The Beatles' "I Will," from the White Album, is a gentle, melodic ballad known for its smooth acoustic guitar accompaniment. Paul McCartney originally played it with a light, bouncy feel, making it suitable for beginner guitarists.
Strumming Pattern
Use a relaxed, simple strumming pattern throughout. A good starting point is a down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern for each measure or chord change. Focus on keeping the strumming light and even to match the song's mellow vibe.
Chord Transitions
The song uses basic open chords: C, Am, Dm, G, Em, F, D7, and Dm7. Practice moving between C, Am, and F, as these transitions happen frequently. For F, if the barre chord is difficult, try the simplified F (xx3211) or just play the top four strings.
Techniques and Tips
Pay attention to the quick changes, especially in the lines that cycle through multiple chords (e.g., "Will I [F]wait a [G]lonely [C]lifetime[Am]?"). Practice these sections slowly, gradually increasing speed as you get comfortable.
Dm7 appears briefly—it's similar to Dm but with the first string open (xx0211).
Sing along if possible, as the melody helps with timing and chord placement. Listen to the original for reference on tempo and feel.
With practice, this song can be a rewarding addition to a beginner's repertoire.