“I Love Rock and Roll” is one of the most iconic rock songs ever, famously performed by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts in 1981. With its catchy riffs and infectious energy, this song has become a favorite for guitar players of all levels. If you’re looking to learn how to play I Love Rock and Roll chords, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll break down the chords, strumming patterns, and tips for mastering this timeless classic.
The Origins of “I Love Rock and Roll”
Before diving into the I Love Rock and Roll chords, it’s worth noting the song’s history. The song was originally written and recorded by the Arrows in 1975. However, it gained worldwide fame when Joan Jett covered it in 1981. Her rendition of the song was a massive hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, where it stayed for seven weeks.
The song’s power-chord driven structure and rebellious attitude made it an anthem for rock lovers, and it remains a staple for any aspiring guitarist.
Chords Used in “I Love Rock and Roll”
The great thing about I Love Rock and Roll chords is that they are relatively simple and perfect for beginners. The song primarily relies on three basic chords that are common in rock music. These chords are:
- E Major
- A Major
- B Major
These three chords form the foundation of the song, and once you’re familiar with them, you’ll be able to play through most of the track with ease.
1. E Major Chord
The E Major chord is one of the most common chords in guitar playing and is used in many rock songs. To play it:
- Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
- Strum all six strings.
This chord gives the song its strong and driving sound.
2. A Major Chord
The A Major chord is also easy to learn and essential for many rock songs. To play the A Major chord:
- Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.
- Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string.
- Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string.
- Strum the A string through the high E string, avoiding the low E string.
The A Major chord adds a bright and upbeat tone to the progression.
3. B Major Chord
The B Major chord can be a bit trickier for beginners, as it involves a barre chord shape. To play B Major:
- Barre all the strings on the 2nd fret with your index finger.
- Place your middle finger on the 4th fret of the D string.
- Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the G string.
- Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the B string.
- Strum from the A string down, avoiding the low E string.
The B Major chord gives the song its punchy and driving rock sound.
Strumming Pattern for “I Love Rock and Roll”
The strumming pattern for I Love Rock and Roll chords is simple but adds a lot of energy to the song. Here’s a basic strumming pattern to follow:
Down – Down – Up – Up – Down – Up
This pattern works well with the song’s tempo and gives it that classic rock feel. As you get comfortable with the chords, feel free to experiment with your strumming to add your own style to the song.
For beginners, start by playing each chord with single downstrokes to get a feel for the transitions. Once you’re comfortable with switching between chords, you can add in the full strumming pattern.
Playing the Song: Verse and Chorus
Now that you know the chords and strumming pattern, it’s time to put everything together and play through the song. Here’s a breakdown of how the I Love Rock and Roll chords are used in the verse and chorus.
Verse
The verse follows a simple chord progression:
E Major – A Major – B Major – A Major
You’ll repeat this progression for the duration of each verse. The strumming pattern we discussed earlier fits perfectly here, so make sure to keep the rhythm consistent.
Chorus
The chorus is similar to the verse but with a slight variation in the chord progression:
E Major – B Major – A Major – E Major
This progression is repeated for the chorus, and it’s where the song really shines. The combination of the E Major and B Major chords creates a powerful sound that drives the energy of the chorus.
Bridge
The bridge section of the song introduces a new chord progression that deviates slightly from the verse and chorus. The bridge goes as follows:
B Major – A Major – E Major – B Major
This section gives the song a break from the standard progression and adds some variation to the overall structure.
Tips for Mastering the Song
While I Love Rock and Roll chords are relatively easy, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that your performance is as strong as possible.
1. Practice Barre Chords
The B Major chord can be challenging for beginners, as it involves barring the second fret. If you’re struggling with this chord, try practicing barre chords separately before playing the full song. Over time, your hand strength and positioning will improve, making it easier to play B Major.
2. Keep the Strumming Consistent
The energy of “I Love Rock and Roll” comes from its driving rhythm. Make sure to keep your strumming consistent, especially during the chorus. Use a metronome or play along with the original recording to help stay in time.
3. Focus on Smooth Transitions
Switching between E Major, A Major, and B Major quickly is key to playing this song fluidly. Practice transitioning between the chords slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed as you get more comfortable.
4. Play Along with the Song
One of the best ways to improve your performance is by playing along with the original track. This will help you internalize the rhythm and timing, making it easier to play the song accurately.
Why “I Love Rock and Roll” is a Perfect Song for Guitarists
The beauty of I Love Rock and Roll chords lies in their simplicity. The song’s chord progression is accessible to beginners, yet it has enough rock energy to make it a fun challenge. Whether you’re new to guitar or an experienced player, learning this song is a great way to build your skills and confidence.
Moreover, the song’s straightforward structure makes it an excellent choice for those looking to perform live or jam with friends. The power chords give the song a strong presence, and the catchy riff is instantly recognizable, making it a crowd-pleaser.
Conclusion
Learning I Love Rock and Roll chords is a must for any guitarist looking to expand their rock repertoire. With its simple chord progression and energetic strumming pattern, this song is both fun and rewarding to play. By mastering the E Major, A Major, and B Major chords, you’ll be able to capture the essence of this rock classic and bring your guitar playing to the next level.
Whether you’re playing for fun or preparing for a performance, “I Love Rock and Roll” is sure to be a hit. So grab your guitar, start practicing, and soon enough, you’ll be rocking out to one of the most iconic songs in rock history.
