Learn to Play Ed Sheeran

Indulge in the soundscapes of Ed Sheeran's powerful songbook with our "Learn to Play Ed Sheeran" collection of guitar lessons. This anthology takes you on a rich journey through six of Sheeran's biggest hits - I See Fire, Lego House, Give Me Love, Thinking Out Loud, The A Team and Photograph. This collection brought to you by Danny Gill, offers both beginner and advanced guitarists the unique opportunity to learn and master the style and techniques that have defined Sheeran's influential career.

I See Fire

Inspired by the closing credits song from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, "I See Fire" is a compelling exploration of alternate tuning. The song is in the key of B minor, employing the scale's melancholic charm to capture the story's essence. It features a capo on the sixth fret and uses a percussive finger-picking technique. The lesson explores the intricate finger patterns and syncopated rhythms, allowing guitarists to delve deep into Sheeran's guitar prowess.

Lego House

"Lego House" offers a beautiful blend of major and minor scales, underpinning a heartfelt lyrical narrative. The track is predominantly in the key of B major and showcases how barre chords can be used to convey emotion. Moreover, this lesson will guide you through the fluid use of slides, arpeggiated chord progressions and legato techniques, giving a softer, more soulful texture to the song.

Give Me Love

Embodying Sheeran's trademark looping techniques, "Give Me Love" is a sonic exploration of the D major scale. The lesson provides insight into the lead guitar's contribution to the song, emphasizing the pull-offs and hammer-ons used to achieve a melodic dynamism. The use of open-string riffs in the song offers a layered soundscape, providing an exciting challenge for intermediate guitarists.

Thinking Out Loud

An absolute gem in the world of pop music, "Thinking Out Loud" is a testament to Sheeran's ability to blend simplicity with depth. The song is played in the key of D major, with a capo on the second fret. The lesson focuses on the finger-picking technique and the use of slides and hammer-ons, giving a more dynamic feel to the track. It also analyzes the guitar solo, highlighting the use of double stops and bluesy bends that add a subtle complexity.

The A Team

"The A Team" gives an introspective look into the G major scale. The song uses capo on the second fret and is composed of simple, yet emotive, chord progressions. The lesson focuses on the essential finger-picking pattern and the use of syncopated rhythms, offering guitarists a chance to emulate Sheeran's signature melodic style.

Photograph

Played in the key of E major, "Photograph" is a brilliant example of how alternate picking and palm-muting can add depth to a track. The lesson dives into Sheeran's intricate use of these techniques, along with an exploration of the hammer-ons and pull-offs in the song's bridge, contributing to a more emotionally resonant sound.

Ed Sheeran is both the lead vocalist and guitarist in all his songs, crafting a unique sound that seamlessly blends rhythm and melody. His contribution to these tracks showcases his dexterity and skill as a guitarist, demonstrating how the instrument can be used to elevate songwriting.

Here is a list of the guitar techniques used throughout the lessons:

• Alternate Tuning
• Finger-picking
• Syncopated Rhythms
• Barre Chords
• Slides
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• Legato
• Pull-offs
• Hammer-ons
• Open-string Riffs
• Double Stops
• Bluesy Bends
• Alternate Picking
• Palm-muting

This course serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding Ed Sheeran's guitar technique and artistry. It takes you through the different scales and chord progressions, and the unique guitar solos that define each song. The lessons break down the technical and stylistic aspects of each track, allowing you to immerse yourself in Sheeran's musical universe.