How to Play "This Love" by Taylor Swift on Guitar: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

If you're a fan of Taylor Swift and want to learn how to play her hit song "This Love" on the guitar, you've come to the right place. In this tutorial video by Ellen, she breaks down the chords, strumming patterns, and picking techniques to help you master this beautiful song.

Whether you're a beginner or an intermediate player, Ellen (for3v3rfaithful) provides clear instructions to make the learning process enjoyable and accessible.

Chords:

Ellen begins by introducing the four chords needed for the song: C, Gsus4, Am, and F. She demonstrates how to play each chord, providing clear visuals of the finger positions on the guitar neck. For beginners struggling with bar chords, Ellen also offers an alternate fingering for the F chord. Take the time to practice transitioning smoothly between chords, as it is essential for playing the song fluidly.

Standard tuning

capo on 4th

• C:
  
  x
  3
  2
  0
  1
  0
  
  
• Gsus4:
  
  3
  2
  0
  0
  1
  x
  
  
• Am:
  
  x
  0
  2
  2
  1
  0
  
  
• F:
  
  1
  3
  3
  2
  1
  1
  
   or F(alt): x3321x

chord progressions:

[intro, outro, choruses, breaks]

C   Gsus4   Am   F

[verses]

F   F   C   C

[pre-choruses]

F   Am   F

[bridge]

Gsus4   Am   F   C

Strumming Patterns:

Moving on to strumming patterns, Ellen presents two different patterns that work well with "This Love." The first pattern is a simple down-down-down-down-up strumming, suitable for beginners. Ellen advises practicing this pattern for each chord change, gradually getting familiar with the song's rhythm.

• strumming pattern 1: ddddu
• strumming pattern 2: ddddu dud ddu

The second strumming pattern is more intricate, involving a longer sequence of strums: down-down-down-down-up-down-up-down-down-down-up. Ellen breaks it down step by step, emphasizing the need to maintain consistency and timing. She advises using this pattern during the chorus and bridge sections of the song, as it complements the melody effectively.

Picking Patterns:

For those interested in adding a melodic touch to their rendition of "This Love," Ellen introduces two beautiful picking patterns. With a close-up view, she demonstrates the finger placement and thumb movement required for each chord. The picking patterns involve playing specific strings in a repetitive manner, creating a delicate and enchanting sound. Ellen recommends using these patterns during the verses, showcasing their compatibility with the song's vocals.

Practice:

Throughout the video, Ellen encourages us to practice diligently and take our time to master the chords, strumming patterns, and picking techniques. She suggests playing along with the video to ensure accurate timing and rhythm. 

Learning to play "This Love" by Taylor Swift on the guitar is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Thanks to Ellen's comprehensive tutorial video, aspiring guitarists can now confidently tackle this beautiful song. Whether you prefer strumming or picking, Ellen's instructions cater to various skill levels and provide options for personalizing your rendition. So grab your guitar, follow along with the video, and soon you'll be strumming or picking your way through this Taylor Swift classic. Happy playing!