5 Easy Steps to Play Fray Like a Pro: How to Save a Life Chords

Fray How To Save A Life Chords

Fray’s “How To Save A Life” is a powerful and moving song that has resonated with listeners worldwide. Its poignant lyrics and haunting melody have made it a favorite among guitarists and singers alike. If you’re looking to learn how to play this beautiful song, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll provide you with the chords, strumming pattern, and lyrics for “How To Save A Life” so that you can start playing it today.

The song is played in the key of G major and uses a relatively simple chord progression. The main chords used are G, C, D, and Em. The strumming pattern is also straightforward and consists of downstrokes and upstrokes on the downbeats and offbeats, respectively. Once you’ve mastered the basic chords and strumming pattern, you can start adding your own embellishments to the song. For example, you could try adding some fingerpicking or arpeggiated chords to create a more interesting sound.

“How To Save A Life” is a song that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. Whether you’re a beginner guitarist or a seasoned pro, you’ll be able to find something to enjoy in this song. So what are you waiting for? Grab your guitar and start playing!

Understanding the Key and Chord Progression

### Key of G major: The foundation of the song

“How To Save a Life” is set in the key of G major, a bright and optimistic key that suits the hopeful message of the song. The G major scale consists of the following notes:

“`
G, A, B, C, D, E, F#
“`

The chords used in the song are derived from this scale and provide a sense of stability and movement.

### Chord Progression: Building the harmonic structure

The chord progression of “How To Save a Life” follows a relatively simple yet effective pattern:

Chord	Formula	Notes
G	1	G, B, D
Am	6m	A, C, E
F	4	F, A, C
C	5	C, E, G

The progression primarily uses chords built on the notes of the G major scale, creating a cohesive and harmonious sound. The use of the Am chord adds a bittersweet touch, while the movement between G, F, and C establishes a sense of forward motion.

Playing the Intro Riff

The intro riff of “How to Save a Life” is a simple but effective pattern that sets the tone for the rest of the song. It’s played on acoustic guitar, and it consists of a series of arpeggiated chords. The chords used are G, D, Am, and C, and they’re played in the following order:

strum G

strum D

strum Am

strum C

Continue strumming the chords in this order, and slow down as you approach the end of the riff.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the riff:

Chord	Fretting	Strumming
G	320033	Downstrokes
D	xx0232	Downstrokes
Am	x02210	Downstrokes
C	x32010	Downstrokes

Once you’ve mastered the intro riff, you can start to experiment with different variations. Try adding hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slides to create a more dynamic sound. You can also try changing the strumming pattern or adding some percussive elements to the riff.

Mastering the Verse Progression

The verse progression in “How to Save a Life” is built around three main chords: Am, G, and C. These chords provide the harmonic foundation for the song and establish its overall emotional tone. To play the verse progression, follow these steps:

1. Start with the Am chord. This is the root chord of the progression and provides a sense of stability.
2. Next, move to the G chord. The G chord adds a brighter and more optimistic element to the progression.
3. Finally, resolve back to the C chord. The C chord serves as the dominant chord and creates a sense of closure.

Here’s a table summarizing the verse progression:

Chord	Barre	Fretting	Strumming
Am	0	022210	Down, Down, Up, Up, Down
G	3	320003	Down, Down, Down, Up, Down
C	0	032010	Down, Down, Down, Up, Down

By practicing the verse progression regularly, you’ll develop a strong foundation for playing “How to Save a Life” on the guitar.

Transposing the Chorus

The chorus of "How to Save a Life" can be transposed to any key you desire. To do this, you need to understand the relationship between the chords in the chorus and the key you want to transpose it to.

The original chorus is in the key of G major. The chords used are G, D, Em, and C. If you want to transpose the chorus to the key of C major, you would need to use the chords C, G, Am, and F.

Here is a table that shows the relationship between the chords in the chorus and the key you want to transpose it to:

Original Key	New Key	G	D	Em	C
G major	C major	C	G	Am	F
G major	D major	D	A	Bm	G
G major	E major	E	B	C#m	A

To transpose the chorus to a new key, simply replace the chords in the original chorus with the corresponding chords from the table. For example, to transpose the chorus to the key of C major, you would use the chords C, G, Am, and F.

Here is the transposed chorus in the key of C major:

C G Am F
Steps in the dark
C G Am F
Eyes wide but can't see
C G Am F
Stars in the sky
C G Am F
Can't reach the cloud

Solo Section Breakdown

The solo section in “How to Save a Life” is a powerful and emotional moment in the song. It consists of a series of intricate guitar arpeggios that build in intensity and complexity as the song progresses. The solo begins with a simple arpeggio pattern, which is repeated several times before the guitar begins to move up and down the fretboard, creating a sense of urgency and desperation.

Verse 1

The arpeggios in the first verse are relatively simple, consisting of arpeggiated chords in the key of C major. However, as the verse progresses, the arpeggios become more complex, and the guitar begins to move up and down the fretboard more frequently.

Verse 2

The arpeggios in the second verse are even more complex than those in the first verse, and the guitar begins to move up and down the fretboard even more frequently. This creates a sense of urgency and desperation that is reflected in the lyrics of the song.

Bridge

The arpeggios in the bridge are the most complex in the entire song, and the guitar moves up and down the fretboard constantly. This creates a sense of chaos and confusion that reflects the emotional turmoil that the singer is experiencing.

Chorus

The arpeggios in the chorus are simpler than those in the verses and bridge, but they are still complex enough to create a sense of beauty and hope. This reflects the message of the song, which is that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.

Chord Table

The following table shows the chords that are used in the solo section of “How to Save a Life”:

Chord	Fingering
C major	032010
G major	320003
D minor	xx0231
E minor	022000
A minor	002210

Fingerstyle Arrangement

Introduction

The fingerstyle arrangement of “How to Save a Life” by Fray is a beautiful and intricate interpretation of the original song. It is played on an acoustic guitar and features a delicate melody and lush harmonies.

Verse 1

The verse begins with a simple fingerpicking pattern that establishes the basic rhythm and chord progression. The melody is played on the treble strings, while the bass strings provide a rhythmic foundation.

Chorus

The chorus features a more complex fingerpicking pattern that creates a sense of movement and energy. The melody is played on both the treble and bass strings, and the harmonies are richer and fuller.

Verse 2

The second verse follows a similar structure to the first verse, but with some subtle variations in the fingerpicking pattern. The melody is slightly more ornamented, and the harmonies are slightly more complex.

Bridge

The bridge is a beautiful and introspective section that features a sparse fingerpicking pattern and a haunting melody. The harmonies are simple and ethereal, and the overall effect is one of peace and tranquility.

Chorus

The chorus returns at the end of the song, reprising the themes and harmonies of the first chorus. The fingerpicking pattern is slightly more elaborate, and the overall sound is more powerful and uplifting.

Outro

The song ends with a brief outro that features a simple fingerpicking pattern and a fading melody. The harmonies are sparse and ethereal, and the overall effect is one of peace and tranquility.

Adding Embellishments

Embellishments can add interest and complexity to your playing. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

1. **Hammer-ons and pull-offs:** These techniques involve striking a string with your picking hand and then using your fretting hand to hammer the string onto the fret or pull it off. This creates a quick, percussive effect.

2. **Slides:** Slides involve moving your fretting hand along the string to change notes. This can create a smooth, flowing sound.

3. **Bends:** Bends involve using your fretting hand to bend the string up or down, changing the pitch of the note. This can create a variety of effects, from subtle vibrato to dramatic pitch shifts.

4. **Vibrato:** Vibrato is a technique that involves slightly shaking your fretting hand back and forth, causing the note to fluctuate in pitch. This can add warmth and expression to your playing.

5. **Arpeggios:** Arpeggios involve playing the notes of a chord one at a time, rather than strumming the entire chord. This can create a more delicate and nuanced sound.

6. **Triplets:** Triplets are groups of three notes played in the same amount of time as two regular notes. This can create a more syncopated and rhythmic feel.

7. **Countermelodies:** Countermelodies are melodies that are played against the main melody. This can create a more complex and interesting soundscape.

Embellishment	Description	Example
Hammer-on	Striking a string and then hammering it onto the fret with the fretting hand	G|—5h7–|
Pull-off	Pulling a string off the fret with the fretting hand	G|—7p5–|
Slide	Moving the fretting hand along the string to change notes	G|—5-7-9–|
Bend	Bending the string up or down with the fretting hand	G|—5b7r5–|
Vibrato	Shaking the fretting hand back and forth to create a slight pitch fluctuation	G|—5v–|
Arpeggio	Playing the notes of a chord one at a time	G|—0-2-3–|
Triplet	Group of three notes played in the same amount of time as two regular notes	G|—5-7-9—5-7-9—5-7-9–|
Countermelody	Melody that is played against the main melody	G|—5-7-9—| D|—7-9-11–|

Advanced Chord Voicings

Basic Voicings

A basic chord voicing typically places the root in the bass and the third and fifth above it. This creates a stable and simple sound.

Open Voicings

Open voicings spread out the notes of a chord across a wider range, creating a more airy and spacious sound. They often use inversions and avoid doubling notes.

Closed Voicings

Closed voicings keep the notes of a chord close together, creating a fuller and more intense sound. They often double or triple notes and use close inversions.

Drop 2 and Drop 3 Voicings

Drop 2 and Drop 3 voicings omit the root note, placing the second (Drop 2) or third (Drop 3) in the bass instead. This creates a more open and harmonically interesting sound.

Slash Chords

Slash chords add a bass note that is not part of the chord. This extends the chord’s harmonic range and can create unusual and intriguing sounds.

Sus Chords

Sus chords replace the third with the second or fourth. This creates a suspended and uncertain sound that often resolves to a regular chord.

Add Chords

Add chords add an additional note to a triad, such as the ninth or eleventh. This enhances the chord’s richness and complexity.

Ext Voicings (Extended Chords)

Extended chords typically include notes beyond the seventh. They can be complex and dissonant, creating unique and unexpected harmonic textures.

Alternative Tunings for a Richer Sound

While the standard tuning is a great starting point for most guitarists, alternative tunings can open up a world of new sonic possibilities. Here are a few alternative tunings that can enhance the sound of Fray’s “How to Save a Life”:

DADGAD Tuning

DADGAD tuning offers a rich, resonant sound that is particularly well-suited for fingerstyle playing. The lowered 6th and 5th strings create a drone-like effect that sets a solid foundation for intricate melodies.

Open D Tuning

Open D tuning involves lowering the 6th, 5th, and 4th strings to D, A, and D, respectively. This open tuning creates a brighter, more airy sound that is perfect for strumming and slide guitar.

Open G Tuning

Open G tuning, with the 6th, 5th, 4th, and 3rd strings tuned to D, G, D, and G, is a versatile tuning that suits both fingerstyle and strumming. It produces a warm, resonant sound that is well-suited for blues, folk, and country music.

CGCGCD Tuning

CGCGCD tuning offers a unique, ethereal sound that is perfect for creating atmospheric soundscapes. The suspended 2nd and 4th strings create an almost haunting effect that can evoke a sense of mystery or wonder.

DGDGBD Tuning

DGDGBD tuning, also known as “drop D” tuning, involves lowering only the 6th string to D. This tuning provides a heavier sound that is perfect for rock and metal music. It allows for power chords and palm muting techniques without the need for significant finger stretching.

EAEBEAE Tuning

EAEBEAE tuning is a unique tuning that provides a bright, jangly sound. It is often used in indie rock and pop music, as it creates a shimmering, ethereal effect that sets the guitar apart from other instruments in the mix.

B Standard Tuning

B Standard tuning involves lowering all strings by a whole step, resulting in B, E, A, D, F#, and B. This tuning is commonly used in heavier genres of music, such as metal and hardcore, as it produces a thicker, more aggressive sound.

Nashville Tuning

Nashville tuning, with the 6th string tuned to C, the 5th string tuned to G, and the remaining strings tuned to D, A, D, and E, provides a bright, twangy sound that is particularly well-suited for country and bluegrass music.

Drop C Tuning

Drop C tuning, similar to drop D tuning, involves lowering only the 6th string to C. However, it is combined with standard tuning for the other strings. This tuning offers a heavy, low-end growl that is perfect for heavy rock and metal music.

Tuning Name	Tuning
DADGAD	D-A-D-G-A-D
Open D	D-A-D-F#-A-D
Open G	D-G-D-G-B-D
CGCGCD	C-G-C-G-C-D
DGDGBD (Drop D)	D-G-D-G-B-D
EAEBEAE	E-A-E-B-E-A-E
B Standard	B-E-A-D-F#-B
Nashville	C-G-D-A-D-E
Drop C	C-G-D-A-D-E

Strumming Patterns to Enhance Dynamics

In “How to Save a Life,” the strumming patterns contribute significantly to the dynamic and emotional impact of the song. Here are four common patterns used:

Pattern	Description
Downstrokes	A simple downward strum on every beat
Down-Up Strumming	An alternating downward and upward strumming pattern
Strumming with Brush Strokes	A technique involving a light, sweeping motion that creates a soft and atmospheric effect
Fingerstyle Strumming	Using individual fingers to pluck the strings rhythmically

Each of these patterns serves a specific purpose:

1. Downstrokes: Provide a solid rhythmic foundation for the song.
2. Down-Up Strumming: Creates a more dynamic and uplifting feel.
3. Strumming with Brush Strokes: Adds a subtle and ethereal texture to the music.
4. Fingerstyle Strumming: Offers a more intricate and nuanced approach, allowing for personalized variations.

By combining these patterns and experimenting with different tempos and intensities, you can create a wide range of dynamics that enhance the emotional impact of “How to Save a Life.”

Fray How To Save A Life Chords

Fray’s “How to Save a Life” is a powerful and moving song about the importance of helping others in their time of need. The song’s lyrics are simple and straightforward, but they convey a powerful message about the power of human connection and compassion. The chords for “How to Save a Life” are relatively easy to play, making it a great song for beginners to learn. The chorus uses a simple C-G-Am-F progression, while the verses use a C-G-Am-F-G progression. The bridge uses a different progression, but it is still relatively easy to play.

If you are looking for a song to learn that is both meaningful and easy to play, “How to Save a Life” is a great option. The song’s simple chords and powerful lyrics make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced guitarists alike.

People Also Ask About Fray How To Save A Life Chords

What tuning is Fray How To Save A Life in?

Fray How To Save A Life is in the key of C major and is played in standard tuning (EADGBE).

What are the chords for the chorus of Fray How To Save A Life?

The chords for the chorus of Fray How To Save A Life are C, G, Am, and F.

What is the strumming pattern for Fray How To Save A Life?

The strumming pattern for Fray How To Save A Life is down, down, up, down, up, down, up, down.