Black Pumas'

Nov 14, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 14 views

Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the soulful world of Black Pumas and learn how to play their hit song, "Colors" on the guitar? This tutorial is your ultimate guide, breaking down the song's chords, strumming patterns, and overall structure to help you master this incredible track. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this tutorial has something for you. Let's get started and unlock the magic of "Colors"!

Understanding the Basics: Black Pumas and "Colors"

Before we jump into the guitar tutorial, let's chat a bit about Black Pumas and the song "Colors." Black Pumas, the Austin-based duo, has taken the music world by storm with their unique blend of soul, rock, and psychedelic influences. Their music is known for its powerful vocals, groovy rhythms, and captivating melodies. "Colors" is arguably their most popular song, and it's a perfect example of their signature sound. The song's uplifting message and infectious energy have resonated with listeners worldwide. In this tutorial, we will get into the details of the guitar parts in the song "Colors". This will help you to learn the different parts of the song in the guitar like the intro, verse, chorus, and bridge. We'll be using standard tuning (EADGBe) throughout the tutorial. Familiarize yourself with the chords involved: G major, C major, D major, and Em (E minor). These are the main ingredients of the song, and knowing them beforehand will make your learning process smoother.

The Allure of "Colors" and Why It's Guitar-Friendly

"Colors" isn't just a great song; it's also a fantastic tune for guitarists to learn. The song structure is relatively simple, yet it offers a lot of room for expression. The chord progression is beginner-friendly, making it accessible for those just starting out. At the same time, the song provides opportunities for more advanced players to add their own flair and improvisations. The use of open chords and a steady strumming pattern makes it an excellent choice for developing your rhythm and chord transitions. The song's popularity also means there are tons of resources available online, including live performances and other tutorials, so you can easily compare and refine your playing. Plus, playing "Colors" is just plain fun! The song's positive vibes are infectious, and it's guaranteed to put a smile on your face while you're playing it. The song's popularity means that many guitarists want to learn it, which makes it a fun song to play with others. The open chords used in the song are easy to play, which makes it a great song for beginner guitarists. The song's structure is also easy to follow, making it easier to learn and memorize.

Deconstructing the Chords and Progression

Alright, let's get into the nitty-gritty of the guitar parts. The foundation of "Colors" lies in its chord progression. The main progression of the song uses only four chords: G major, C major, D major, and Em (E minor). These chords are played throughout the verse, chorus, and bridge. Now, here's the magic. The chord progression is repeated many times, making it easy to memorize and play along with the song. Here's the chord progression for the verse:

Verse: G - C - D - Em. This chord progression is repeated throughout the verse of the song.

Mastering the Essential Chords

Let's break down each chord and how to play it. If you're new to guitar, don't worry! These chords are relatively easy to learn. Here are the chord diagrams and tips to help you:

G Major: Place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the A string, the 3rd fret of the low E string, and the 3rd fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings.
C Major: Place your fingers on the 1st fret of the B string, the 2nd fret of the D string, and the 3rd fret of the A string. Strum all six strings.
D Major: Place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the G string, the 2nd fret of the high E string, and the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum the top four strings.
Em (E minor): Place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the A string and the 2nd fret of the D string. Strum all six strings.

Transitioning Between Chords Smoothly

Smooth transitions between chords are essential for playing "Colors" well. Practice moving between the chords slowly at first, focusing on accuracy. Once you're comfortable, gradually increase the speed. Here are a few tips to help you with the transitions:

Finger Placement: Ensure your fingers are placed correctly on the fretboard to produce clean, clear sounds. Use the tips of your fingers to press down the strings just behind the frets.
Chord Changes: Practice switching between the chords regularly. Start with the G to C change, then add the D and Em chords. Practice these changes separately before trying to play the complete progression.
Consistency: Consistent practice is key. Try practicing for 15-20 minutes daily. This will help your fingers get used to the chord shapes and make the transitions more natural.

The Strumming Pattern and Rhythm

The strumming pattern is the heartbeat of "Colors." The song uses a simple but effective down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. It helps to give the song its uplifting feel. Understanding and mastering the strumming pattern is crucial for playing the song correctly. Let's break down this strumming pattern step-by-step to get you playing along like a pro.

Deciphering the Strumming Pattern

The basic strumming pattern for "Colors" is as follows:

Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
Down: Strum down on the strings.
Down: Strum down on the strings.
Up: Strum up on the strings.
Up: Strum up on the strings.
Down: Strum down on the strings.
Up: Strum up on the strings.

This pattern is repeated throughout most of the song, providing a driving rhythm. This pattern is relatively easy to learn, and once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to play along with the song smoothly.

Practicing the Rhythm and Timing

To master the strumming pattern, start slowly and focus on keeping a steady beat. Use a metronome to help you maintain a consistent tempo. Gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Here's a practice routine:

Start Slow: Begin by strumming the pattern slowly, focusing on accuracy. Make sure each strum is even and consistent.
Use a Metronome: Set your metronome to a slow tempo, such as 60 beats per minute. Strum along with the metronome, ensuring your strums line up with the beats.
Gradually Increase Speed: Once you're comfortable with the slow tempo, gradually increase the speed of the metronome. Continue practicing until you can play the strumming pattern at a comfortable pace.
Practice with Chords: Combine the strumming pattern with the chords. Play the chord progression (G, C, D, Em) while using the strumming pattern. This helps you develop coordination between your strumming hand and your fretting hand.

Putting It All Together: Playing "Colors"

Now that you've learned the chords, the strumming pattern, and the basic structure, let's put it all together. Here's how to play "Colors" on the guitar, step by step:

Verse Structure and Guitar Parts

Verse 1: Begin with the G chord and strum the down-down-up-up-down-up pattern for four counts. Then, switch to the C chord and strum the pattern for four counts. Continue this pattern through the D and Em chords.
Verse 2: The second verse follows the same pattern. The guitar part remains consistent with the verse chords and strumming.

Chorus and Variations

Chorus: The chorus also uses the same chord progression (G, C, D, Em), but the strumming might be a bit more energetic. Feel free to experiment with different strumming patterns to add your own style.
Chorus Variations: During the chorus, you can add a little extra emphasis by strumming down on the beat and up on the offbeat. You can also vary your strumming pattern slightly to add more interest. Listen to the original song to get a feel for these variations.

Bridge Breakdown

The bridge of "Colors" often features a slightly different chord progression, although it's still based on the same key. The bridge introduces a variation to the song, which adds interest. The bridge can be a great place to experiment with different strumming patterns or fingerpicking techniques. You can also experiment with different chord voicings to add variety to the song.

Tips and Tricks for a Polished Performance

Listen to the Original: Always listen to the original song to understand the nuances of the guitar parts. Pay attention to the timing, the strumming, and any variations.
Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is the key to mastering any song. Dedicate time each day to practice the chords, strumming pattern, and transitions.
Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song to identify areas for improvement. This helps you to hear your mistakes and make adjustments.
Play with Others: Playing with others is an excellent way to improve your timing and rhythm. If you can, play with a friend or a band.

Advanced Techniques and Embellishments

Once you've mastered the basics, you can add some advanced techniques to make your playing even more interesting.

Adding Fingerpicking to the Mix

Fingerpicking adds a delicate touch to the song. Instead of strumming, use your fingers to pluck the strings individually. This creates a different texture and adds depth to the music. Experiment with different fingerpicking patterns to find what sounds best to you.

Incorporating Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Hammer-ons and pull-offs are great ways to add flair to your playing. Hammer-ons involve hitting a string with a finger to produce a note, while pull-offs involve pulling a finger off a string to produce a note. Experiment with these techniques to add interest to the song.

Improvising and Adding Your Own Style

Once you're comfortable with the chords and strumming, don't be afraid to experiment with your own style. Add your own riffs, variations, or even create your own solo. The key is to have fun and make the song your own.

Final Thoughts and Continued Learning

Congratulations! You've successfully learned how to play Black Pumas' "Colors" on the guitar. Remember that practice is essential, and with consistent effort, you'll be able to play this song like a pro. Keep practicing, keep exploring, and most importantly, keep enjoying the journey of learning and playing music. Keep challenging yourself to learn new songs and techniques. Listen to different genres of music to expand your musical horizons. Consider taking guitar lessons to get personalized feedback and guidance. There is always room for improvement, and the more you learn, the more enjoyable playing the guitar will become.

Resources for Further Learning

Here are some resources to help you continue learning:

Online Guitar Lessons: Websites like YouTube and Fender Play offer tons of guitar lessons.
Guitar Tabs and Chords: Websites like Ultimate-Guitar.com and Chordify.net provide guitar tabs and chord charts for various songs.
Music Theory Resources: Understanding music theory can improve your playing. There are many online resources and books available.

Keep playing, keep practicing, and most importantly, keep having fun! You've got this, and happy playing, everyone!