Perfect

How to play Perfect by Ed Sheeran on guitar

Perfect is a great song to learn because it has a calm, steady feel and a simple, memorable progression. You can focus on clean changes and a relaxed groove, which makes it satisfying even at a beginner level.

You only need one open shape here, G, while the other chords - Cm, C#, Fm, G#, D#, and A# - are barre shapes, so your fretting hand will do more work. The change to watch most closely is the opening move from Cm to C# and then back to G, since that shift sets the feel and can expose any buzz or slow finger movement.

Start by practicing the opening progression slowly, one chord at a time, until each shape sounds clear. Then link Cm to C# and G to C# in short loops, and only after that bring it up toward the full tempo. Once the changes feel smooth, play through the whole song with a steady, even pulse.

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.