Under Pressure – Queen Beginner Guitar Lesson with Easy Chords
In this guide we will break down the chords and the strumming pattern you need to master this piece
Table of Contents
The key chord in Under Pressure by Queen is D.
The other chords are also central to the melody, and we’ll go over those in a moment. It’s the combination of these chords that creates the unique sound of this song that we’ve all come to love.
Chords for Under Pressure by Queen
There are 8 chords in Under Pressure by Queen. These are D, Dm, A, G, Bm, C, Am, F respectively. Under Pressure is a wonderful song to play and we are excited to help you learn it. Let’s get into the chord breakdown with Guitar Learning Game.
D Chord
- Index finger: 2nd fret of G string (3rd string),
- Ring finger: 3rd fret of B string (2nd string),
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of high E string (1st string)
Dm Chord
- Index finger: 1st fret of high E string (1st string),
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of G string (3rd string),
- Ring finger: 3rd fret of B string (2nd string)
A Chord
- Index finger: 1st fret of G string (3rd string),
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of D string (4th string),
- Ring finger: 2nd fret of B string (2nd string)
G Chord
- Index finger: 2nd fret of A string (5th string),
- Middle finger: 3rd fret of low E string (6th string),
- Ring finger: 3rd fret of B string (2nd string),
- Pinky finger: 3rd fret of high E string (1st string)
Bm Chord
- Index finger: 2nd fret of A string (5th string),
- Middle finger: 3rd fret of D string (4th string),
- Ring finger: 4th fret of G string (3rd string),
- Pinky finger: 4th fret of B string (2nd string)
C Chord
- Index finger: 1st fret of B string (2nd string),
- Middle finger: 2nd fret of D string (4th string),
- Ring finger: 3rd fret of A string (5th string)
Am Chord
- Index finger: 1st fret of B string (2nd string),
- Middle finger: 1st fret of high E string (1st string)
F Chord
- Index finger: 1st fret of B string (2nd string),
- Middle finger: 1st fret of high E string (1st string),
- Ring finger: 2nd fret of G string (3rd string)
The strumming pattern of Under Pressure:
↓ ↓ ↑ ↑ ↓ ↑
↓: Downstroke, ↑: Upstroke
Before you get started, remember that practice makes perfect. It’s okay if you don’t get it right immediately. The important thing is to keep trying and to enjoy the process.
Another tip for mastering Under Pressure is to listen to the original track by Queen as often as you can. This will help you understand the timing and the feel of the song, making it easier for you to replicate on your guitar.
Remember, the best way to improve is to play regularly.
So pick up your guitar, play Under Pressure, and let the music flow!
And that’s it! With these chords and strumming pattern, you are now equipped to play Under Pressure by Queen on your guitar. We hope this guide helps you in your musical journey. Keep practicing, and soon you’ll be playing Under Pressure like a pro.
Don’t forget to check out our other guitar tutorials for more songs by Queen and many other artists. Happy playing!
Learn to Play Under Pressure with Guitar Learning Game
Best Guitar Types for Playing Under Pressure
Choosing the right guitar for Under Pressure is vital to capture the essence and dynamics. Begin by analyzing the original tone; is it warm and resonant or sharp and electric? For acustic nuances, a classic dreadnought or an orchestra model might be the best fit. If the song leans towards electric vibes, consider the difference in sound between single-coil pickups (bright and clear) and humbuckers (rich and full).