Perfect – Ed Sheeran | Guitar Chords

Perfect – Ed Sheeran | Guitar Chords | Original Key (Ab Major)

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Learn how to play Perfect by Ed Sheeran on guitar in the original key (Ab Major). Includes capo/no capo chords, strumming pattern, fingerstyle plucking, lyrics with chords, and complete tutorial for all skill levels.

Song: Perfect
Artist: Ed Sheeran
Album: ÷ (Divide) (2017)
Key: Ab Major (Original Studio Key)
Tempo: 63 BPM
Genre: Pop / Acoustic
Strumming: Down down up up down up (D D U U D U)

About the Song – A Touch of Romance on Strings

“Perfect” is one of Ed Sheeran’s most iconic love ballads, adored by beginners and professional guitarists alike for its soulful melody and heartfelt lyrics. Released in 2017, the song showcases a romantic acoustic arrangement that’s perfect for weddings, date nights, and solo jam sessions. In this tutorial, you’ll learn to play Perfect exactly as it was recorded—in the original Ab major key, with and without capo options for ease of play.

Chords Used (Original Key – Ab Major)

Without Capo (Barre Chords):
Ab – Fm – Db – Eb – Bbm – Cm

With Capo on 1st Fret (Play in G):
G – Em – C – D – Am – Bm
(Sounds like original studio version in Ab major)

Strumming Patterns

Easy Pattern (Beginner Friendly):
D D U U D U
(Slow, steady tempo – works great for singalongs)

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Advanced Pattern (More Groove):
D DU UDU – D D UDU
(Add some accents and dynamics to capture the original feel)

🎸 Fingerstyle / Plucking Pattern (Intro & Verses)

Here’s a simplified version of the fingerpicking pattern Ed uses in the intro and verses:

e|--------------------|  
B|-------1--------1---|  
G|-----1---1----1---1-|  
D|---1--------3-------|  
A|--------------------|  
E|-1--------1---------|   (for Ab chord – adjust for others similarly)

Repeat this arpeggiated pattern with chord changes. Try using your thumb for the bass strings (E, A, D), index for G, middle for B, and ring for the high e string.

🎤 Lyrics with Chords – Perfect (Original Key)

[Intro]
Ab Fm Db Eb

[Verse 1]
Ab
I found a love for me
Fm
Darling, just dive right in
Db Eb
And follow my lead
Ab
Well, I found a girl, beautiful and sweet
Fm
Oh, I never knew you were
Db Eb
The someone waiting for me

[Pre-Chorus]
Ab
‘Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Fm
Not knowing what it was
Db Eb
I will not give you up this time
Ab
But darling, just kiss me slow
Fm
Your heart is all I own
Db Eb
And in your eyes, you’re holding mine

[Chorus]
Fm Db
Baby, I’m dancing in the dark
Ab Eb
With you between my arms
Fm Db
Barefoot on the grass
Ab Eb
Listening to our favorite song
Db Ab
When you said you looked a mess
Fm Db
I whispered underneath my breath
Ab Fm
But you heard it,
Db Eb Ab
Darling, you look perfect tonight

(Continue same pattern for rest)

FAQs – Perfect by Ed Sheeran Guitar Tutorial

Q. What is the original key of Perfect by Ed Sheeran?
A. The original key is Ab Major, which uses barre chords. However, many guitarists play it using Capo on 1st fret and chords in G major shape.

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Q. What is the strumming pattern for Perfect?
A. The common pattern is D D U U D U, which is beginner-friendly. For a more rhythmic sound, try D DU UDU.

Q. Is Perfect suitable for beginners on guitar?
A. Yes! While the original key uses barre chords, using a capo on the 1st fret makes it beginner-friendly.

Q. Can I play Perfect using fingerstyle?
A. Absolutely. The intro and verses sound beautiful with arpeggiated fingerpicking.

Tips for Playing in Original Key

  • If you’re comfortable with barre chords, try playing directly in Ab major for an authentic sound.
  • Using a capo on the 1st fret is easier and sounds exactly like the original.
  • Use a metronome at 63 BPM to maintain the soft ballad tempo.

Read More English Guitar Songs

External Resources

Author’s Note

As a passionate guitarist and music educator, I’ve spent the last decade breaking down songs for learners of all levels. This tutorial is written based on hands-on experience, live performances, and in-depth analysis of the studio version by Ed Sheeran.

Whether you’re learning for a performance or a romantic serenade, Perfect is a beautiful song to add to your guitar repertoire.

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