All of Me by John Legend - Chords and Guide

All of Me is one of John Legends most popular ballads, celebrated for its heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody. Its a favorite among beginner and intermediate guitarists for its accessible chord progression and emotional depth. This guide provides an overview of the chords used in the song, tips on playing them, and a breakdown of the songs structure.

About the Song

Released in 2013 as part of John Legends album Love in the Future, All of Me quickly became a wedding staple and a romantic anthem worldwide. The song is built on smooth piano playing, but it translates beautifully to guitar using straightforward chords. The key of the song is originally in Ab major, but most guitar versions are transposed to G major or other keys for easier chord shapes.

Chord List

The chord progression is quite simple, making it perfect for players who are comfortable with basic open chords. Below are the main chords used in a commonly played key of G major for ease of playing:

• G (G major)
• Em (E minor)
• C (C major)
• D (D major)
• Am (A minor)
• Bm (B minor) - optional

Most versions avoid complicated barre chords; however, you can capo the guitar to adjust the songs key to match your vocal range.

Chord Diagrams

Here are the chord fingerings if you want a quick refresher:

G major        Em            C              D              Ame|---3----------0-------------0--------------2--------------0---B|---3----------0-------------1--------------3--------------1---G|---0----------0-------------0--------------2--------------2---D|---0----------2-------------2--------------0--------------2---A|---2----------2-------------3--------------x--------------0---E|---3----------0-------------x--------------x--------------x---        

Intro and Verse Progression

The intro and verses follow a soothing chord pattern that repeats:

G       Em       C       D

This four-chord progression cycles gently under the vocals. Strumming can be simple downstrokes or a relaxed fingerpicking pattern depending on your style. The steady movement between G, Em, C, and D gives the song its smooth yet emotional flow.

Chorus Progression

The chorus uses a very similar progression, slightly extending the sequence to enhance the songs build-up:

Em      G       D       CEm      G       D

This progression emphasizes the emotional peak in the lyric All of me loves all of you, reflecting the songs sincere declaration of love.

Bridge

The bridge introduces a tender change, with the chords:

Am      Em      G      DAm      Em      Bm     C

The addition of Bm here adds a nuanced minor quality to the progression, creating anticipation before resolving back to the chorus.

Strumming and Rhythm Tips

The rhythm of All of Me is best played with a gentle, slow tempo. Here are some tips:

• Basic pattern: Try a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern for a smooth feel.
• Fingerpicking: For a more intimate vibe, pick individual strings in a pattern like thumb-index-middle-ring.
• Dynamics: Play softer during verses and increase intensity on the chorus to match the vocal emotion.

Putting It All Together

Heres an example layout of how the chords fit into the song structure (key of G major):

[Intro]G    Em    C    D  (x2)[Verse 1]G                Em What would I do without your smart mouthC                D Drawing me in, and you kicking me outG                Em You've got my head spinning, no kiddingC                 D I can't pin you down[Pre-Chorus]Em              G My head's underwaterD                   C But I'm breathing fineEm                G You're crazy and I'm out of my mind[Chorus]Em         G           D             C 'Cause all of me loves all of youEm           G           D Love your curves and all your edgesC               G All your perfect imperfections[...]  (Continue pattern for rest of song)        

Feel free to adjust the tempo and strumming pattern to fit your voice and playing comfort.

Tips for Playing All of Me

• Use a capo: Place a capo on the 1st fret and play the chords as shown for a sound closer to the original key (Ab major).
• Practice chord transitions: The smooth changes between G, Em, C, and D are key to maintaining the songs flow.
• Focus on emotion: This song is about heartfelt expression, so let your playing reflect the tender mood.

Common Variations

Some players choose to introduce a few chord substitutions or additional fills for variety:

• Use sus2 or sus4 chords: For example, replacing C major with Csus2 or Csus4 can add a subtle lift.
• Partial barre chords: Playing Bm as a barre chord on the 2nd fret adds a richer sound.
• Adding embellishments: Hammer-ons or pull-offs on chords like Em or Am create interest without complicating the progression.

Resources for Further Learning

If you want to dive deeper, here are some helpful resources:

• Ultimate Guitar - Chord tabs and user-submitted versions.
• JustinGuitar - Free lessons on chord transitions and fingerstyle techniques.
• YouTube tutorials for video demonstrations of All of Me.

Conclusion

All of Me is a beautiful song that resonates deeply with audiences and players alike. Its simple yet emotional chord progression makes it accessible for guitarists of all levels. By mastering the chords and phrasing described here, youll be able to share this timeless love song with others or enjoy playing it for yourself. Remember to take your time practicing, listen closely to the original recording for nuance, and, most importantly, play from the heart.