More Than Words

How to play More Than Words by Extreme on guitar

This song is worth learning because it sounds intimate and expressive, and it rewards a light touch more than brute force. You get a calm, flowing feel that makes the progression feel bigger than the shape of the part, so it is great for building control and confidence.

Most of the chart asks for barre shapes, while E is the open shape to keep comfortable. The opening move from G#m to B to C# to F# is the change to watch out for, since it needs clean shifts and even timing. Keep your fretting hand relaxed so the barre shapes do not tense up.

Start by looping the opening progression slowly until each change feels automatic. Then add the rest of the chart in short sections, keeping the rhythm steady before pushing the tempo. Once the shapes are secure, run the full song a few times in a row to build smooth transitions.

Use the play-along above to follow each chord change in time with the music, or learn the shapes first with the chord diagrams below.