Locked Out Of Heaven Chords: Bruno Mars Guitar Tutorial

by Jhon Lennon 56 views

Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the awesome world of Bruno Mars and learning how to play the chords for his smash hit, "Locked Out of Heaven." This song is a fantastic blend of rock and pop, and it’s super fun to play on the guitar. Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, this tutorial will break down the chords and strumming patterns so you can rock this song in no time. Get your guitar ready, and let’s jump right in!

Introduction to "Locked Out of Heaven"

"Locked Out of Heaven" is a song by American singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, released as the lead single from his second studio album, Unorthodox Jukebox (2012). The song was written by Mars, Philip Lawrence, and Ari Levine; produced by the Smeezingtons; and recorded by Charles Moniz. It is heavily influenced by new wave and reggae rock, drawing comparisons to the Police. Musically, it relies on a combination of reggae rhythms, pop sensibilities, and rock energy, making it an exciting song to play on guitar. The song’s lyrics speak of the euphoric feeling of being in love and finding paradise in someone's arms. "Locked Out of Heaven" received positive reviews from music critics, who praised its retro sound and catchy chorus. Commercially, the song was a massive success, reaching number one in several countries, including the United States, where it topped the Billboard Hot 100 for six consecutive weeks. It also reached the top ten in numerous other countries, becoming one of Mars's signature songs. The song's success was further cemented by its energetic music video, which featured live performance footage and added to its overall appeal. The song has remained a staple on radio stations and continues to be a favorite among fans of pop and rock music. The unforgettable chorus and infectious beat make it a perfect choice for parties, karaoke nights, or just jamming out on your own. Learning the chords for "Locked Out of Heaven" is a rewarding experience that will enhance your guitar skills and add a popular song to your repertoire. Now, let's get into the chords you'll need to master this hit!

Essential Chords for "Locked Out of Heaven"

To play "Locked Out of Heaven," you'll need to know a few essential chords. The song primarily revolves around a simple yet effective chord progression, making it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. The main chords you'll be using are D Minor (Dm), Bb Major (Bb), C Major (C), and A Minor (Am). Let’s break down each chord and how to play them:

  • D Minor (Dm):

    • To play Dm, place your index finger on the 1st fret of the E string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum all strings.
    • Dm is a minor chord, giving the song a slightly melancholic yet groovy vibe. It's crucial to get this chord right as it sets the tone for the entire song.

  • Bb Major (Bb):

    • Bb can be a bit tricky for beginners, but with practice, you’ll get it down. There are a couple of ways to play it. The first is using a barre chord: Barre your index finger across the entire 1st fret, place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the D string, and your ring finger and pinky on the 3rd fret of the A and E strings, respectively. Alternatively, you can play a simplified version by barring the 1st fret of the B and E strings and placing your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the D string.
    • Bb adds a bright, major sound to the progression, creating a nice contrast with the Dm.

  • C Major (C):

    • C is a fundamental chord in guitar playing. Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Strum all strings except the E string.
    • C provides a stable and grounded feel, making the transitions between the other chords smoother.

  • A Minor (Am):

    • Am is another essential minor chord. Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, and your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string. Strum all strings.
    • Am adds a touch of sadness and depth, complementing the overall emotional texture of the song.

Mastering these chords is the first step to playing "Locked Out of Heaven." Practice transitioning between them smoothly to get the hang of the song’s progression. Now that we have the chords down, let's move on to the strumming pattern.

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern for "Locked Out of Heaven" is relatively straightforward but plays a vital role in capturing the song's energetic rhythm. The primary strumming pattern you'll want to use is Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up (DDUUDU). This pattern creates a driving, upbeat feel that matches the song's vibe perfectly. Here’s how to break it down:

  • Down: Strum downwards across the strings.
  • Up: Strum upwards across the strings.

Repeat this pattern for each chord in the progression. It's important to keep a steady rhythm and maintain consistent timing. To help you get a better feel for the strumming pattern, try practicing along with the song. Pay attention to how Bruno Mars emphasizes certain beats and try to replicate that in your playing. You can also experiment with slight variations to the strumming pattern to add your own personal touch. For example, you could try adding a muted strum (where you lightly touch the strings with your strumming hand to create a percussive sound) on certain beats to add some extra groove. Practice this strumming pattern slowly at first, and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Remember, consistency is key to mastering the rhythm. Once you can play the strumming pattern smoothly, try combining it with the chord progression. This may take some practice, but with persistence, you'll be able to play "Locked Out of Heaven" with confidence and style. Don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns to find what works best for you. The most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning to play this awesome song!

Song Structure and Chord Progression

Understanding the song structure of "Locked Out of Heaven" is essential for playing it accurately and confidently. The song generally follows a pattern of verse, chorus, and bridge, with each section featuring the same four chords in a loop. Let's break down each section:

  • Verse:

    • The verse typically uses the chord progression Dm - Bb - C - Bb.
    • Play this progression twice for each verse.
    • Focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and smooth transitions between chords.

  • Chorus:

    • The chorus amps up the energy and features the same chord progression as the verse: Dm - Bb - C - Bb.
    • Play this progression repeatedly to emphasize the catchy hook of the song.
    • Make sure to strum with more intensity during the chorus to capture the excitement of the music.

  • Bridge:

    • The bridge provides a change of pace and uses a slightly different chord progression: Am - Bb - C - Dm.
    • This progression adds a touch of drama and anticipation before returning to the chorus.
    • Pay attention to the dynamics in the bridge to create a sense of contrast with the rest of the song.

Overall, the song structure is quite repetitive, making it easy to memorize and play along. By understanding how the chords fit into each section, you'll be able to navigate the song with ease. Remember to listen to the original recording and pay attention to how the different sections flow together. This will help you internalize the song's structure and play it with authenticity. Once you're familiar with the song structure, you can start experimenting with variations and improvisations to add your own personal flair. Whether you're playing solo or with a band, understanding the song structure is key to delivering a compelling performance of "Locked Out of Heaven."

Tips for Playing "Locked Out of Heaven"

To really nail "Locked Out of Heaven" on the guitar, here are some extra tips to help you along the way:

  1. Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions between the chords are crucial for maintaining the song’s flow. Practice switching between Dm, Bb, C, and Am until you can do it without hesitation. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent.
  2. Focus on Rhythm: The rhythm is just as important as the chords themselves. Pay close attention to the strumming pattern and try to replicate the feel of the original song. Listen to the song repeatedly and strum along to develop a strong sense of rhythm.
  3. Use Dynamics: Vary your strumming intensity to add dynamics to your playing. Play quieter during the verses and louder during the choruses to create contrast and build excitement.
  4. Play Along with the Song: One of the best ways to learn a song is to play along with the original recording. This will help you internalize the rhythm, phrasing, and overall feel of the song.
  5. Simplify if Needed: If you're struggling with the barre chord for Bb, try using a simplified version or a different fingering. There are many ways to play the same chord, so find what works best for your hand.
  6. Stay Relaxed: Tension can make it difficult to play smoothly and accurately. Try to relax your hands and arms while playing. Shake out your hands periodically to release any tension.
  7. Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can be a valuable tool for identifying areas for improvement. Listen back to your recording and pay attention to your timing, chord transitions, and overall sound.
  8. Have Fun: Learning to play guitar should be enjoyable. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing and remember to have fun along the way.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering "Locked Out of Heaven" on the guitar. Remember to be patient, persistent, and most importantly, have fun with it. With practice and dedication, you'll be rocking this song in no time!

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! You've learned the essential chords, strumming pattern, and song structure for playing Bruno Mars' "Locked Out of Heaven" on the guitar. This song is a blast to play and is sure to impress your friends. Remember to practice regularly, focus on your rhythm, and have fun with it. With a little bit of effort, you'll be rocking out to this hit in no time. Keep practicing, and don't be afraid to add your own personal touch to the song. Happy playing!