Listening back to yourself can be a powerful learning tool, as it highlights any mistakes or areas for refinement. Don't be too hard on yourself; it's all part of the process.
  • Have Fun: Music should be enjoyable! Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Take breaks, listen to the song, and remember why you wanted to learn it in the first place. Put your enjoyment first.

Advanced Tips and Variations: Taking It to the Next Level

Okay, for those of you who want to take it a step further, let's explore some advanced tips and variations. Once you've mastered the basic chords and strumming patterns, you can add some nuances to your playing.

Chord Variations

  • G Major Variations: Experiment with adding a Gmaj7 or G6 chord, they will add a different color to the sound. This can add a richer sound to certain parts of the song. However, always prioritize the simplicity of the original chords first.
  • C Major Variations: You could try Cmaj7 or C6. These will offer a slightly different harmonic feel. Try to experiment, while remembering the basic chords are key.
  • D Major Variations: You could also check out Dsus4 or Dmaj7. These variations are great for adding emotion and a touch of sophistication to your playing.

Adding Embellishments

  • Fingerpicking: Instead of strumming, try fingerpicking the chords. This involves using your fingers to pluck the strings, creating a more delicate sound. Learn the arpeggio of each chord and try to play it. This is useful for intros, bridges, and outros.
  • Hammer-ons and Pull-offs: These techniques add a bit of flair to your playing. A hammer-on is when you pluck a string and then