Ikygo Stole The Show: Easy Guitar Tutorial

Hey guitar players! Today, we're diving into Ikygo's awesome track, "Stole The Show," and I’m going to break down how you can play it on your guitar. Whether you're just starting out or have been strumming for a while, this tutorial will give you a simple and easy-to-follow approach to learning this song. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Getting Started with "Stole The Show"

First off, let's talk about what makes "Stole The Show" such a catchy tune. It’s got a great vibe, and the guitar part, while seemingly simple, really carries the emotion of the song. To begin, you'll need to make sure your guitar is in standard tuning. That's E, A, D, G, B, and E from the thickest string to the thinnest. If you're not sure how to tune your guitar, there are tons of free apps and online resources that can help you out. Trust me, getting your tuning right is the most important thing to start.

Next, we're going to look at the chords. The song primarily revolves around a few basic chords, which is fantastic news for beginners. We're talking about chords like G major, C major, D major and maybe a touch of E minor. If you're unfamiliar with these chords, don't worry! I'll walk you through them. The G major chord involves placing your middle finger on the 6th string (the thickest one) at the 3rd fret, your index finger on the 5th string at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 1st string at the 3rd fret. The C major chord usually involves placing your ring finger on the 5th string at the 3rd fret, your middle finger on the 4th string at the 2nd fret, and your index finger on the 2nd string at the 1st fret. The D major can be played by placing your index finger on the 3rd string at the 2nd fret, your middle finger on the 1st string at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 2nd string at the 3rd fret. Lastly, the E minor chord involves placing your middle finger on the 5th string at the 2nd fret and your ring finger on the 4th string at the 2nd fret. These chord shapes are essential, so take your time to get them clean and comfortable.

Once you have those chords down, practice transitioning between them. This is where a lot of beginners struggle, but with a little patience, you'll get the hang of it. Start slowly, focusing on making clean, crisp changes without any buzzing or muted strings. A good exercise is to switch back and forth between two chords repeatedly, gradually increasing your speed as you become more comfortable. For example, try switching between G and C, or D and E minor. Remember, consistency is key. Even just 15-20 minutes of focused practice each day can make a huge difference in your progress. Also, make sure you're using the tips of your fingers when pressing down on the strings. This will help you get a cleaner sound and avoid accidentally muting other strings. Keep your thumb on the back of the neck for leverage and try to keep your wrist relaxed. Tension is the enemy of smooth chord changes!

Breaking Down the Main Riff

The main riff in "Stole The Show" isn't overly complicated, making it perfect for those still developing their guitar skills. It primarily involves strumming those chords we just talked about in a particular sequence. While the exact strumming pattern can vary slightly depending on the version you're listening to, a common and effective pattern to start with is down-down-up-down-up. This means you strum down on the first beat, down again on the second beat, then up on the third beat, down on the fourth beat, and up again on the fifth beat. It's a relatively simple pattern that fits well with the song's rhythm. Spend a little time to listen carefully to the song and try to feel the rhythm and groove of the song.

Now, let’s put that strumming pattern together with the chords. The song's intro and verses typically follow a chord progression of G, C, D, and then back to G. So, you'll strum the G chord using the down-down-up-down-up pattern, then switch to the C chord and do the same, then to the D chord, and finally back to G. Repeat this sequence and focus on keeping the rhythm consistent. It might sound a little choppy at first, but with practice, you'll start to smooth it out and get a feel for the song's flow. Remember to keep your wrist loose and relaxed, and don't grip the pick too tightly. A relaxed hand will allow you to strum more smoothly and consistently. Also, pay attention to the dynamics of your strumming. Try to vary the intensity of your strumming to add some expression to your playing. For example, you might strum a little softer during the verses and then strum a little harder during the choruses. This will help to bring the song to life and make it more engaging to listen to.

As you get more comfortable with the basic strumming pattern, you can start to experiment with variations to add your own personal touch to the song. For example, you could try adding some palm muting to create a more percussive sound, or you could try adding some hammer-ons and pull-offs to embellish the chords. The possibilities are endless! The most important thing is to have fun and make the song your own. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different voicings of the chords. A voicing refers to the specific arrangement of notes within a chord. By changing the voicing, you can create different textures and colors in your playing. For example, you could try playing the C chord as an open chord or as a barre chord. Each voicing will have a slightly different sound, and you can use these differences to add interest and variety to your playing.

Adding the Melody and Fills

While "Stole The Show" isn't primarily a guitar-driven song with flashy solos, there are definitely some melodic elements and fills that you can incorporate to make your rendition more interesting. These fills usually occur between vocal lines or at the end of phrases, adding a nice touch of musicality. To start, listen closely to the original recording and try to identify some of these fills. They're often simple arpeggios or short melodic lines played on the higher strings.

One common technique used in these types of songs is to arpeggiate the chords. This means playing the individual notes of a chord one after another, rather than strumming them all at once. For example, if you're playing a G major chord, you could play the individual notes G, B, and D in sequence. This can create a beautiful and flowing sound that adds a lot of texture to the song. Try experimenting with different arpeggio patterns to see what sounds best to you. You can also use a pick or your fingers to play the arpeggios. Using your fingers can create a softer and more intimate sound, while using a pick can create a brighter and more defined sound.

Another way to add melodic interest is to incorporate some simple pentatonic scales. The G major pentatonic scale, for example, consists of the notes G, A, B, D, and E. You can use these notes to create short melodic lines or fills that complement the chords of the song. Start by experimenting with playing the scale up and down and try to find patterns that sound good to you. You can also try bending notes within the scale to add some bluesy flavor. Bending involves pushing or pulling a string to raise its pitch slightly. This can create a very expressive sound that can add a lot of emotion to your playing. Remember, the key is to listen closely to the original recording and try to emulate the feel and style of the guitar parts. Don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touches, but always try to stay true to the spirit of the song.

Putting It All Together

Okay, you've got the chords, the strumming pattern, and some ideas for adding melody and fills. Now it’s time to put it all together and play the song from start to finish. Start slowly and focus on getting the transitions between chords smooth and consistent. Remember to use the down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern and to keep your wrist relaxed. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the tempo and start to incorporate the melodic elements and fills that you've been working on. Don't be afraid to make mistakes! Everyone makes mistakes when they're learning something new. The key is to learn from your mistakes and to keep practicing. The more you play the song, the more comfortable you'll become with it and the better you'll sound. Also, try playing along with the original recording to get a feel for the song's dynamics and groove. Pay attention to how the guitar parts fit in with the other instruments and try to emulate that feel in your own playing.

Also, remember to have fun! Learning to play guitar should be an enjoyable experience. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound perfect right away. Just keep practicing and you'll eventually get there. And don't be afraid to ask for help. There are tons of great guitar teachers and online resources available to help you improve your playing. So, grab your guitar, start strumming, and have a blast! Keep in mind that playing guitar is not only about perfecting techniques but about enjoying every moment you spend with your instrument. Let the music flow through you, express yourself, and create something beautiful. Whether you're playing for yourself or for others, the joy of making music is a reward in itself. So, don't put too much pressure on yourself, relax, and let the music take you on a journey.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, an easy guitar tutorial for "Stole The Show" by Ikygo. With a bit of practice, you'll be able to impress your friends and family with your guitar skills. Remember, the key is to start slow, focus on the basics, and gradually build up your speed and complexity. And most importantly, have fun! Keep strumming, keep practicing, and keep making music. You've got this, guys! Rock on!