Thinking Out Loud - Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran’s "Thinking Out Loud" is one of the most beloved ballads of the 21st century, offering a perfect blend of emotive lyrics and masterful acoustic guitar work. For guitarists looking to dive into this modern classic, our note-for-note lesson at LickLibrary provides an in-depth breakdown of the techniques that define this timeless track. From the gentle strumming patterns to the intricate finger-picking, this lesson will help guitarists not only master the song but also improve their playing by focusing on several fundamental techniques. Danny Gill breaks down this classic pop song in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Song Overview

"Thinking Out Loud" was co-written by Ed Sheeran and Amy Wadge, with production from Jake Gosling. The guitar work on the song, primarily handled by Sheeran himself, is beautifully understated, blending acoustic textures with a smooth, soulful feel. This lesson explores the subtle artistry behind Sheeran's playing, breaking down his use of common techniques such as finger-picking, barre chords, and slides. Learning this song is a great way to develop your overall musicianship, while also adding a highly requested tune to your repertoire.

Guitarists and Influences

Ed Sheeran is known for his intricate guitar playing, often blending finger-picking and strumming with a loop pedal for his live performances. His influences range from folk artists like Damien Rice to classic rock icons such as Eric Clapton. Sheeran’s ability to create memorable, emotive songs with a simple acoustic setup is one of his strongest traits as a guitarist. In "Thinking Out Loud," he shows a keen understanding of dynamics, letting the guitar be both a rhythmic and melodic force. The techniques used in this lesson mirror the stylistic elements of both modern pop and classic balladry, making it a perfect case study for any aspiring guitarist.

Guitar Techniques in "Thinking Out Loud"

Finger-Picking

One of the most prominent features of Ed Sheeran's playing in "Thinking Out Loud" is his use of finger-picking. This technique allows for a softer, more intricate sound compared to strumming with a pick. By focusing on finger-picking, you can develop greater control over the individual notes in a chord, adding texture and nuance to your playing. In this lesson, we break down the finger-picking pattern in a way that makes it accessible to both intermediate and advanced players.

Barre Chords

Sheeran's use of barre chords in "Thinking Out Loud" provides the song with a smooth, flowing chord progression. Barre chords are essential for any guitarist because they allow you to play chords up and down the neck with the same shape. Mastering barre chords will also increase your hand strength and finger flexibility, both of which are crucial for advancing your guitar skills.

Slides

Another key feature of the guitar work in "Thinking Out Loud" is the tasteful use of slides. Sliding between notes adds a lyrical, vocal-like quality to your playing, and it’s a great way to connect phrases smoothly. In this lesson, you'll learn how to execute slides effectively to add expression to your playing, creating a seamless flow between notes.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The song also incorporates hammer-ons and pull-offs, which are essential for creating fluid and expressive guitar lines. These techniques allow you to add embellishments and accents without re-picking every note, leading to a more legato sound. Practicing these moves will help develop finger independence and precision, particularly in the context of more melodic playing.

Syncopated Rhythms

Rhythmic variation is another important aspect of Sheeran’s playing. The use of syncopated rhythms adds complexity and a sense of groove to the song, especially in the verses. Syncopation shifts emphasis to off-beats, which can give your playing a more dynamic and engaging feel. By mastering syncopated rhythms, you'll improve your timing and rhythmic awareness.

Arpeggios

Finally, arpeggios are used throughout the song to break up the chord progressions into individual notes, creating a delicate, flowing sound. Arpeggios are a key technique in ballads and slower songs because they add movement without overwhelming the melody. In our lesson, you'll learn how to play these arpeggios cleanly, which will greatly enhance your ability to perform songs with similar textures.

Benefits of Learning These Techniques

Learning the guitar techniques found in "Thinking Out Loud" offers a host of benefits to players of all levels. Finger-picking and barre chords strengthen your dexterity and control, while slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs improve your legato playing and lead phrasing. The syncopated rhythms teach you how to create more dynamic performances by playing with timing and groove, and the use of arpeggios helps you master more intricate, melodic playing styles.

Incorporating these techniques into your playing will not only allow you to play this beautiful song accurately but also provide you with the tools to tackle a wide range of musical styles. These are foundational techniques that every guitarist should have in their arsenal, and mastering them will open up a world of possibilities for your future guitar playing.

Guitar Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Finger-Picking
• Barre Chords
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Arpeggios