Strumming Pattern for Champagne Problems CHORDS by Taylor Swift

What is the main strumming pattern for Champagne Problems by Taylor Swift easy and simple?

Strum Pattern: 1 downstroke for each chord or use the picking pattern shown in the video.

Guitar Chords: C | G | Am | F

(No capo)

Use these guitar chords without capo

Chord Progression

The basic C – G – Am – F chord progression is repeated throughout the song. This is a very popular progression in pop music and ballads.

How to play Champagne Problems by Taylor Swift on Guitar Easy

Main progression: 

C – G – Am – F

Harmonic analysis:

(in C major)

Chord	Degree	Harmonic Function
C	I	Tonic
G	V	Dominant
Am	vi	Submediant (relative minor tonic)
F	IV	Subdominant

This progression:

- Starts on the tonic (C), providing a stable, emotionally neutral base.

- Moves to the dominant (G), which builds some tension.

- Then goes to the vi (Am), a minor chord that adds a gentle touch of melancholy.

- Ends with the IV (F), which tends to lead back to the I, but also carries a nostalgic feel.

Emotionally, this progression:

- Feels circular, like it never fully resolves, perfect for themes of emotional confusion or unresolved endings.

- Has a sense of elegant melancholy, matching the song’s narrative about a failed engagement filled with quiet sadness and acceptance.

Why does it work so well?

- It’s a very common progression in pop ballads: used in countless songs because it sounds natural to the ear.

- The vi chord (Am) adds emotional color and contrast to the major chords.

- The progression doesn’t resolve directly to the I (like a G7 → C would), which contributes to the feeling of something unfinished or unresolved—perfectly fitting for the story of a broken engagement.