So You Wanna Take Off with "Leaving on a Jet Plane"? A Beginner's Guide (Without Crashing)
Ah, "Leaving on a Jet Plane," the iconic John Denver ballad that's guaranteed to trigger wanderlust and maybe a few misty tears. But what if you, my friend, crave the thrill of performing this melancholic masterpiece yourself? Well, fret no more (pun totally intended)! This guide will have you soaring through the chords faster than a… well, a jet plane, obviously.
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| How To Play Leaving On A Jet Plane By John Denver |
Gear Up for Takeoff: Essential Supplies
- Your Instrument of Choice: Guitar is the classic, but feel free to unleash your inner rockstar on the keyboard, ukulele, or even a kazoo (though airport security might give you a side-eye).
- A Pinch of Patience: Learning an instrument takes time, so don't get discouraged if you don't sound like John Denver right away. Unless you secretly have his vocal cords hiding in your closet, that is.
- A Reliable Tuner (Optional, But Highly Recommended): Nobody wants to sound like a cat fight. Keep your notes in tip-top shape to avoid scaring away the audience (or your pet cat).
Ready, Set, Chords!
This is where things get exciting (and maybe a little confusing at first). "Leaving on a Jet Plane" uses just two basic chords: G and C. Bold for beginners, right?
Here's a quick rundown on how to form these chords:
- G Chord: This is your friendly neighborhood "happy" chord. Place your fingers on the following frets: 3rd fret, A string; 2nd fret, B string; 1st fret, E string. Strum those bad boys (or pluck the strings if you're feeling fancy).
- C Chord: This one might feel a bit trickier. Fingers go on: 1st fret, A string; 2nd fret, G string; 3rd fret, E string. Strum away!
Pro Tip: There are plenty of online resources that show you exactly how to form these chords with pictures and diagrams. Visual learners, this is your jam!
Tip: Reading in chunks improves focus.
Takeoff Sequence: Putting it All Together
Now comes the magic! The song follows a simple pattern of G - C - G - C - G - C - D - D.
- Strumming: There are different ways to strum, but a basic down-down-up-down pattern works well for this song. Find a rhythm that feels comfortable for you.
- Singing: Don't be shy! Belt it out (within reason, respect your neighbors) or go for a gentle croon. The key is to have fun and feel the emotion of the song.
Bonus points: For that extra John Denver touch, try incorporating the little fingerpicking intro at the beginning (search online for tutorials, it's easier than it sounds!).
You've Landed! Celebrate Your Success (But Keep Practicing)
Congratulations! You've just played "Leaving on a Jet Plane." Now you can imagine yourself serenading fellow passengers on your next flight (though maybe hold off on the singing until you're airborne).
Tip: Write down what you learned.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Keep playing, experiment with different strumming patterns, and most importantly, enjoy the journey!
"Leaving on a Jet Plane" FAQ
How to tune my instrument?
There are electronic tuners available or you can use tuning apps on your phone. There are also online resources that can help you tune by ear.
QuickTip: Read with curiosity — ask ‘why’ often.
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How to change chords smoothly?
Practice switching between G and C chords! The more comfortable you are with the finger positions, the smoother your transitions will be.
How to sing and play at the same time?
QuickTip: Focus more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’.
Start by strumming the chords slowly and focusing on singing along correctly. Gradually increase the tempo as you get more comfortable.
How to add the fingerpicking intro?
There are many tutorials online that show you how to play the intro fingerpicking pattern. It takes some practice, but it adds a nice touch to the song.
How to impress my audience?
Confidence is key! Smile, have fun, and let the music flow through you.
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