Learn to Play "Photograph" by Ed Sheeran

In this comprehensive guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com, we delve into the beautifully emotional song “Photograph” by Ed Sheeran. Whether you’re an aspiring guitarist or a seasoned player looking to improve your technique, this lesson focuses on the intricate guitar work that lies at the heart of the song. Ed Sheeran’s style on "Photograph" blends both technical precision and heartfelt simplicity, and our note-for-note breakdown will help you master these essential techniques. Danny Gill breaks down this classic pop track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitar Players Behind "Photograph"

"Photograph," released in 2014, is one of Ed Sheeran's standout acoustic ballads. As a guitarist, Sheeran is known for his exceptional finger-style playing, rhythmic strumming, and loop pedal artistry, which allows him to craft rich, layered performances despite being a solo artist. His ability to switch between tender, melodic finger-picking and rhythmic strumming is what gives his songs a unique blend of intimacy and energy. While Sheeran performs much of his music solo, the influence of various acoustic and folk guitar traditions is evident in his playing, ranging from soft arpeggios to dynamic chord progressions.

Guitar Techniques in "Photograph"

1. Finger-Picking

Finger-picking is one of the central techniques used in “Photograph.” Sheeran’s soft and intricate picking pattern gives the song its signature emotional feel. Learning finger-picking helps guitarists develop better finger independence, dexterity, and the ability to play more melodically driven music. This technique requires a high level of coordination between the thumb and fingers, as different fingers are responsible for different strings.

2. Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

The guitar work in “Photograph” frequently uses arpeggiated chord progressions, where the individual notes of a chord are picked one at a time. This technique adds a flowing, melodic texture to the song. Arpeggios teach guitarists how to break down chords, giving them a better understanding of chord shapes across the fretboard and improving their picking precision. The fluidity of this technique makes it perfect for ballads like "Photograph," where the guitar serves as the primary melodic foundation.

3. Barre Chords

Barre chords are also an important part of the song, giving the progression a fuller sound by incorporating more fretted notes across multiple strings. Mastering barre chords can be challenging but incredibly rewarding, as it allows you to move chord shapes easily up and down the fretboard. This technique opens up a wide variety of chord voicings and tonal possibilities, making it essential for any guitarist looking to expand their versatility.

4. Slides

Sheeran also uses slides in his playing, particularly when moving between notes within chord shapes. Slides are a smooth way to transition between positions on the fretboard, adding fluidity and expressiveness to your playing. Practicing slides can improve your finger strength and coordination, helping you maintain the flow of a piece without interrupting the melody or rhythm.

5. Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

Throughout the lesson, we break down Sheeran's subtle use of hammer-ons and pull-offs, which bring a certain flair and fluidity to the piece. These techniques allow for seamless transitions between notes and are crucial in creating a legato effect. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are fundamental to making your guitar playing sound more polished and professional, especially in acoustic ballads like "Photograph," where smoothness is key.

6. Capo Placement

Like many of Sheeran’s songs, “Photograph” makes use of a capo. Sheeran places the capo on the second fret to change the key and make certain chord shapes easier to play while maintaining open-string resonance. Learning how to use a capo effectively can help guitarists adapt songs to their vocal range and explore different tonalities while still playing familiar chord shapes.

7. Chord Progressions

Understanding chord progressions is crucial in a song like "Photograph," where the guitar follows a simple but emotive chord structure. By focusing on the chords in this song, you'll gain a better grasp of common progressions used in popular music. This knowledge is transferable to countless other songs, making you a more versatile player.

8. Open String Riffs

The use of open string riffs in "Photograph" adds a melodic richness to the song’s texture. This technique allows Sheeran to blend melody and harmony, creating an airy, spacious feel that complements his vocal delivery. Open string riffs are perfect for creating depth and contrast in acoustic songs, adding harmonic complexity while still keeping the arrangement minimalistic.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

By focusing on these essential techniques in "Photograph," guitarists can gain a well-rounded set of skills that apply to a broad range of musical styles. Each technique helps develop different aspects of playing:

• Finger-picking strengthens finger independence and dexterity.
• Arpeggios improve picking accuracy and melodic control.
• Barre chords build hand strength and fretboard navigation.
• Slides enhance smooth transitions between notes.
• Hammer-ons and pull-offs increase speed and fluidity.
• Capo use broadens key choices and vocal adaptability.
• Chord progressions deepen your understanding of song structure.

These foundational skills are not only essential for mastering this song but will also equip you to tackle many other acoustic and folk-style songs with confidence.

Guitar Techniques in the "Photograph" Lesson

Here is a list of techniques used in this lesson:

• Finger-Picking
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Barre Chords
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Chord Progressions
• Capo
• Open String Riffs