How to Play "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley on Guitar: Beginner's Tutorial

If you've always wanted to learn how to play "Love Me Tender" by Elvis Presley on the guitar, you're in the right place!

In this tutorial, Ellen (for3v3rfaithful) will guide you through the chords and strumming patterns needed to master this classic song. Whether you're a beginner or have some intermediate guitar skills, this tutorial will help you bring the timeless melody to life.

In this video tutorial, Ellen demonstrates the step-by-step process of playing "Love Me Tender" on the guitar. She provides clear instructions, chord charts, and helpful tips to make the learning experience enjoyable and accessible to all guitar enthusiasts.

"Love Me Tender" is a beginner to intermediate level song due to a few challenging elements. However, with practice, anyone can master it. Standard tuning and does not require a capo to play the song in its original key.

Chords:

Ellen introduce the nine chord shapes necessary for playing the song. She covers chord shapes like D, E7, A7, F#7, B minor, D7, G, G minor, and B7. Each chord shape is visually presented and played, allowing us to familiarize with the finger positioning and sound.

Ellen explains a practice pattern that beginners can use for chord changes. This pattern involves a single down strum for every chord change, making it easier to practice singing along. By mastering this pattern, learners can develop a sense of chord transitions and timing.

Strumming pattern:

Moving on to the strumming pattern, Ellen demonstrates a straightforward approach. She breaks down the strumming technique, which involves playing the bass note separately before strumming the remaining strings of each chord. Take your time and practice transitioning between chords to enhance your playing skills.

For an added touch, alternate the bass note during chord repetitions in the verses, as heard in the original recording. This technique creates a lively, bouncy rhythm reminiscent of the 1950s style. Ellen provides  us specific instructions for each chord, emphasizing the bass note variation.

Additionally, Ellen shares a fancy strumming pattern that mimics the original recording. By incorporating specific picking sequences for certain chords, we can replicate the distinct sound of Elvis Presley's version. This step is optional but offers guidance for those who wish to achieve an authentic rendition.

Learning to play "Love Me Tender" on the guitar is an exciting journey for both beginners and intermediate players. Ellen's tutorial offers comprehensive guidance, making it accessible to all skill levels. By following her instructions and practicing diligently, aspiring guitarists can capture the essence of this iconic Elvis Presley hit.

So grab your guitar, tune it to standard, and get ready to strum along to the sweet melody of "Love Me Tender." With Ellen's expert guidance and your dedication, you'll soon be playing this beloved song with confidence and joy.