Red Hot Chili Peppers Around The World Chords Simplified
Hey guys! If you're a fan of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, you've probably been jamming out to "Around the World" and wondered, "How do I play those awesome guitar riffs?" Well, you've come to the right place! This iconic track from their 1999 album Californication is a fan favorite, and luckily for us, learning the chords isn't as intimidating as it might seem. We're going to break down the core guitar parts, making it super accessible for beginners and a fun refresher for the more seasoned players out there. Get your guitars ready, tune 'em up, and let's dive into the world of "Around the World" chords!
Understanding the Core Chords
When we talk about the Red Hot Chili Peppers chords for "Around the World," we're primarily looking at a few key progressions that repeat throughout the song. The magic of this song lies in its deceptively simple yet incredibly catchy riff. Most of the song revolves around a main chord progression that feels both driving and melodic. The key to nailing this track is understanding the rhythm and the precise way Anthony Kiedis's vocals dance around these chords. Don't get me wrong, Flea's bassline is a beast on its own, but for us guitarists, focusing on these foundational chords will get you sounding like you're right there with the band. We'll be focusing on the main verse and chorus parts, as they form the backbone of the song. The beauty of RHCP's songwriting is often in its repetition and subtle variations, and "Around the World" is a perfect example of this. So, grab your instrument and let's get down to business. We'll keep it straightforward so you can start playing along as soon as possible. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with these chords, you'll be well on your way to mastering this RHCP classic. The energy of this song is infectious, and learning it is a fantastic way to boost your guitar skills and impress your friends at the next jam session. Let's get started with the most crucial part: the main riff and the chords that define the song's unforgettable sound. We're going to dissect it step-by-step, making sure every note and transition is clear.
The Main Riff and Verse Progression
Alright guys, let's talk about the riff that kicks off "Around the World." This is where the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Around the World" chords really shine. The song opens with a distinctive, slightly funky guitar line. While it's often played as a riff, it's built upon a few fundamental chords. The primary progression you'll encounter in the verses and the main riff is essentially: E minor (Em), G major (G), D major (D), and A minor (Am). It's a four-chord loop that feels incredibly dynamic. The order often goes something like Em - G - D - Am, but the rhythm is what makes it. Pay close attention to how John Frusciante plays it – there's a lot of syncopation and hammer-ons/pull-offs that add that signature RHCP flavor. For those just starting, you can focus on strumming these basic chords cleanly. Em is your open E string (022000), G is (320003), D is (xx0232), and Am is (x02210). When you string them together in that Em-G-D-Am sequence, you get that instantly recognizable sound. The key is to transition smoothly between them. Try practicing each chord change slowly at first. Hit Em, then move to G, then D, then Am, and repeat. Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm. Once you get the basic changes down, you can start experimenting with the strumming pattern. A common approach for this riff involves downstrokes on the main beats with some quicker upstrokes in between to mimic the feel of the original. Remember, the beauty of this song isn't just in the chords themselves, but how they are played. Frusciante often uses a picking technique that emphasizes the lower strings for the riff's driving sound. So, don't be afraid to experiment with your picking hand to capture that gritty, energetic feel. This progression forms the absolute core of the song, so mastering it is your first big win. It's the foundation upon which the rest of the track is built, and once you've got it locked, you'll feel like you're truly playing "Around the World."
The Chorus and Bridge Variations
Now, let's move on to the chorus and any other sections that offer a slight twist on the main progression. While "Around the World" is known for its consistency, there are subtle shifts that keep things interesting. The chorus often builds on the same harmonic ideas but might feel a bit more open or anthemic. You'll find that the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Around the World" chords in the chorus generally stick to a similar palette but might emphasize different chords or use different voicings to create a lift. A common variation you might hear involves the use of C major (C) and B7 chords, especially as transitions leading back into the main Em - G - D - Am loop. For instance, a progression might look something like G - D - C - G, or perhaps leading from Am to a C and then back to Em. The B7 chord, a dominant seventh chord, adds a nice tension that wants to resolve back to Em. It's played as x21202. These additions are what give the chorus its powerful, soaring feel compared to the more grounded verse. When playing the chorus, try to strum a bit more forcefully and open up your sound. Think about letting the chords ring out a little more. The bridge sections, if you can call them that, often maintain the same vibe but might involve slight rhythmic changes or even more atmospheric playing. The core chords remain the same, but the feel is what changes. The key is to listen closely to the record and try to mimic the dynamics. Sometimes it's just about playing the Em - G - D - Am progression with a slightly different strumming pattern or a more sustained approach. Remember, John Frusciante is a master of dynamics, and that's a huge part of what makes RHCP's music so engaging. So, when you hit these sections, really think about how you want your guitar to sound – do you want it to be punchy and driving, or more sustained and melodic? The choices you make with your strumming and picking will significantly impact the overall feel. Don't be afraid to experiment with different ways of playing these same chords to capture the nuances of the recording. It's all about adding your own flair while staying true to the original.
Playing "Around the World" Like a Pro
So, you've got the basic chords down – Em, G, D, Am, and maybe a C and B7 for good measure. That's awesome! But to truly play "Around the World" like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, you need to add a bit more than just strumming. This is where the funk and the flair come in, guys. It's about capturing that distinctive RHCP energy. Let's talk about techniques that will elevate your playing from just knowing the chords to really performing the song.
Rhythm and Strumming Techniques
When you're playing Red Hot Chili Peppers "Around the World" chords, the rhythm is absolutely king. Frusciante's guitar work here is all about syncopation and a tight, driving feel. Forget just hitting every beat evenly; this song needs groove. A good starting point for the main riff is a pattern that emphasizes the downbeats but incorporates quick upstrokes to create that forward momentum. Think: Down - Down-up - Up - Down-up. Try applying this to your Em - G - D - Am progression. Another essential element is muting. RHCP often uses muted strums, especially on the lower strings, to create a percussive effect. This adds a lot of the funk and rhythmic punch. You can achieve this by lightly touching the strings with your fretting hand while strumming. Experiment with palm muting near the bridge of your guitar as well. It gives a tighter, more controlled sound. Listen to the record – you'll hear how the guitar often sounds almost like a bass or a percussion instrument, working in tandem with Flea's bassline. Don't be afraid to get a little aggressive with your strumming. This isn't a delicate ballad; it's a rock song with a lot of energy. Think about hitting the strings with conviction. The subtle nuances in strumming – how hard you hit, where you mute, the exact timing – are what will make your playing sound authentically RHCP. Practice the chord changes with the rhythm in mind, not just the chords themselves. This is probably the most crucial step in making the song sound alive.
Incorporating John Frusciante's Style
John Frusciante's guitar playing is legendary, and "Around the World" is a great example of his unique style. To really nail the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Around the World" chords and sound like him, you need to think about a few key elements. Firstly, his tone is often quite bright and sometimes a little gritty, especially on Californication. You can try using your bridge pickup and perhaps adding a touch of overdrive or a clean boost pedal. Secondly, he uses a lot of hammer-ons and pull-offs, especially on the lower strings of the Em chord. For example, when playing Em, you might hammer-on from open A string to the 2nd fret A string (which is B), or do pull-offs on the D string. These little embellishments add a fluid, melodic quality to the riff. Listen closely to the recording; you'll hear these little grace notes. Another aspect of his style is his rhythmic syncopation. He often plays slightly ahead or behind the beat, which gives his playing a loose, funky feel. This is something that comes with practice and by really internalizing the groove. Don't try to force it; let it develop naturally as you play along with the song. Frusciante also has a great sense of dynamics. He knows when to play softly and when to attack the strings. Experiment with varying your strumming intensity throughout the song. For the verses, you might keep it a bit tighter and more percussive, while opening up more for the choruses. He also often incorporates slides into his playing, adding a bluesy feel. Don't be afraid to slide into notes or chords to connect phrases smoothly. Mastering his style is about combining technical skill with a deep understanding of rhythm and feel. It's a journey, but one that's incredibly rewarding.
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
When learning the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Around the World" chords, there are a few common traps that beginners (and even intermediate players) fall into. The first is focusing too much on just the chord shapes and not enough on the rhythm. As we've emphasized, the groove is paramount in this song. If you're just strumming the chords evenly, it's going to sound stiff and lifeless. Solution: Practice with a metronome and focus on incorporating syncopated strumming patterns and muted strums right from the start. Try to play along with the original recording as much as possible. Another pitfall is rushing the chord changes. The transitions between Em, G, D, and Am need to be smooth, especially when trying to play the riff at tempo. Solution: Slow down! Practice each transition individually until it feels effortless. Use your picking hand to anticipate the next chord change. A third issue is neglecting the dynamics. The song has a natural ebb and flow, and if you play everything at the same volume and intensity, you lose that. Solution: Pay attention to the different sections. Play the verses with a tighter, more percussive attack and open up for the choruses. Experiment with varying strumming force. Finally, some players might miss the subtle embellishments Frusciante adds, like hammer-ons and pull-offs. Solution: Listen closely to the guitar track. Try to isolate those small melodic additions and practice incorporating them. They don't have to be perfect at first, but adding even a few will make a big difference. By being aware of these common mistakes and actively working to correct them, you'll find yourself sounding much closer to the Red Hot Chili Peppers' original recording.
Practicing and Playing Along
Learning the chords is only half the battle, guys! The real fun begins when you can actually play "Around the World" from start to finish. Consistent practice and playing along with the song are crucial. Here's how to make the most of your practice sessions.
Tips for Effective Practice
To truly master the Red Hot Chili Peppers "Around the World" chords, you need a structured practice routine. Start by dedicating a few minutes each session solely to clean chord changes. Go through the Em - G - D - Am progression, focusing on smooth transitions and clear notes. Then, work on the strumming patterns. Use a metronome to ensure your timing is solid, gradually increasing the tempo as you get comfortable. Once you're feeling good about the chords and rhythm, try playing along with the original track. Don't worry if you can't keep up at first; just try to hit the main chord changes. Gradually, you'll find yourself able to follow along more closely. Focus on one section at a time – master the verse riff, then the chorus, and then try to connect them. Record yourself playing! This is a fantastic way to identify areas where you need improvement. You might hear timing issues or missed notes that you wouldn't notice otherwise. Lastly, don't get discouraged. Learning a song takes time and patience. Celebrate small victories, like nailing a tricky chord change or finally getting the rhythm right. Remember, the goal is to have fun while you're learning, so keep it enjoyable!
