Strumming Pattern for Heather CHORDS by Conan Gray

What is the main strumming pattern for Heather by Conan Gray easy and simple?

Strum Pattern: d udu (x4 for C, Em and Am chords; x2 for Fmaj7 and Fm chords).

Guitar Chords: C | Em | Am | Fmaj7 | Fm

(Capo on 5th fret)

The progression is simple but emotionally powerful. The use of the iv minor (Fm) as a borrowed chord from the minor mode is what gives the song its bittersweet sadness, which fits perfectly with the theme of unrequited love.

How to play Heather by Conan Gray on Guitar Easy

Play-Along

Main progression: 

C – Em – Am – Fmaj7 – Fm

Harmonic analysis:

Chord	Function	Notes	Degree in C Major
C	Tonic	C–E–G	I
Em	Mediant (minor)	E–G–B	iii
Am	Relative minor	A–C–E	vi
Fmaj7	Subdominant with color	F–A–C–E	IVmaj7
Fm	Minor subdominant (modal mixture)	F–Ab–C	iv (borrowed)

1. C – Em – Am

   This sequence uses common chords in the key of C major:  

   - I (tonic)  

   - iii (a soft step, connects well with Am)  

   - vi (the relative minor)  

   It's a smooth and melancholic progression. Em adds a gentle lead-in to Am, giving emotional continuity.

2. Fmaj7

   This is the IV chord with a major seventh. It adds richness and is commonly used in ballads for its dreamy, reflective vibe.

3. Fm

   Here’s the emotional twist. Fm is the iv minor, which is not diatonic to C major. It's borrowed from the parallel minor (C minor). This technique is called modal interchange, and it brings a strong sense of emotional contrast.

Why does it sound so sad?

The Fm chord is key here. It feels like an emotional fall, a shadow that appears just after the dreamy Fmaj7. That shift from IV major to iv minor is typical in sad songs because it creates the feeling that “things suddenly got darker.”