Certain Things

## 🎸 Song Overview & Key "Certainty Things" by James Arthur is a soulful, heartfelt ballad that leans into emotional vulnerability and longing. The song is in the key of **A major**, with a warm, melancholic mood that’s amplified by the mix of major and minor chords. The tempo is moderate, around **70-75 BPM**, giving it a conversational, introspective feel. One standout musical characteristic is the way the chords shift between major and minor tones—like the contrast between the bright **A** and **E** chords and the darker **F#m** and **Bm**—which mirrors the song’s theme of conflicted devotion. ## 📐 Chord Progression Analysis The song revolves around a simple but emotionally rich progression: **A – F#m – E – D – Bm**. Let’s break it down: - **A (I)** serves as the tonic, grounding the song in a major key. - **F#m (vi)** adds a bittersweet tension, often used in pop to express longing. - **E (V)** brings a bright, resolving quality, creating a classic “I-V-vi-IV” progression (common in pop/rock). - **D (IV)** and **Bm (ii)** add depth, with **Bm** introducing a minor key flavor that softens the major tonality. The Roman numeral movement follows a **I – vi – V – IV – ii** pattern, which is both familiar and emotive. The **F#m to E** transition is especially powerful, evoking a sense of yearning that matches the lyrics. ## 🖐️ Fingering & Technique Tips For **A major**, use the standard open chord shape (0-2-2-2-0-0). The **F#m** can be tricky—opt for the easier **F#m7** voicing (barre at the 2nd fret, 2-3-2-0-0-0) if needed. **E major** is straightforward (0-2-2-0-0-0), and **D major** uses the open D shape (0-0-0-2-3-2). The **Bm** chord (barre at the 2nd fret, 2-3-2-0-0-0) might require some finger stretching; practice transitioning from **A** to **Bm** slowly, focusing on keeping your barre even. A key challenge is moving between **F#m** and **E**. Practice these two chords together, using a metronome to ensure smooth transitions. ## 🥁 Strumming Pattern & Rhythm Use a **down-up-down-up** pattern for verses, emphasizing the offbeats to add texture. For choruses, switch to a fuller **D-D-D-U-U-D** pattern, adding more dynamics to highlight the **D** and **Bm** chords. The song is in **4/4 time**, with a steady, heartbeat-like rhythm. ## 🎵 Song Structure Walkthrough The song follows a **Verse – Chorus – Verse – Chorus – Outro** structure: - **Verse** (A-F#m-E): Start with a gentle strumming pattern, focusing on the chord changes. - **Chorus** (D-Bm-E): Use a more dynamic strumming pattern, emphasizing the **D** and **Bm** chords. - **Outro** (repeating the chorus): Slow down slightly, adding a softer touch to the final lines. The **bridge** (if present) isn’t clearly defined in the lyrics, but the repeated **A-F#m-E** progression in the final chorus acts as a climax. ## 💡 Pro Practice Tip Master the **A-F#m-E** progression by practicing it as a “mini-song.” Play each chord for two beats, focusing on clean transitions. Once comfortable, add the lyrics and strumming pattern. This will help you internalize the song’s emotional arc while building muscle memory for the chord changes.