A
A7
D
Dm
E7
E
F#m
C#m
F#
Bm
If
Bread
"If" by Bread is a 1971 soft rock ballad, known for its gentle, emotional feel and simple yet beautiful arrangement. The original is played in a mellow style, with clean chord changes and a relaxed tempo, making it a great choice for beginner to intermediate guitarists.
Chords and Transitions
The song uses open chords: A, A7, D, Dm, E, E7, F#m, C#m, Bm, and F#. Practice each chord individually and focus on smooth transitions, especially between A, A7, D, and Dm, as these repeat often. The movement between D and Dm is a good exercise for finger placement accuracy.
Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (DDUUDU) strumming pattern fits the soft, flowing feel of the song. For verses, play gently, keeping the volume even. In the chorus and outro, you can strum slightly louder for emphasis. Beginners can stick to straight downstrokes if needed, focusing on keeping time.
Tips for Beginners
- Count the beats: Each chord generally gets a full measure (4 beats), unless otherwise indicated.
- Listen to the original: Pay attention to the dynamics and where the chord changes happen within the lyrics.
- Use a capo on the 2nd fret if you want to match the original key and vocal range.
- Practice the E7 to A transition for the outro, as it closes the song smoothly.
Take it slow, and focus on clean chord changes for the best sound.
Intro
A A7 D A
Dm A Dm E7
Verse 1If aA picture paints aA7 thousand words thenA why can'tA7 I paintD you?
TheDm words will neverA show, theDm you I've come toE know.
If aA face could launch aA7 thousand ships thenA where amA7 I toD go?
There'sDm no one home butA you. You'reDm all that's left meE too.
ChorusAndF#m when myC#m love forA life is runningDm dry,
YouA7 come andF# pour yourBm self onE7 me.
Verse 2If aA man could be twoA7 places at oneA time I'dA7 be withD you.
ToDm morrow and toA day, beDm side you all theE way.
If theA world should stop reA7 volving spinningA slowlyA7 down toD die.
I'dDm spend the end withA you, andDm when the world wasE through.
OutroThenF#m one, byC#m one, theA stars would all goDm out.
ThenA7 you, andF# I, wouldBm sim, plyE7 fly, aA way.D Dm A