I listen to top 40 radio all day every day. There are a few songs that stand out amongst the crowd. “Never be the same” is one of them – so is “Friends” by Marshmallow.
After the second time hearing it this morning I decided to figure it out. One of my favorite things to do as a musician is to figure out songs and show others how to play them. I was an early contributor to the “Online Guitar Archive” – sometimes I come across music I’ve transcribed – usually my name is stripped from the music – but I can tell by the way its formatted.
“Friends” is a song I probably would have learned when I was a teenager. Its one of those songs that’s everywhere so people recognize it. When you play the first few bars on Guitar – people look up from what they are doing and get excited.
I don’t know anything about Marshmallow – what I do know is the song is interesting.
Why is it interesting? Like all pop songs “Friends” is the same chords over and over – but the song manages to have about 3 distinct parts to it.
The “riff” in the beginning is probably what most people will recognize. It’s a simple arpeggio that goes over the main chords of the song. The first three chords – Am, C and F are simple enough – it’s the next two where there is a few ways to play. If you are new and have problems changing - just go from F to E7. If you are not new – some people play E7sus4 – I slide the E7 chord shape up a fret so my ring finger is on the third fret on the A string (c note). On the recording you hear this played a little bit higher – instead of putting your ring finger on the third fret on the A string put it on the second fret of the D string – then with your pinky play the fifth fret on the high E string and pull off to the 4th.
When the song gets a little bit “rock” you can play fifths or bar chords to get a crunchier sound. I’ve been using open chords this morning – but im sure if I look at this song a second or third time I will make the arrangement more complicated. Strumming and muting are important in this one - if your learning it you should probably watch my strumming hand more than the other one.
Pop music is accessible everyone – hopefully some of you are inspired to learn a bit of this song yourselves!
Ryan Geddes is a writer, musician and entreprenuer located in Toronto Canada. When he's not writing, hes helping with House&Canvas Furniture Paint.
