Now And Forever Chords: Learn To Play Air Supply's Classic

Hey guys! Ever wanted to play that timeless classic, "Now and Forever" by Air Supply? You're in the right place! This guide breaks down the chords, the structure, and some tips to help you nail this beautiful song. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, understanding the Now and Forever chords is a fantastic addition to your repertoire. This guide provides detailed insights into playing the song, making it easy to learn and enjoy.

Understanding the Basic Chords

Let's dive right into the basic chords you'll need to play "Now and Forever." The song primarily revolves around a few key chords that create its signature sound. These chords are relatively simple, making it accessible for guitarists of various skill levels. The main chords include:

• G Major (G): This is a fundamental chord in many songs, and "Now and Forever" is no exception. The G major chord provides a warm, grounding tone.
• C Major (C): Another essential chord, the C major adds brightness and complements the G major beautifully. It's a staple in pop and soft rock.
• D Major (D): The D major chord brings a dynamic feel to the progression, creating a sense of movement and resolution.
• Em (E minor): This minor chord adds a touch of melancholy and depth, enhancing the emotional impact of the song.
• Am (A minor): Similar to Em, the A minor chord contributes to the song's emotional complexity, providing a contrasting feel to the major chords.

These chords form the backbone of "Now and Forever." Mastering these chords will not only allow you to play this song but will also improve your overall guitar skills. Ensure your fingers are accurately placed on the fretboard to produce clean, crisp sounds. Practice transitioning between these chords smoothly to maintain the song's flowing rhythm. Understanding how these basic chords interact within the song's structure is crucial for a successful performance. Remember to keep a steady rhythm and focus on clean transitions for the best sound. Knowing these chords well is your first step to mastering the song.

Chord Progression

The chord progression in "Now and Forever" is quite memorable and emotionally resonant. The song primarily uses a combination of major and minor chords to evoke a feeling of longing and romance. Understanding the order in which these chords appear is crucial for playing the song accurately. The primary progression is:

G - D - Em - C

This sequence forms the verse and a large portion of the chorus. The smooth transition between these chords is what gives the song its distinctive feel. Here's a breakdown:

• G to D: The transition from G major to D major creates a sense of uplift and anticipation.
• D to Em: Moving from D major to E minor adds a touch of melancholy, enhancing the song's emotional depth.
• Em to C: The shift from E minor to C major provides a resolution, bringing a sense of hope and comfort.

Additionally, the song incorporates other chord variations to add complexity and interest. These variations include:

• Am (A minor): Often used as a substitute for Em, the Am chord adds a slightly different flavor to the progression.
• C/G (C major with G bass): This chord creates a smooth transition, particularly when moving back to the G chord.
• D/F# (D major with F# bass): Adding this chord creates a smoother transition from G to Em and adds a bit more color to the chord progression.

Practicing these chord progressions repeatedly will help you internalize the song’s structure. Pay attention to the subtle nuances in the transitions and strive for smooth changes between each chord. Recognizing these patterns will make learning other songs easier. Knowing the chord progression inside out will make your playing more fluid and enjoyable.

Playing the Intro

The intro to "Now and Forever" is instantly recognizable and sets the tone for the entire song. Typically, the intro features a gentle arpeggiated sequence using the main chords of the song. This arpeggiation involves playing the individual notes of each chord in a flowing, melodic manner rather than strumming the full chord at once. Start by identifying the notes that make up each chord in the intro:

• G Major: G, B, D
• D Major: D, F#, A
• Em: E, G, B
• C Major: C, E, G

Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to find what feels most natural and sounds best to you. A common approach is to use a simple alternating thumb-index-middle finger pattern. Your thumb can handle the root notes (G, D, E, C), while your index and middle fingers pluck the other notes.

Focus on maintaining a consistent tempo and allowing each note to ring clearly. The intro should sound delicate and inviting, drawing the listener in. Pay attention to dynamics, varying the volume slightly to add emotion and expression. Adding subtle nuances can make your rendition stand out. Mastering the intro is crucial because it sets the stage for the rest of the song. Practicing the fingerpicking pattern slowly at first can help you build muscle memory and ensure accuracy. With time and practice, you’ll be able to play the intro smoothly and confidently.

Strumming Patterns

Choosing the right strumming pattern is essential for capturing the feel of "Now and Forever." A gentle, flowing pattern works best to match the song’s soft rock ballad style. Avoid overly aggressive or complex strumming patterns, as they can detract from the song’s delicate nature. Focus on creating a smooth, consistent rhythm. A basic strumming pattern that works well is:

Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up

This pattern provides a good balance of rhythm and flow. Break it down:

• Down: A simple downward strum across all the strings.
• Down-Up: A quick downward strum followed immediately by an upward strum.
• Up-Down-Up: An upward strum, followed by a downward strum, and then another upward strum.

Experiment with slight variations to find what sounds best to your ear. You can emphasize certain strums to add dynamics and expression. For example, you might slightly emphasize the first down strum in each measure to create a subtle accent. Using a lighter touch can also help to maintain the song’s gentle feel. Practicing the strumming patterns slowly at first will help you get a feel for the rhythm. Once you’re comfortable with the basic pattern, you can start adding variations and dynamics. Focus on maintaining a consistent tempo and ensuring that your strumming is smooth and even. With practice, you’ll be able to strum the song effortlessly and add your own personal touch.

Tips for Beginners

Learning "Now and Forever" can be a rewarding experience, especially for beginners. Here are some tips to make the process easier:

• Start Slow: Don't rush. Begin by practicing each chord individually until you can play them cleanly. Then, slowly transition between the chords. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome can help you maintain a consistent rhythm. Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase it as you improve.
• Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth chord transitions are crucial for playing the song well. Practice moving from one chord to the next as efficiently as possible.
• Finger Placement: Ensure your fingers are accurately placed on the fretboard. This will help you produce clean, crisp sounds and avoid buzzing.
• Listen to the Original: Listen to the original recording of "Now and Forever" frequently. This will help you internalize the song’s melody and rhythm.
• Break It Down: Break the song into smaller sections and focus on mastering each section before moving on. This can make the learning process less overwhelming.
• Be Patient: Learning to play guitar takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep practicing, and you will eventually improve.
• Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can help you identify areas where you need to improve. Listen back critically and make adjustments.

By following these tips, beginners can successfully learn to play "Now and Forever." Remember to be patient, practice consistently, and enjoy the process. With dedication and perseverance, you’ll be able to play this beautiful song and impress your friends and family. Consistent practice and patience are key to success.

Advanced Techniques

For those who have mastered the basic chords and strumming patterns, there are several advanced techniques you can use to enhance your performance of "Now and Forever."

• Fingerpicking Variations: Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to add complexity and texture to your playing. Try incorporating arpeggios and embellishments.
• Chord Embellishments: Add subtle embellishments to the chords, such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides. These can add interest and character to your playing.
• Dynamics: Pay close attention to dynamics. Vary the volume of your playing to create contrast and emotion. Use softer dynamics during the verses and build to a crescendo during the chorus.
• Harmonics: Incorporate natural or artificial harmonics to add a shimmering, ethereal quality to your playing.
• Alternate Tunings: Experiment with alternate tunings to create a unique sound. For example, try tuning your guitar to DADGAD or Open G.
• Improvisation: Improvise over the chord progression to add your own personal touch to the song. Create your own melodic lines and fills.
• Vibrato: Use vibrato on sustained notes to add warmth and expression.
• Chord Substitutions: Substitute more complex chords for the basic chords. For example, try using sus chords, 7th chords, or add9 chords.

By incorporating these advanced techniques, you can elevate your performance of "Now and Forever" to a new level. Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for you. With practice and creativity, you can create a truly unique and memorable rendition of this timeless classic.

Conclusion

"Now and Forever" by Air Supply is a beautiful and timeless song that is both enjoyable to play and to listen to. By understanding the basic chords, chord progressions, strumming patterns, and advanced techniques, you can create your own unique and memorable rendition of this classic. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, there's always something new to learn and explore. So grab your guitar, start practicing, and enjoy the journey. Happy playing!