How to Play Guitar Like Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran has a knack for creating catchy, heartfelt songs that resonate with fans worldwide. If you’re curious about how to capture some of that magic on the guitar, you’re in the right place. We’ll cover Sheeran’s techniques, his approach to songwriting, and the tools he uses to craft his signature sound. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, there’s something here for everyone.

The Magic of Looping

One of the most captivating aspects of Ed Sheeran’s performances is his use of looping. Loop pedals allow you to record a section of music and play it back in real-time while you layer more parts over it. It’s like having an entire band at your feet! Sheeran frequently uses a loop pedal to build complex arrangements live on stage.

To get started with looping, you’ll need a loop pedal. The Boss RC-30 or the Ditto Looper by TC Electronic are popular choices. Once you have your pedal, practice recording a simple chord progression. Tap your foot on the pedal to start recording, play the progression, and tap again to loop it. Then, try adding layers like a bassline or a rhythmic strum. It might take some time to get the timing just right, but once you do, the possibilities are endless.

Remember, looping isn’t just about playing over a loop; it’s about creating a cohesive piece of music. Pay attention to how each layer interacts with the others, and don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures and sounds.

Chord Progressions and Simplicity

One of Sheeran’s strengths is his ability to create moving songs with simple chord progressions. Many of his hits use just a few chords, but the way he arranges and plays them makes all the difference. For example, “Shape of You” primarily uses the chords C#m, F#m, A, and B.

Start by learning these basic chords. Practice transitioning smoothly between them, and focus on your strumming patterns. Sheeran often uses percussive strumming to add rhythm and drive to his songs, so experiment with muting the strings with your palm as you strum.

Don’t be afraid to keep it simple. The power of Sheeran’s music often lies in its simplicity, allowing the lyrics and melody to take center stage. As you get more comfortable with the basic chords, try adding embellishments like hammer-ons or pull-offs to add your own flair.

Fingerpicking Techniques

While Sheeran is known for his strumming, he also employs fingerpicking to add texture and depth to his music. Fingerpicking can seem daunting at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Start with a basic pattern, like alternate picking the bass note and the higher strings.

One of Sheeran’s famous fingerpicking songs is “Thinking Out Loud.” The song uses a simple pattern that alternates between the bass and treble strings. Practice this pattern slowly, ensuring each note rings out clearly. Gradually increase your speed as you become more confident.

Fingerpicking adds a delicate touch to your playing, perfect for ballads or introspective tunes. As you practice, try experimenting with different patterns and see how they change the feel of a song. Remember, the goal is to enhance the melody and lyrics, not to overshadow them.

Songwriting: Telling a Story

Ed Sheeran’s songs often tell compelling stories, drawing listeners in with relatable themes and vivid imagery. When writing your songs, think about the story you want to tell. It could be a personal experience, a fictional tale, or a mix of both.

Start by jotting down ideas or phrases that resonate with you. Don’t worry about making them perfect; the goal is to capture the essence of your story. Once you have a theme, try pairing it with a chord progression. Experiment with different melodies until something clicks.

Sheeran often uses conversational lyrics, making his songs feel intimate and personal. Try writing in a similar style, using language that’s authentic to you. And don’t be afraid to rewrite or edit your work—songwriting is a process, and it’s okay to make changes as you go.

Rhythm and Groove

Sheeran’s music is known for its catchy rhythms and infectious grooves. To capture this energy, focus on your timing and feel. Use a metronome to keep your playing tight, and practice playing along with recordings to develop your sense of rhythm.

One technique Sheeran uses is percussive strumming, where he incorporates rhythmic elements into his playing by using his palm to mute the strings. This creates a drum-like effect that adds depth and groove to the music. Practice this technique by playing along to some of Sheeran’s tracks, paying attention to how he uses rhythm to drive the song forward.

Don’t forget to listen to other genres and artists for inspiration. Sheeran draws from a variety of influences, from hip-hop to folk, to create his unique sound. By exploring different styles, you can develop a diverse musical vocabulary that enriches your playing.

Experimenting with Capo

Ed Sheeran frequently uses a capo to change the key of his songs and achieve different tonal colors. A capo is a small clamp that you place on the guitar neck, allowing you to play open chords in different positions.

Experiment with placing the capo at various frets to see how it changes the sound of your guitar. For instance, if you place the capo on the second fret, an open G chord will sound like an A chord. This can create a brighter or darker sound, depending on the position.

Using a capo can also make it easier to sing along with your guitar, as it allows you to adjust the key to suit your vocal range. Don’t be afraid to try different positions and see how they affect the mood and feel of your music.

Layering Vocals with Guitar

Sheeran is known for his ability to blend his guitar playing seamlessly with his vocals. To achieve this, practice singing while playing guitar. Start with simple songs and focus on staying in time and pitch.

Once you’re comfortable, try adding harmonies or vocal effects to enhance your performance. Sheeran often uses vocal harmonizers to create lush, multi-layered vocal tracks that complement his guitar work.

Remember, the goal is to create a cohesive sound where the guitar and vocals support each other. Pay attention to dynamics and phrasing, and practice regularly to build your confidence and skill.

Performing with Confidence

Ed Sheeran’s live performances are known for their energy and charisma. To play with confidence, practice regularly and focus on your stage presence. Set up a camera and record yourself playing to see how you look and sound.

Pay attention to your body language and facial expressions. Are you engaging with the audience, or do you seem tense or distracted? Practice making eye contact, smiling, and moving around the stage to create a more dynamic performance.

Remember, confidence comes with experience. The more you perform, the more comfortable you’ll become. Don’t be afraid to take risks and make mistakes—it’s all part of the learning process.

Final Thoughts

Playing guitar like Ed Sheeran involves a blend of technique, creativity, and storytelling. By incorporating his approaches to looping, chord progressions, and rhythm, you can develop your unique sound. While it’s hard to capture the full essence of Sheeran’s style, practicing these elements will certainly bring you closer to his musical world. For those interested in diving deeper into modern guitar techniques, Riffhard offers lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists, providing a wealth of information to expand your skills. Happy playing!