Someone Like You – Guitar Chords, Strumming Pattern

Someone Like You – Guitar Chords, Strumming Pattern

by

Song Details

  • Song Name: Someone Like You
  • Artist: Adele
  • Album: 21 (2011)
  • Genre: Pop Ballad / Soul
  • Original Key: A Major
  • Tempo: ~67 BPM
  • Time Signature: 4/4
  • Guitar Difficulty Level: Beginner–Intermediate

Introduction

When Adele released Someone Like You, she didn’t just share a breakup song—she shared a global anthem of vulnerability, closure, and longing. With nothing but a piano and her raw, powerful voice, this track became an instant classic. But did you know it sounds just as beautiful on guitar?

If you’re looking for a soulful song that’s rich in emotion and relatively easy to play, Someone Like You is a must-learn. It’s perfect for late-night strumming, heartfelt performances, or simply connecting with your own emotions through music.

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need: chords (with and without capo), strumming and arpeggio options, lyrics with chord placement, FAQs, and tips to play it with real feeling. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned guitarist, this song will resonate deeply.

Original Key

A Major

Chords Used (No Capo)

  • A
  • E
  • F#m
  • D

These chords repeat throughout the entire song, making it beautifully simple to learn.

Chords Used (Capo Version – Optional)

Capo on 2nd fret (transpose to G Major for easier chords):

  • A → G
  • E → D
  • F#m → Em
  • D → C

Capo Version Chords:

  • G
  • D
  • Em
  • C

Strumming Patterns

Basic Strumming (Beginner-Friendly):

D D U U D U
This fits the soft, melancholic mood and flows smoothly with the rhythm.

READ MORE  Guitar Finger Practice Techniques for Beginners

Advanced Strumming (More Emotion):

D D DU UD D
Add subtle accents on the downbeats to bring out the dynamics in Adele’s vocal phrasing.

📝 Tip: Keep your strumming hand relaxed and listen closely to the original recording to match the song’s feel.

Arpeggio / Plucking Pattern (Optional)

If you want to recreate the piano feel on guitar:

Try this plucking pattern on the capo version chords (G–D–Em–C):

Plucking Order:
Bass → G → B → high E → B → G

Example (for G chord):
E – x
B – 0
G – 0
D – 0
A – 2
E – 3

Pluck: E (6th string) → G (3rd) → B (2nd) → high E (1st) → then reverse.

📝 Use your thumb for the bass note and your index/middle for the higher strings. Let each note ring for that piano-like sustain.

Lyrics with Chords (Capo 2 – Key: G Major)

Here’s the full version with chords inline. Play softly and let the emotion shine through.

[G] I heard that you're settled [D] down  
That you found a girl and you're [Em] married now  
I heard that your dreams came [C] true  
Guess she gave you things I didn't give to [G] you  

[G] Old friend, why are you so [D] shy?  
Ain't like you to hold back or [Em] hide from the light  

[C] I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited  
[G] But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it  
[Em] I had hoped you'd see my face  
And that you'd be reminded  
[C] That for me, it isn't over  

[G] Never mind, I'll find [D] someone like you  
[Em] I wish nothing but the best [C] for you too  
[G] "Don't forget me," I [D] beg  
[Em] I remember you [C] said  
"Sometimes it lasts in love,  
But sometimes it hurts instead"  
"Sometimes it lasts in love,  
But sometimes it hurts instead"

[G] You know how the time [D] flies  
Only yesterday was the time of our [Em] lives  
We were born and raised in a summer [C] haze  
Bound by the surprise of our glory [G] days  

[G] I hate to turn up out of the blue, [D] uninvited  
But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it  
[Em] I had hoped you'd see my face  
And that you'd be reminded  
[C] That for me, it isn't over  

[G] Never mind, I'll find [D] someone like you  
[Em] I wish nothing but the best [C] for you too  
[G] "Don't forget me," I [D] beg  
[Em] I remember you [C] said  
"Sometimes it lasts in love,  
But sometimes it hurts instead"  

[Em] Nothing compares, no worries or [C] cares  
Regrets and mistakes, they're memories [G] made  
Who would have known how bitter-sweet  
[D] This would taste?  

[G] Never mind, I'll find [D] someone like you  
[Em] I wish nothing but the best [C] for you too  
[G] "Don't forget me," I [D] beg  
[Em] I remember you [C] said  
"Sometimes it lasts in love,  
But sometimes it hurts instead" (x2)

FAQs

1. What key is Someone Like You originally in?
A Major, but it’s often played with capo on 2nd fret for easier chords.

READ MORE  I Had Some Help – Malone ft. Morgan Wallen | Guitar Chords & Strumming Guide (Original Key – C Major)

2. Is this song beginner-friendly?
Absolutely. With a capo, you’ll use open chords (G, D, Em, C) throughout.

3. What strumming pattern suits the emotion best?
A gentle D D U U D U or an arpeggio pattern using fingerpicking.

4. Can I sing and play this at the same time?
Yes! Since the chord progression loops consistently, it’s a great song to practice singing along once you’re familiar.

5. How do I get the “Adele feel”?
Play softly, emphasize dynamics, and don’t rush. Let the silences speak too.

Read More

External Resources

Author’s Note

I still remember the first time I played Someone Like You on my acoustic. It was quiet outside, and I was just strumming along, unsure of the timing—but feeling everything. That’s the beauty of songs like these. It’s not about perfect chords—it’s about genuine emotion. Let it flow through your fingers. Don’t overthink. Let yourself feel it.

Outro / Signature Line

StrumMuse – Helping you express emotions, one chord at a time.

Leave a Comment