Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the timeless classic, "Right Here Waiting" by Richard Marx. This song is a fantastic choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists. Not only is it a beautiful ballad that tugs at the heartstrings, but it also features a chord progression that's relatively easy to master. So, grab your guitar, and let’s get started on learning the chords and structure of this iconic song!

Understanding the Chords

To play "Right Here Waiting" on guitar, you'll primarily need to know these chords: G, D, Em, and C. These are fundamental chords that appear in countless songs, making them essential for any guitarist's repertoire. Let's break each one down:

• G Major: A foundational chord, G Major is typically played as 320003. It's a bright and uplifting chord that forms the backbone of many popular songs. Practice transitioning to and from G Major to improve your chord changes.

• D Major: Played as XX0232, D Major is another essential chord. It has a resonant and full sound that complements G Major nicely. Pay attention to ensuring your fingers are correctly placed to avoid any buzzing.

• Em (E minor): Played as 022000, Em adds a touch of melancholy and depth to the song. It's a versatile chord that can be used in both major and minor keys. Focus on getting a clean sound from all the strings when playing Em.

• C Major: Played as X32010, C Major is a warm and comforting chord that provides a pleasant resolution in many chord progressions. Make sure your fingers don't mute any strings when forming the C Major chord.

These four chords are the building blocks of "Right Here Waiting." Mastering them will not only enable you to play this song but also open the door to countless others. Practice these chords individually, then work on smoothly transitioning between them. Use a metronome to keep time and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Chord Progression and Song Structure

"Right Here Waiting" follows a simple yet effective chord progression that's easy to remember. The basic structure revolves around a repeating sequence that makes the song both catchy and emotionally resonant. Here’s a breakdown of the main sections:

• Verse: The verse typically follows a G - D - Em - C progression. This sequence repeats, creating a sense of anticipation and emotional build-up. The gentle movement from G to D, then to the more somber Em, and finally resolving on C, is what gives the song its poignant feel. Focus on maintaining a consistent rhythm and smooth transitions between these chords to capture the essence of the verse.

• Chorus: The chorus usually emphasizes the same G - D - Em - C progression but with a more pronounced and emphatic delivery. Sometimes, there might be slight variations to add intensity, such as holding a chord slightly longer or adding a strumming pattern that’s more energetic. Pay attention to the dynamics in the chorus, increasing your volume and passion to reflect the emotional peak of the song.

• Bridge: The bridge may introduce a slight variation in the chord progression to offer a contrast to the verse and chorus. It might include chords like Am (A minor) to add a different flavor, but the song generally returns to the familiar G - D - Em - C sequence. The bridge serves as a transition, building tension before resolving back into the chorus. Listen closely to the original song to identify any unique chord changes or rhythmic patterns in the bridge.

• Outro: The outro often repeats the G - D - Em - C progression, gradually fading out to create a sense of closure. It's a simple and effective way to end the song, leaving the listener with a lingering feeling of longing and nostalgia. You can experiment with different strumming patterns or arpeggios in the outro to add your personal touch.

Understanding the structure and chord progression is key to playing "Right Here Waiting" accurately and expressively. Practice each section separately, then gradually combine them to play the entire song seamlessly. Pay attention to the dynamics and nuances of the original recording to capture the emotional depth of the song.

Strumming Patterns

Choosing the right strumming pattern can significantly enhance the overall feel of "Right Here Waiting." A gentle and consistent strumming pattern is ideal for this ballad. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Basic Down-Up Strum: Start with a simple down-up strumming pattern. This involves strumming down on the beat and up between the beats. For example, you can strum “Down, Up, Down, Up” for each chord. This pattern is easy to learn and provides a steady rhythm that complements the song's gentle melody. Focus on maintaining a consistent tempo and evenness in your strumming.

2. Adding Emphasis: Incorporate some variation by emphasizing certain beats. For example, you could strum “Down, Up, Down, Up”, giving more weight to the downstrokes. This adds a subtle rhythmic interest and helps to highlight the important parts of the melody. Experiment with emphasizing different beats to find what sounds best to you.

3. Arpeggios: For a softer touch, try using arpeggios instead of strumming. An arpeggio involves plucking the individual notes of each chord in sequence. This creates a delicate and intimate sound that can be particularly effective in the verses. Practice smoothly transitioning between the notes of each chord to create a flowing and seamless arpeggio pattern.

4. Fingerpicking: Another option is to use a fingerpicking pattern. This involves using your fingers to pluck specific strings in a repeating sequence. A common fingerpicking pattern for this song is to pluck the root note of the chord with your thumb, then pluck the higher strings with your fingers. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to find one that suits your playing style and adds a personal touch to the song.

Experiment with these strumming patterns to find what sounds best to you. Remember, the goal is to create a rhythm that supports the melody and enhances the emotional impact of the song. Listen to the original recording to get a sense of the strumming patterns used and try to emulate them.

Tips for Beginners

Learning guitar can be challenging, but with patience and practice, anyone can master it. Here are some tips specifically for beginners tackling "Right Here Waiting:":

• Start Slow: Don't rush the process. Begin by practicing each chord individually until you can play them cleanly. Then, slowly transition between the chords, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable. Use a metronome to maintain a consistent tempo and track your progress.

• Finger Placement: Ensure your fingers are correctly positioned on the fretboard. Press down firmly behind the frets to avoid buzzing. Keep your fingers arched and avoid touching adjacent strings. Proper finger placement is crucial for producing clear and accurate chords.

• Smooth Transitions: Practice smooth transitions between chords. This involves anticipating the next chord and moving your fingers efficiently. Try to minimize the time between chord changes to maintain a seamless flow. Smooth transitions are essential for playing the song smoothly and expressively.

• Consistent Practice: Regular practice is key to improving your guitar skills. Set aside some time each day to practice, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes. Consistent practice will help you build muscle memory and improve your coordination. Make practice a habit and you'll see steady progress over time.

• Use Online Resources: Take advantage of the wealth of online resources available to guitar learners. Websites and YouTube channels offer tutorials, chord diagrams, and strumming patterns. Use these resources to supplement your practice and learn new techniques.

• Be Patient: Learning guitar takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress along the way. Remember, every guitarist started where you are now.

By following these tips and practicing consistently, you'll be well on your way to mastering "Right Here Waiting" and other guitar songs.

Final Thoughts

"Right Here Waiting" is a beautiful and timeless song that's perfect for guitarists of all levels. By learning the chords, understanding the structure, and practicing the strumming patterns, you can play this song with confidence and expression. So, keep practicing, and soon you'll be serenading your loved ones with this classic ballad. Happy playing, and remember, practice makes perfect!