Shape of You Chords & Strumming for Beginners

Shape of You Chords & Strumming for Beginners

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Introduction & Song Details

Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You” isn’t just a chart-topping pop hit—it’s a rhythmic masterpiece for guitar players. Released in 2017 as part of his Grammy-nominated album ÷ (Divide), this global sensation broke streaming records and captured hearts with its dancehall-inspired vibe.

Musically, “Shape of You” is a treasure trove for aspiring guitarists. Its four-chord progression, percussive beat, and loop-friendly arrangement make it ideal for practicing rhythm, slap strumming, and even fingerstyle pop grooves. It’s a modern classic that blends catchy songwriting with simple harmonic structure, giving learners of all levels something to gain.

This blog post will guide you through every essential element of playing “Shape of You” on the guitar:

  • Original and capo-friendly chords
  • Multiple strumming patterns (including a percussive one)
  • Tab for the intro loop
  • Full lyrics with inline chords
  • Pro tips and FAQs to help you master the groove

Whether you’re preparing for an open mic, street performance, or just jamming at home, this tutorial will give you the tools to groove like Ed.

Original Key

C# Minor (Capo on 2nd fret – Play in B Minor)

Chords Used (No Capo)

  • C#m
  • F#m
  • A
  • B

Chords Used (Capo Version – Capo 2nd Fret)

  • Bm
  • Em
  • G
  • A

These transposed chords make the song easier to play while preserving its original sound.

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Strumming Patterns

Beginner Pattern:

D D D D (Straight downstrokes; add light muted taps between for effect)

Percussive / Advanced Pattern:

D x U x U D U

“x” represents muted percussive strum or slap.

This percussive pattern mimics the groove-heavy, looped rhythm of the original track. Focus on locking into the beat and making the slaps tight and consistent.

Plucking Pattern / Tabs

Intro Pluck (Capo 2nd fret)

E|------------------------|
B|------------------------|
G|----4----4----4----4----|
D|--4----4----4----4------|
A|------------------------|
E|------------------------|

This loop can be played repeatedly and layered with percussive hits to simulate the original feel.

Full Lyrics with Chords (Capo 2 – Play in Bm)

🎤 Lyrics with Chords – Boxed for Easy Reading & Practice

[Verse 1]
Bm
The club isn't the best place to find a lover
        Em
So the bar is where I go
       G
Me and my friends at the table doing shots
              A
Drinking fast and then we talk slow
Bm
Come over and start up a conversation with just me
        Em
And trust me, I'll give it a chance now
        G
Take my hand, stop, put Van the Man on the jukebox
       A
And then we start to dance, and now I'm singing like

[Pre-Chorus]
Bm
Girl, you know I want your love
      Em
Your love was handmade for somebody like me
      G
Come on now, follow my lead
          A
I may be crazy, don't mind me
Bm
Say, boy, let's not talk too much
        Em
Grab on my waist and put that body on me
      G
Come on now, follow my lead
        A
Come, come on now, follow my lead

[Chorus]
Bm
I'm in love with the shape of you
        Em
We push and pull like a magnet do
       G
Although my heart is falling too
        A
I'm in love with your body
       Bm
And last night you were in my room
        Em
And now my bedsheets smell like you
      G
Every day discovering something brand new
        A
I'm in love with your body

Bm – Em – G – A  
(Oh-I-oh-I-oh-I-oh-I)

[Verse 2]
Bm
One week in we let the story begin
        Em
We're going out on our first date
       G
You and me are thrifty, so go all you can eat
           A
Fill up your bag and I fill up a plate
Bm
We talk for hours and hours about the sweet and the sour
      Em
And how your family is doing okay
         G
And leave and get in a taxi, then kiss in the backseat
      A
Tell the driver make the radio play, and I'm singing like

(Repeat Pre-Chorus and Chorus)

[Bridge]
Bm          Em
Come on, be my baby, come on
G           A
Come on, be my baby, come on
(Repeat x8)

[Final Chorus]
Bm
I'm in love with the shape of you...

FAQs

Q1: Can I play “Shape of You” without a capo?
Yes! Use the original chords (C#m, F#m, A, B), but they’re a bit tougher for beginners. We recommend using a capo on the 2nd fret and playing in Bm.

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Q2: How do I improve my percussive strumming?
Start slow with the pattern D x U x U D U. Use your palm for muted slaps on the strings and focus on timing.

Q3: Is “Shape of You” good for beginner guitarists?
Definitely! The repeating 4-chord progression and looped structure make it excellent for rhythm training.

Q4: What guitar tone suits this song?
An acoustic with midrange EQ works best. Use a light reverb or delay if you’re plugging in.

Q5: Can I sing along while playing the percussive rhythm?
Yes, but it takes practice. Break the song into sections, master the rhythm first, and then add vocals gradually.

Read More from StrumMuse

External Resources

Author’s Note

This track is one of my favorite Ed Sheeran songs to teach—rhythmic, fun, and deeply musical. If you’re new to percussive strumming, this song will challenge and reward you in equal measure. Just keep the beat steady and the groove tight, and don’t be afraid to experiment with dynamics. Happy playing!

StrumMuse – Your trusted companion in learning guitar the fun and easy way.

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