How to Play Chris Cornell’s “Nothing Compares 2 U”
Chris Cornell, the legendary singer and songwriter, brought a unique and powerful interpretation to the classic song “Nothing Compares 2 U” by Prince. If you’re a fan of Cornell’s work and want to learn how to play this iconic track, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to play Chris Cornell’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” on the guitar.
First, let’s take a look at the song’s structure. “Nothing Compares 2 U” is a power ballad with a slow, haunting melody. The song is typically played in the key of A minor, and the tempo is around 80-90 beats per minute. To get started, you’ll need a guitar, a capo, and a metronome.
1. Tuning and Capo Placement
Start by tuning your guitar to A minor. You can use a standard tuning of EADGBE, but since the song is in A minor, you’ll need to use a capo to change the key. Place the capo on the second fret to achieve the A minor tuning.
2. Chords and Strumming Pattern
The song is primarily based on two chords: A minor and E major. To play the A minor chord, position your fingers as follows: index finger on the second fret of the A string, middle finger on the second fret of the D string, ring finger on the second fret of the G string, and pinky on the second fret of the B string. For the E major chord, simply move your fingers up one fret.
When strumming, use a downstroke for the A minor chord and an upstroke for the E major chord. The strumming pattern is as follows: down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, down, down, up, and so on.
3. Lead Guitar and Harmonics
Chris Cornell’s version of “Nothing Compares 2 U” features some impressive lead guitar work and harmonics. To play the lead guitar parts, you’ll need to be familiar with the song’s melody and be able to play the notes in the right order. You can use a pick or your fingers to pluck the strings, and you may want to experiment with different picking techniques to achieve the desired sound.
Harmonics are a great way to add emotion to the song. To play a harmonic, lightly touch the string with the tip of your finger while plucking the string. This will create a higher-pitched, more ethereal sound. Use harmonics sparingly to enhance the song’s emotional impact.
4. Practice and Tips
Like any song, “Nothing Compares 2 U” requires practice to master. Here are a few tips to help you along the way:
- Start by playing the chords and strumming pattern slowly, focusing on getting the timing and rhythm right.
- Once you’re comfortable with the chords, practice the lead guitar parts and harmonics.
- Record yourself playing the song and listen back to identify areas for improvement.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different techniques and sounds to make the song your own.
By following these steps and practicing regularly, you’ll be well on your way to playing Chris Cornell’s “Nothing Compares 2 U” like a pro. Enjoy the journey and let your passion for music shine through!
