Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into the guitar chords for Charlie Puth's hit song, "One Call Away." Whether you're a beginner just starting your guitar journey or an experienced player looking to add a popular song to your repertoire, this tutorial will provide you with everything you need. We'll cover the essential chords, strumming patterns, and some tips to help you master this track. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Introduction to "One Call Away"

"One Call Away" is a catchy pop song known for its memorable melody and relatable lyrics. Released in 2016, it quickly became a chart-topper, resonating with audiences worldwide. The song's structure is relatively simple, making it an excellent choice for guitarists of various skill levels. Before we jump into the chords, let’s briefly discuss the song's overall feel and tempo. The song generally has a moderately fast tempo, giving it an energetic and uplifting vibe. The chords used are common in pop music, making it easy to adapt to different playing styles.

Understanding the song's context can also help you connect with the music on a deeper level. "One Call Away" is about being there for someone in need, offering support and love whenever they need it. This theme is reflected in the upbeat and reassuring melody. As you learn the chords, try to infuse your playing with this sense of hope and dependability. Now, let's move on to the essential guitar chords you'll need to play "One Call Away."

Essential Chords for "One Call Away"

In this section, we'll break down the main guitar chords required to play "One Call Away." We'll provide chord diagrams and detailed explanations to help you finger each chord correctly. The primary chords you'll need are G Major, D Major, Em (E minor), and C Major. These chords are fundamental in many pop songs, so mastering them will be beneficial for your overall guitar playing. Let's start with G Major.

G Major

The G Major chord is a foundational chord in guitar playing. To play it, place your middle finger on the 6th string (E string) at the 3rd fret, your index finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 1st string (E string) at the 3rd fret. Strum all six strings. Ensure that each note rings clearly. If you hear any buzzing, adjust your finger placement until the sound is clean. The G Major chord has a bright and uplifting sound, which is crucial for capturing the song's positive energy. Practice transitioning to and from this chord smoothly, as it appears frequently in "One Call Away."

D Major

The D Major chord is another essential chord in this song. To play D Major, place your index finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 2nd fret, your middle finger on the 1st string (E string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 3rd fret. Strum only the bottom four strings (D, G, B, and high E). Avoid strumming the A and low E strings for a cleaner sound. The D Major chord has a vibrant and resonant quality that complements the G Major well. Practice switching between G Major and D Major to improve your chord transitions. These two chords often appear together, so mastering the transition is key.

Em (E minor)

The Em (E minor) chord adds a touch of melancholy to the song. To play Em, place your middle finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret. Strum all six strings. The Em chord is relatively simple to finger, making it an excellent chord for beginners. This chord provides a contrast to the major chords, adding depth to the song's emotional landscape. Practice transitioning from G Major and D Major to Em to understand how the minor chord changes the song's feel. The smooth transitions between major and minor chords are what give the song its dynamic quality.

C Major

The C Major chord is the final essential chord for "One Call Away." Place your index finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 1st fret, your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 3rd fret. Strum all strings but be mindful to avoid the low E string. The C Major chord is a versatile chord that fits well with the other chords in the song. It provides a resolution and a sense of completion in many chord progressions. Practice transitioning smoothly from the other chords to C Major to enhance your overall playing. With these four chords, you'll be able to play most of "One Call Away."

Strumming Patterns for "One Call Away"

Now that you know the essential chords, let's discuss the strumming patterns. The strumming pattern in "One Call Away" isn't overly complex, but mastering it will help you capture the song's rhythm and energy. A common strumming pattern used in the song is Down, Down, Up, Down, Up. This pattern is versatile and can be adapted to fit different sections of the song. Another option is to use a simpler Down, Up, Down, Up pattern, especially if you're just starting. Experiment with different strumming patterns to find what feels most comfortable and natural for you. Remember, the goal is to maintain a steady rhythm while emphasizing the song's beat.

Basic Strumming Pattern

The basic strumming pattern for "One Call Away" is a simple yet effective way to keep the rhythm. Start with a downstroke on the first beat, followed by an upstroke on the second beat, another downstroke on the third beat, and finally an upstroke on the fourth beat. This pattern (Down, Up, Down, Up) is easy to remember and execute. Focus on keeping your wrist loose and relaxed to maintain a consistent rhythm. Practice this pattern with each of the chords we discussed earlier. Once you're comfortable with the basic pattern, you can start adding variations to make your playing more interesting.

Advanced Strumming Pattern

For a more advanced strumming pattern, try incorporating accents and variations. One popular variation is to emphasize the downstrokes on the first and third beats (Down, Up, Down, Up). This adds a bit of punch to the rhythm and makes the song sound more dynamic. Another variation is to add a quick down-up strum on certain beats to create a syncopated feel. Experiment with different combinations to find what sounds best to you. Listening closely to the original recording can also provide inspiration for your strumming patterns. Remember, the key is to maintain a steady beat while adding your personal touch.

Tips for Mastering "One Call Away" on Guitar

To truly master playing "One Call Away" on guitar, here are some helpful tips. First, start slow. Don't rush through the chords or strumming patterns. Take your time to ensure that your finger placements are correct and your rhythm is steady. Second, practice chord transitions. Smooth transitions between chords are essential for creating a seamless sound. Use a metronome to help you maintain a consistent tempo. Third, listen to the original recording. Pay attention to the nuances in the guitar part and try to replicate them in your playing. Fourth, record yourself playing. Listening to your recordings can help you identify areas for improvement. Finally, be patient and persistent. Learning guitar takes time and effort, but with consistent practice, you'll be able to play "One Call Away" with confidence.

Practice Regularly

Consistent practice is the key to improving your guitar skills. Set aside a specific time each day to practice, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory and improve your coordination. Focus on the areas where you struggle the most. If you have trouble with a particular chord transition, spend extra time practicing it. Don't be afraid to break down the song into smaller sections and work on each section individually. Over time, you'll see significant improvements in your playing. Remember, the more you practice, the easier it will become.

Use a Metronome

A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing your sense of rhythm. Set the metronome to a slow tempo and practice playing the chords and strumming patterns along with the beat. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Using a metronome will help you maintain a consistent rhythm and improve your timing. It's also a great way to identify any inconsistencies in your playing. By practicing with a metronome, you'll develop a solid foundation in rhythm, which is essential for playing any song.

Listen Actively

Listening to the original recording of "One Call Away" is crucial for understanding the nuances of the song. Pay attention to the guitar part and try to identify the chords and strumming patterns used. Listen for any subtle variations or embellishments. Try to replicate these nuances in your playing. Active listening will help you develop a deeper understanding of the song and improve your ability to play it accurately. It's also a great way to get inspired and develop your own personal style.

Conclusion

Learning the guitar chords for "One Call Away" is a rewarding experience. With the right chords, strumming patterns, and practice techniques, you can master this popular song and impress your friends and family. Remember to start slow, practice regularly, and listen actively. With patience and persistence, you'll be able to play "One Call Away" with confidence and skill. So, keep practicing, and have fun making music! This song is a great addition to any guitarist's repertoire, and we hope this tutorial has been helpful in your musical journey. Keep strumming, and who knows? Maybe you'll write the next big hit! Remember, every great musician started somewhere, and with dedication, you can achieve your musical goals. Rock on!