How to Play “I Believe in a Thing Called Love”: A Comprehensive Guide
Playing “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Temptations is not just about strumming the right chords and singing the lyrics. It’s about capturing the essence of the song and conveying the emotion behind it. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a beginner, this guide will help you understand how to play this classic hit with confidence and style.
Understanding the Song
Before diving into the technical aspects of playing “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” it’s essential to understand the song’s background and the emotions it conveys. Written by Berry Gordy and Norman Whitfield, this song was released in 1964 and became a staple in The Temptations’ discography. The song is a celebration of love, faith, and the power of music to bring people together. It’s a perfect blend of soul, R&B, and pop elements that make it timeless.
Setting Up Your Gear
To play “I Believe in a Thing Called Love,” you’ll need a few essential pieces of gear:
1. An electric guitar: A solid-body electric guitar with a good pickup will work well for this song.
2. An amplifier: A small practice amp or a full-fledged stage amp will help you get the right tone.
3. A cable: A guitar cable to connect your guitar to the amplifier.
4. A capo: A capo can be used to change the key and make the song easier to play.
Chords and Strumming Pattern
The original version of “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” is in the key of Bb major. Here are the chords you’ll need to play through the song:
– Chorus: Bb – F – Gm – C
– Verse: Bb – F – Gm – C – Bb – F – Gm – C
To play the song, follow this strumming pattern:
– Chorus: Down – Up – Down – Up – Down – Up – Down – Up
– Verse: Down – Up – Down – Up – Down – Up – Down – Up – Down – Up
Playing the Riffs
One of the key elements of “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” is the guitar riff played during the chorus. Here’s how to play it:
1. Play a Bb major chord.
2. Move to the F minor chord and play a powerchord (root note on the low E string).
3. Move to the Gm minor chord and play a powerchord.
4. Move to the C major chord and play a powerchord.
Repeat this pattern throughout the chorus.
Expressing Emotion
Playing “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” is not just about technical skill; it’s about expressing the emotion of the song. Listen to the original recording and try to capture the passion and joy that The Temptations brought to the song. Let your playing reflect the lyrics and the message of the song.
Conclusion
Playing “I Believe in a Thing Called Love” by The Temptations can be a rewarding experience for any musician. By understanding the song’s background, setting up your gear, learning the chords and strumming pattern, and expressing the emotion behind the song, you’ll be well on your way to playing this classic hit with confidence and style. So grab your guitar, turn up the volume, and let the music flow!
