Hey What's Going On Guitar Chords: Learn To Play!

Oct 31, 2025 by Admin 50 views

Hey guys! Ever heard a song and thought, "Man, I'd love to play that on guitar!"? Well, today we're diving into a classic that's both fun and relatively easy to learn: "Hey What's Going On"! You might know it by its catchier title, "What's Up?" by 4 Non Blondes. This song is a fantastic choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists alike. Its straightforward chord progression and iconic status make it a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we will explore the chords, strumming pattern, and some tips to help you master this timeless hit. So, grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's get started on your musical journey with this unforgettable anthem!

Understanding the Basic Chords

The backbone of "Hey What's Going On" lies in a simple yet effective chord progression. The primary chords you'll need to know are: A, D, E, and Bm. These chords form the foundation of the entire song, making it accessible even if you're just starting out with guitar. Let's break down each chord and how to play them.

A Major

The A Major chord is a fundamental chord in many songs, and it's relatively easy to learn. There are a couple of ways to play it, but here's a common and effective method:

Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string.
Strum all strings except the low E string.

Make sure each note rings out clearly. Practice transitioning to and from this chord with the others in the song to build muscle memory. Achieving a clean A Major will significantly improve the overall sound of your performance. Keep practicing, and it will become second nature in no time!

D Major

The D Major chord is another essential chord that you'll frequently encounter as a guitarist. It has a bright and cheerful sound, making it perfect for upbeat songs like "Hey What's Going On." Here’s how you can play it:

Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string.
Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
Strum all six strings.

When strumming, ensure that each string rings out clearly and that you're not accidentally muting any of the strings. This might require a bit of practice to get the finger placement just right. Like with the A Major, practice transitioning between D Major and the other chords in the song to make your chord changes smoother and quicker. A clean D Major chord will bring a lot of brightness to your playing!

E Major

The E Major chord is a powerful and resonant chord that adds a strong, foundational element to the song. It might seem a bit tricky at first, but with a bit of practice, you'll get the hang of it. Here's how to play the E Major chord:

Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the F string.
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
Strum all six strings.

Ensure that all the strings ring out without any buzzing or muting. If you're having trouble with certain strings not ringing clearly, try adjusting the pressure and angle of your fingers. Experiment to find the sweet spot where all the notes resonate properly. Practicing transitions between the E Major chord and other chords in the song will help you develop smoother and faster chord changes. The E Major is a cornerstone of many songs, so mastering it is a great investment in your guitar playing journey.

B Minor

The B Minor (Bm) chord is often considered one of the trickier chords for beginners due to the barre involved. However, with patience and practice, it can be mastered! This chord adds a touch of melancholy and depth to "Hey What's Going On." Here's how to play it:

Use your index finger to barre across all six strings at the 2nd fret.
Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string.
Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the G string.
Strum all six strings.

Barre chords require a good amount of pressure to ensure all strings ring out clearly. Make sure your index finger is pressing down firmly and evenly across all the strings. If you're struggling with buzzing or muted strings, try adjusting the angle and pressure of your barre finger. Practice moving to and from the B Minor chord slowly at first, focusing on getting a clean sound. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase your speed. Don't get discouraged if it takes time to master; barre chords are a challenge for many guitarists, but with persistence, you'll get there!

Strumming Pattern

Now that you've got the chords down, let's talk about the strumming pattern. The beauty of "Hey What's Going On" is that it doesn't rely on a complicated strumming pattern. A simple, consistent strumming pattern works wonders. Here’s a suggestion that captures the feel of the song:

Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up

This pattern is versatile and works well for most of the song. Try to keep your strumming hand relaxed and maintain a steady rhythm. You can also experiment with slight variations to add your personal touch. For example, adding a bit more emphasis on the downstrokes can give the song a stronger, more driving feel. Alternatively, you can incorporate some subtle palm muting to create a more percussive sound. The key is to listen to the original recording and try to match the rhythm and feel as closely as possible. As you become more comfortable, feel free to experiment and develop your own unique style. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep strumming and have fun with it!

Song Structure and Chord Progression

The song structure is fairly repetitive, which makes it easy to memorize. Here's the basic chord progression for the verses and chorus:

Verse:

A - D - A - E

Chorus:

A - D - A - E

A - D - Bm - E

The bridge might have some slight variations, but these chords form the core of the song. Pay attention to the transitions between chords, and focus on making them as smooth as possible. One way to improve your transitions is to anticipate the upcoming chord and start moving your fingers into position slightly ahead of time. This will reduce the amount of time it takes to switch chords and create a more seamless sound. Another tip is to practice the chord changes slowly at first, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable. With practice, you'll be able to switch between chords effortlessly, allowing you to focus on your strumming and singing. Mastering the chord progression is key to nailing the song, so dedicate some time to practicing it until it becomes second nature.

Tips for Beginners

Learning guitar takes time and practice. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound like a rock star overnight! Here are a few tips to help beginners along the way:

Start Slow: Focus on clean chord changes before speeding up.
Practice Regularly: Even 15-30 minutes a day can make a big difference.
Use a Tuner: Ensure your guitar is properly tuned for the best sound.
Relax: Tension can hinder your playing, so try to stay relaxed.
Listen to the Song: Pay attention to the rhythm and dynamics.

Consistent practice is key to improving your guitar skills. Try to set aside some time each day to focus on practicing your chords, strumming patterns, and transitions. Even short, focused practice sessions can be more effective than longer, less frequent ones. Don't be afraid to break down the song into smaller sections and work on each part individually. Once you've mastered each section, you can start putting them together to play the entire song. Remember, learning guitar is a journey, not a race. Enjoy the process and celebrate your progress along the way. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be playing your favorite songs in no time!

Adding Your Own Flair

Once you're comfortable with the basic chords and strumming pattern, feel free to add your own personal touch to the song. Experiment with different strumming patterns, add some fingerpicking, or try incorporating some simple lead lines. You can also play around with the dynamics of the song, adding more emphasis to certain parts or creating a softer, more intimate feel during the verses. Don't be afraid to get creative and make the song your own. After all, music is about self-expression, so let your personality shine through in your playing. Listen to different versions of the song and see how other guitarists have interpreted it. This can give you some ideas and inspiration for adding your own unique flair. Remember, there are no rules when it comes to making music, so have fun and let your creativity flow!

Conclusion

So there you have it! "Hey What's Going On" is a fantastic song to add to your guitar repertoire. With its simple chord progression and memorable melody, it's sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Remember to practice regularly, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this song offers something for everyone. The key is to break it down into manageable steps, focus on mastering each element individually, and then put it all together. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touch. Music is all about self-expression, so let your creativity shine through in your playing. Now, go grab your guitar and start jamming! You'll be surprised at how quickly you can learn this iconic song. Happy playing, and rock on!