If The World Was Ending Chords: JP Saxe Tutorial

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 49 views

Hey guys! So you wanna learn how to play "If The World Was Ending" by JP Saxe on your guitar or piano? You've come to the right place! This song is super popular, and for good reason – it's beautiful, emotional, and relatively easy to play once you get the hang of the chords. I'm going to break down everything you need to know, from the basic chords to some tips and tricks to make it sound amazing. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, this guide will help you nail this song. Let's dive in and make some music!

Understanding the Basic Chords

Let's begin by diving into the essential chords that form the backbone of "If The World Was Ending" by JP Saxe. This song primarily revolves around a simple yet emotionally resonant chord progression, making it accessible for beginner guitarists and pianists alike. The primary chords you'll encounter are:

C Major (C): This is a fundamental chord in music theory and one of the first chords many musicians learn. On guitar, a common way to play it is by placing your first finger on the B string (1st fret), your second finger on the D string (2nd fret), and your third finger on the A string (3rd fret). On piano, you simply play the C, E, and G keys together. The C Major chord brings a bright and stable feel to the song, providing a solid foundation for the other chords to build upon.
G Major (G): Another essential chord, G Major, adds a sense of resolution and uplift to the progression. On guitar, you can play it by placing your first finger on the E string (3rd fret), your second finger on the A string (2nd fret), and your third finger on the high E string (3rd fret). Alternatively, a simplified version involves only using the first finger on the E string and the third finger on the high E string. On piano, play the G, B, and D keys together. The G Major chord acts as a strong dominant, pulling the music back towards the tonic (C Major), creating a satisfying musical phrase.
A Minor (Am): This chord introduces a touch of melancholy and introspection to the song. On guitar, the most common way to play it is by placing your second finger on the G string (2nd fret), your third finger on the D string (2nd fret), and your first finger on the B string (1st fret). On piano, you play the A, C, and E keys together. The A Minor chord contrasts beautifully with the major chords, adding depth and emotional complexity to the song’s narrative.
F Major (F): Rounding out the chord progression, F Major provides a smooth transition between the other chords and adds a sense of warmth. On guitar, the F Major chord can be a bit tricky for beginners. A common way to play it is by barring the first fret with your first finger and then placing your second finger on the G string (2nd fret) and your third finger on the D string (3rd fret). A simplified version involves only playing the bottom four strings, omitting the full barre. On piano, you play the F, A, and C keys together. The F Major chord serves as a subdominant, leading the ear towards either the G Major or back to the C Major, creating a circular and engaging harmonic movement.

These four chords—C Major, G Major, A Minor, and F Major—are the building blocks of "If The World Was Ending." Mastering these chords and understanding how they interact with each other will allow you to play not just this song but also a multitude of others that utilize similar progressions. Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords, focusing on accuracy and fluidity, to bring the song to life with your own musical expression.

Detailed Chord Progression

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the chord progression for "If The World Was Ending." Understanding the order in which these chords appear is crucial for playing the song accurately. The main progression that repeats throughout most of the song is:

C – G – Am – F

This sequence is repeated in both the verses and the chorus, making it relatively easy to memorize. However, it's the subtle variations and dynamics that give the song its emotional depth. Let’s break down how this progression is used in different parts of the song:

Verses: In the verses, the chord progression is typically played with a gentle and subdued feel. You might want to use fingerpicking on the guitar or a soft touch on the piano to convey the introspective nature of the lyrics. The rhythm is generally straightforward, with each chord receiving roughly equal attention. Focus on smooth transitions between the chords to maintain a flowing and cohesive sound.
Chorus: When the chorus hits, the song builds in intensity. You can play the chords with more emphasis, perhaps using strumming on the guitar or a slightly heavier touch on the piano. The dynamics should increase to reflect the heightened emotion of the lyrics. Feel free to add some variations, such as a slight pause before the F chord or a more pronounced strumming pattern, to make the chorus stand out.
Bridge: The bridge of the song often introduces a slight variation to the main chord progression. While the core chords remain the same, the order or the duration of each chord might change to create a sense of tension or release. Pay close attention to the specific arrangement of the bridge in the version you're learning, as this can significantly impact the overall feel of the song.
Pre-Chorus: In some versions, there's a pre-chorus section that leads into the main chorus. This section might use a slightly different chord progression or a variation on the main one to build anticipation. Common variations might include adding a Dm (D minor) chord or extending the duration of the F chord to create a stronger sense of resolution into the chorus.

To truly master the chord progression, practice playing it repeatedly at different tempos. Start slowly to ensure accuracy and smooth transitions, and then gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Experiment with different strumming patterns or arpeggios to add your own personal touch to the song. Additionally, listen closely to the original recording to internalize the nuances of the chord progression and how it contributes to the overall emotional impact of the song.

Strumming Patterns and Fingerpicking

To really bring "If The World Was Ending" to life, understanding strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques is essential. The original song features a delicate and nuanced acoustic arrangement, making it a perfect candidate for exploring different ways to play the chords. Here’s a breakdown of some popular strumming patterns and fingerpicking styles that you can use:

Strumming Patterns:

Basic Down-Up Strum: This is the most fundamental strumming pattern and a great starting point for beginners. Simply strum down on the beat and up in between the beats. For "If The World Was Ending," you can use a gentle and consistent down-up strum to create a steady rhythm. Focus on keeping your wrist relaxed and maintaining a smooth, even strumming motion.
Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up: This strumming pattern adds a bit more complexity and syncopation to the song. It involves strumming down on the first beat, down again on the second beat, up on the “and” of the second beat, up on the third beat, down on the “and” of the third beat, and up on the fourth beat. This pattern creates a more dynamic and engaging rhythm that can add depth to the song.
Emphasized Beat Strum: In this pattern, you emphasize certain beats to create a more pronounced rhythm. For example, you could emphasize the first beat of each measure by strumming it more forcefully. This can help to accentuate the song's natural groove and make it more engaging to listen to. Experiment with emphasizing different beats to find a pattern that suits your personal style.

Fingerpicking:

Travis Picking: Named after the legendary Merle Travis, this fingerpicking style involves using your thumb to play a steady alternating bass line while your fingers pluck the higher strings. This creates a rich and textured sound that is perfect for acoustic songs like "If The World Was Ending." Practice coordinating your thumb and fingers to create a smooth and consistent rhythm.
Arpeggio: An arpeggio involves playing the notes of a chord individually, rather than strumming them all at once. This can create a delicate and ethereal sound that is perfect for the verses of "If The World Was Ending." Experiment with different arpeggio patterns to find one that suits the song's mood and your personal playing style.
Hybrid Picking: This technique combines fingerpicking and flatpicking (using a pick). You use the pick for the downstrokes on the lower strings and your fingers for the upstrokes on the higher strings. This can create a dynamic and versatile sound that allows you to switch seamlessly between strumming and fingerpicking. It may require some practice to coordinate your pick and fingers effectively.

No matter which strumming pattern or fingerpicking style you choose, the key is to practice consistently and focus on creating a smooth and musical sound. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you and the song. And always remember to listen closely to the original recording to get a sense of how the song is meant to be played. The best way to personalize your performance is to blend the core techniques with your unique style and artistic expression.

Tips for Beginners

Learning a new song can be both exciting and challenging, especially for beginners. Here are some tips to help you master "If The World Was Ending" by JP Saxe, even if you're just starting out on your musical journey:

Start Slow: When learning the chord progression, begin at a slow tempo. This will give you time to focus on transitioning smoothly between the chords without rushing. Accuracy is more important than speed in the beginning. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo until you reach the song's original speed.
Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth chord transitions are crucial for playing the song fluidly. Practice switching between the chords repeatedly until you can do so without hesitation. Focus on minimizing the time it takes to move your fingers from one chord shape to another. Use a metronome to keep a steady beat and help you develop a consistent rhythm.
Simplify Chords: If you're finding it difficult to play the full versions of the chords, try using simplified versions. For example, you can play a simplified version of the F chord by only playing the bottom four strings or omitting the barre. As you become more experienced, you can gradually introduce the full versions of the chords.
Break It Down: If you're struggling with a particular section of the song, break it down into smaller parts. Practice each part separately until you can play it comfortably. Then, gradually piece the parts together until you can play the entire section. This approach can make the learning process more manageable and less overwhelming.
Listen Actively: Listen to the original recording of "If The World Was Ending" repeatedly. Pay close attention to the chord changes, the rhythm, and the overall feel of the song. This will help you internalize the song's structure and nuances, making it easier to learn and play.
Use Online Resources: Take advantage of the many online resources available to help you learn the song. There are countless tutorials, chord charts, and tablature available for free on websites like YouTube and Ultimate-Guitar.com. Use these resources to supplement your practice and gain a deeper understanding of the song.
Be Patient and Persistent: Learning to play a song takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Be patient with yourself, and keep practicing consistently. The more you practice, the better you will become. Celebrate your progress along the way, and remember to enjoy the process of learning.
Play with Others: Playing with other musicians can be a great way to improve your skills and make learning more fun. Find a friend or family member who plays an instrument and jam together. Playing with others can help you develop your timing, improve your listening skills, and learn new techniques.

Adding Your Own Flair

Once you've mastered the basic chords and strumming patterns for "If The World Was Ending," the real fun begins: adding your own flair! This is where you get to put your personal stamp on the song and make it truly your own. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Experiment with Dynamics: Dynamics are the variations in volume throughout the song. Try playing the verses softly and then building up to a louder chorus. You can also use dynamics to emphasize certain words or phrases in the lyrics. This will add depth and emotion to your performance.
Add Embellishments: Embellishments are small melodic or rhythmic variations that you can add to the chords. For example, you can add hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides to the chords to make them sound more interesting. You can also add grace notes or passing tones to create a more melodic feel. Experiment with different embellishments to find ones that sound good to you.
Change the Strumming Pattern: While the basic strumming patterns will get you through the song, try experimenting with different strumming patterns to create a different feel. You can use a more complex strumming pattern to add energy to the song, or you can use a simpler strumming pattern to create a more laid-back vibe. Listen to different versions of the song to get ideas for different strumming patterns.
Alter the Tempo: The tempo is the speed of the song. Try playing the song at a faster tempo to make it more upbeat, or try playing it at a slower tempo to make it more melancholic. You can also vary the tempo throughout the song to create a more dynamic performance. For example, you can speed up the tempo during the chorus and slow it down during the verses.
Incorporate Riffs or Fills: Riffs and fills are short melodic phrases that you can play between chords or during instrumental breaks. They can add a lot of interest and excitement to the song. Try learning some of the riffs from the original recording, or create your own riffs based on the song's melody. Riffs can be as simple or as complex as you like.
Change the Key: Changing the key of the song can make it easier to sing or play, depending on your vocal range or instrument. You can use a capo to change the key of the song on a guitar, or you can transpose the chords using a music software program. Experiment with different keys to find one that suits your voice or instrument.

By adding your own flair to "If The World Was Ending," you can transform it from a simple cover into a unique and personal expression of your musicality. Don't be afraid to experiment and try new things. The most important thing is to have fun and let your creativity shine through!

So there you have it! Everything you need to know to play "If The World Was Ending" by JP Saxe. Remember to practice consistently, be patient with yourself, and most importantly, have fun! Happy playing!