Deborah Chan
If you're looking to play a song on guitar at a wedding, there are many options to choose from. You could go for a traditional favourite like the theme from The Deer Hunter, or a classical piece like Spanish Romance. If you're looking for something more modern, you could try an acoustic cover of a popular song, such as Marry Me by Train or Annie's Song by John Denver. For a guaranteed tear-jerker, you could try a love ballad like John Legend's 2013 dedication to his wife.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genre | Acoustic, classical, pop, rock, soul, Motown, jazz |
| Song choice | "Thinking Out Loud", "Make You Feel My Love", "Annie's Song", "Marry Me", "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You", "Here Comes the Bride", "The Theme from the Deer Hunter", "Spanish Romance" |
| Performance tips | Don't worry about your performance, everyone is there for the wedding, not the music |
| Business tips | Bring business cards to hand out and put on display, give them to the wedding planner, venue manager, and catering company |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a song
Know Your Repertoire
Before selecting a song, it's essential to be aware of the songs you can play confidently on the guitar. Consider the difficulty level of the chords, strumming patterns, and fingerpicking techniques required for each song. If you're a beginner, opt for simpler songs with easy chord progressions and a slow to moderate tempo. If you're more advanced, you can explore more complex arrangements and incorporate techniques like fingerstyle or capo usage.
Consider the Couple's Preferences
Think about the couple you are performing for and choose a song that aligns with their musical tastes and preferences. If you know them well, consider selecting a song that holds a special meaning for them. Perhaps it's the song that was playing during their first date, their favourite band, or a tune that reflects their unique love story. You can also ask them directly for their preferences or any specific songs they would like to hear.
Match the Song to the Wedding Theme
Different types of weddings call for different musical vibes. Consider the overall theme and atmosphere of the wedding. For an intimate ceremony, soft and romantic songs are often a perfect fit. Acoustic versions of modern songs or classical guitar pieces can create a beautiful and sentimental backdrop. If it's a grand celebration, you might want to opt for more upbeat and energetic songs that will get everyone on the dance floor.
Choose a Familiar or Customizable Song
Opt for a song that is well-known or has a recognisable melody. This will help create a sense of familiarity and engagement among the guests. Additionally, consider choosing a song that can be easily customised with the couple's names or modified lyrics to make it more personalised and memorable.
Practice and Prepare
Once you've selected your song, ensure that you practice it thoroughly. Memorise the chords, refine your strumming pattern, and work on your timing. If possible, collaborate with other musicians or singers who will be performing at the wedding to ensure a seamless performance. It's also a good idea to have a backup song or two in case there are any last-minute changes or requests.
Remember, the key to choosing the right song is to strike a balance between your guitar skills, the couple's preferences, and the overall wedding theme. With thoughtful planning and rehearsal, you'll be able to deliver a performance that will leave a lasting impression on the couple and their guests.
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Learning the chords
Start by familiarizing yourself with the basic chord progression used in the song. For "Marry Me," the chords you'll need to know are G, C, D, Em, and B7. These chords form the foundation of the song's harmony, and you'll be using them throughout the entire piece. Practice shifting between these chords smoothly and comfortably, as this is crucial for playing the song seamlessly.
Next, understand the strumming pattern. The strumming pattern for "Marry Me" is relatively straightforward. It typically involves a simple down-down-up-up pattern, with a slight variation during the chorus. Listen closely to the song to get a feel for the rhythm, and practice strumming along to the recording. You can also look up tutorials or chord charts specifically for this song, which can provide additional guidance on the strumming pattern.
Pay attention to the chord changes and transitions. As you progress through the song, you'll need to change chords at the right moments to follow the melody accurately. Focus on making these transitions smoothly and in time with the music. Practice each section of the song separately, mastering the chord changes for each part before putting the entire song together.
Once you have the basic chords and strumming pattern down, you can start adding some embellishments to make your performance more interesting. For example, you can try incorporating hammer-ons, pull-offs, or slight variations in your strumming pattern to add dynamics and expression to your playing. These techniques will make your rendition of "Marry Me" sound more polished and engaging.
Finally, practice, practice, practice! Learning to play any song on the guitar takes time and dedication. Make sure to set aside regular practice sessions to improve your muscle memory and build your confidence. With consistent practice, you'll be able to play "The Wedding Singer" song flawlessly and create a memorable moment at your wedding or someone else's.
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Practising the strumming pattern
To begin practising the strumming pattern for 'The Wedding Singer', start by reviewing the sheet music or guitar tabs for the song. Familiarise yourself with the chords and their sequence, as this will influence the strumming pattern. Identify the song's timing, which is typically indicated at the beginning of the sheet music, and determine whether it is in common time (4/4 time) or another time signature. This information will guide the pace and rhythm of your strumming.
Next, listen closely to the song to internalise its rhythm and beat. Pay attention to the accents and emphasis in different parts of the song, such as the chorus and verse, as these may require variations in your strumming pattern. Try to feel the pulse of the song and imagine yourself keeping time with your strumming hand.
Once you have a good understanding of the song's rhythm and structure, start practising the strumming pattern. Begin with slow, deliberate strums, ensuring that each strum is clear and precise. Focus on maintaining a consistent tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. It's crucial to develop a smooth and fluid motion with your strumming hand, ensuring that each strum is evenly spaced and executed with the same amount of force.
As you practise, use a metronome to help you stay in time. Start at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as your proficiency improves. This will help you internalise the rhythm and ensure that your strumming remains steady and consistent. Additionally, experiment with different strumming techniques, such as using your fingers instead of a pick, to discover the approach that feels most comfortable and produces the desired sound.
Finally, remember to break down the song into smaller sections if you encounter challenging parts. Focus on perfecting the strumming pattern for each individual section before putting the entire song together. With dedicated practice and a solid understanding of the song's structure, you'll be well on your way to confidently playing 'The Wedding Singer' on your guitar.
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Setting the mood
For a romantic and intimate setting, consider playing a stripped-back, authentic version of a well-known love song. Choose a song that is special to you and your partner to make it more meaningful. For example, "Marry Me" by Train or "Annie's Song" by John Denver are beautiful choices. If you want something more lighthearted and fun, "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow" could be a sweet and humorous choice.
To add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your wedding, consider classical guitar pieces. "Spanish Romance," also known as "Romance d'Amour" or "Romance de España," is a vintage piece that will bring joy and charisma to your celebration. Alternatively, "Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach is a timeless choice that will leave a lasting impression.
If you're looking for something modern and unique, you can choose popular songs that can be adapted for the guitar. "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran or Adele's rendition of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love" are popular choices for weddings. You can also put a twist on a traditional exit song, such as Sinatra's "Come Fly With Me" or "Ain't That a Kick in the Head."
Remember, the key to setting the mood is choosing songs that resonate with you and your partner. Whether you opt for romantic ballads, classical masterpieces, or modern hits, let the music reflect your style and create lasting memories for your special day.
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Performing on the day
Know Your Role:
Discuss with your partner how they envision your performance fitting into the day. Would they like you to serenade them as they walk down the aisle, perform during the ceremony, or save your song for the reception? Knowing your role will help you choose the right song and plan your performance accordingly.
Choose the Right Song:
Select a song that holds a special meaning for both of you. It could be a popular love ballad, a classic instrumental piece, or even a unique song that reflects your relationship. If you're unsure, seek inspiration from top wedding song lists or consult with a professional guitarist who can provide guidance and suggestions.
Practice, Practice, Practice:
In the lead up to the wedding, make sure to set aside dedicated time to practice your chosen song(s). Familiarize yourself with the chords, lyrics (if applicable), and any special techniques required. The more comfortable you are with the song, the more confident you'll feel on the day.
Prepare for the Unexpected:
On the day of the wedding, be prepared for potential delays or changes in schedule. Have a few extra songs up your sleeve in case your performance needs to be extended. It's also a good idea to bring extra guitar strings and any other necessary equipment to ensure a smooth performance.
Create a Calm Environment:
Before your performance, find a quiet space to centre yourself and calm any nerves. Take a few deep breaths and remember that your partner and guests are there to support you. Focus on the reason you're performing and let your love guide your playing.
Remember, your performance is a unique and personal touch to your wedding day. Enjoy the process of learning and performing the song, and your love and emotion will shine through.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular songs to play on the guitar at a wedding include "Thinking Out Loud", "Make You Feel My Love", "Annie's Song", "Marry Me", "Here Comes the Bride", and "The Theme from the Deer Hunter".
Some couples opt for unconventional music for their exit, such as "Come Fly With Me" by Sinatra, "Ain't That a Kick in the Head", or "Places".
Some romantic songs to play on the guitar at a wedding include "More Than Words", "Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow", "Everything I Do I Do It For You", and "Jesus, Joy of Man's Desiring".
Acoustic guitar wedding songs are popular, as they can feature stripped-back, authentic versions of songs that are meaningful to the couple. Classical and Spanish guitar melodies can also bring character to a wedding.
It's important to consider the special requirements for your performance, such as amplification or seating. It's also a good idea to bring business cards to hand out and ensure you have a payment plan in place.
