Despacito Los Angeles Negros: Guitar Chords & Tutorial

by Jhon Lennon 55 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the romantic world of Los Angeles Negros with their rendition of "Despacito"? This timeless classic gets a unique twist in their hands, blending the original's catchy rhythm with the band’s signature melancholic style. In this guide, we'll explore the chords, strumming patterns, and nuances of playing "Despacito" in the Los Angeles Negros style. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this article will provide you with everything you need to master this beautiful version. Let's get started!

Understanding the Chords

When tackling "Despacito" by Los Angeles Negros, grasping the underlying chord progression is crucial. The song primarily revolves around a series of chords that, while not overly complex, require precise finger placement and smooth transitions to capture the authentic feel. The most common chords you’ll encounter are Am, G, C, F, and E. Each of these chords plays a significant role in creating the harmonic foundation of the song.

  • Am (A minor): A foundational chord in many Latin and romantic songs, Am lends a melancholic touch, setting the emotional tone. Place your index finger on the 2nd string (B string) of the first fret, your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) of the second fret, and your ring finger on the 3rd string (G string) of the second fret. Strum all strings except the 6th (low E string).
  • G (G major): Offering a brighter contrast to Am, G injects a sense of hope and resolution into the progression. There are different ways to play G, but a common method is placing your middle finger on the 6th string (low E string) of the third fret, your index finger on the 5th string (A string) of the second fret, and your ring finger on the 1st string (high E string) of the third fret. Strum all six strings.
  • C (C major): A stable and familiar chord, C provides a grounding element, creating a sense of resolution and balance. Place your ring finger on the 5th string (A string) of the third fret, your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) of the second fret, and your index finger on the 2nd string (B string) of the first fret. Strum all strings except the 6th (low E string).
  • F (F major): Often perceived as a challenging chord for beginners, F adds depth and complexity, contributing to the song's rich texture. A common way to play F is with a barre on the first fret (covering all six strings with your index finger), then placing your middle finger on the 3rd string (G string) of the second fret, and your ring finger on the 5th string (A string) of the third fret, and your pinky on the 4th string (D string) of the third fret. Alternatively, you can play a simplified version of F without the barre by just playing the 2nd, 3rd and 4th strings as described.
  • E (E major): Injecting a vibrant energy, E serves as a crucial transition chord, often leading back to Am or another key chord in the progression. Place your middle finger on the 5th string (A string) of the second fret and your ring finger on the 4th string (D string) of the second fret, and your index finger on the 3rd string (G string) of the first fret. Strum all six strings.

Mastering these chords is not just about memorizing finger positions; it's about internalizing the feel of each chord and understanding how they interact within the song’s structure. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself transitioning between these chords more smoothly, enhancing your ability to play "Despacito" with the emotion and flair characteristic of Los Angeles Negros.

Strumming Patterns for "Despacito"

The strumming pattern is the heartbeat of any song, and for "Despacito" by Los Angeles Negros, choosing the right rhythm can make all the difference. While the original version might have a more modern beat, Los Angeles Negros infuse their rendition with a slower, more deliberate strumming style that emphasizes the romantic and melancholic undertones. A basic strumming pattern that works well is Down, Down, Up, Up, Down. However, feel free to experiment to find what feels right for you!

Here's a breakdown to help you get started:

  • Down: A simple downward strum across all the strings. Keep it smooth and consistent.
  • Up: An upward strum, again hitting all the strings. Try to maintain an even sound with the down strums.

To capture the Los Angeles Negros vibe, focus on a gentle and controlled strum. Avoid aggressive or overly fast movements. The goal is to create a rhythm that’s both steady and nuanced, allowing the chords to breathe and the melody to shine. As you become more comfortable, you can add variations to the basic pattern, such as incorporating palm muting for a softer sound or adding subtle pauses to create a sense of drama. Remember, the key is to let the strumming pattern complement the emotional content of the song.

Tips for Beginners

Learning to play "Despacito" by Los Angeles Negros can be a rewarding experience, especially for beginner guitarists. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:

  • Start Slow: Don't rush! Begin by practicing the chords at a slow tempo. Focus on clean finger placement and smooth transitions between chords. Speed will come with time and practice.
  • Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth chord changes are essential for playing the song fluidly. Practice switching between Am, G, C, F, and E until you can do so without hesitation.
  • Use a Metronome: A metronome can be a valuable tool for developing your timing and rhythm. Set it to a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you improve.
  • Break It Down: If you're struggling with a particular section of the song, break it down into smaller chunks. Practice each chunk until you're comfortable with it, then gradually piece them together.
  • Listen Carefully: Pay close attention to the Los Angeles Negros version of "Despacito." Notice the subtle nuances in their playing, such as their use of dynamics and phrasing.
  • Don't Be Afraid to Simplify: If the full F chord is too challenging, try using a simplified version. Focus on getting the basic chord changes down first, and then gradually add complexity as you improve.
  • Be Patient: Learning to play the guitar takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Just keep practicing, and you'll eventually get there.

Adding the Los Angeles Negros Touch

What truly sets Los Angeles Negros' version of "Despacito" apart is their distinctive musical style. To emulate their sound, focus on incorporating elements such as:

  • Subtle Vibrato: Adding a touch of vibrato to sustained notes can create a more expressive and emotional sound. Use gentle finger movements on the fretboard to achieve this effect.
  • Dynamic Variation: Los Angeles Negros are masters of dynamics, using subtle changes in volume to create a sense of drama and intimacy. Experiment with playing certain sections louder or softer to add depth to your performance.
  • Romantic Phrasing: Pay attention to the way Los Angeles Negros phrase their melodies. They often use slight pauses and variations in tempo to create a more conversational and engaging feel.
  • Clean Tone: The band favors a clean, warm guitar tone with minimal distortion. Experiment with your amp settings to find a sound that complements the song's romantic mood.

By incorporating these elements into your playing, you can capture the essence of Los Angeles Negros' sound and make your rendition of "Despacito" truly unique.

Full Song Structure

To effectively play "Despacito" by Los Angeles Negros, it helps to understand the song's structure. The song follows a fairly standard verse-chorus structure, with a few variations to keep things interesting. Here’s a breakdown:

  • Intro: The song usually starts with a brief instrumental intro, often featuring a distinctive guitar riff or a melodic keyboard line. Try to capture the mood of the intro with your playing.
  • Verse 1: The first verse introduces the main theme of the song. Pay attention to the lyrics and try to convey the emotions through your playing.
  • Chorus: The chorus is the most memorable part of the song, with a catchy melody and a strong emotional impact. Make sure to emphasize the chorus in your performance.
  • Verse 2: The second verse builds on the themes introduced in the first verse, adding more depth and complexity to the story.
  • Chorus: Repeat the chorus.
  • Bridge: The bridge provides a contrast to the verses and chorus, often featuring a different melody or chord progression. Use this section to add variety to your performance.
  • Chorus: Repeat the chorus again, perhaps with a slight variation in dynamics or instrumentation.
  • Outro: The song usually ends with a brief instrumental outro, fading out gradually. Try to create a sense of closure with your playing.

By understanding the structure of the song, you can create a more dynamic and engaging performance. Pay attention to the way each section contributes to the overall emotional impact, and use your playing to bring the song to life.

Practice Tips and Common Mistakes

When learning "Despacito" by Los Angeles Negros, it’s helpful to be aware of common mistakes and effective practice techniques. Here are a few tips to help you avoid pitfalls and make the most of your practice time:

  • Rushing Chord Changes: One of the most common mistakes is rushing the chord changes. Take your time and focus on making clean transitions between chords. Practice the chord changes slowly until you can do them smoothly and accurately.
  • Incorrect Finger Placement: Make sure your fingers are placed correctly on the fretboard. Incorrect finger placement can result in muffled or buzzing notes. Use a tuner to check your intonation and adjust your finger placement as needed.
  • Inconsistent Strumming: Strive for a consistent strumming pattern. Avoid jerky or uneven strums. Use a metronome to develop your timing and rhythm.
  • Ignoring Dynamics: Don’t neglect dynamics. Pay attention to the volume and intensity of your playing. Use dynamics to add depth and emotion to your performance.
  • Not Listening Actively: Listen actively to the Los Angeles Negros version of "Despacito." Pay attention to the nuances of their playing and try to incorporate those elements into your own performance.
  • Practicing Without Breaks: Avoid practicing for long periods without taking breaks. Short, frequent practice sessions are more effective than long, infrequent ones. Take breaks to stretch, relax, and clear your mind.

Conclusion

Learning to play "Despacito" by Los Angeles Negros on guitar is a fantastic journey into the heart of Latin music. By understanding the chords, mastering the strumming patterns, and incorporating the band's signature style, you'll be able to create a rendition that's both authentic and personal. Remember to practice regularly, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun! With dedication and a love for the music, you'll be serenading your friends and family with this beautiful song in no time. Now go pick up that guitar and make some music!