1234 | TAB
Let’s look at all sections of 1234 using TAB, here’s the intro/verse/instrumental section.
The chord progression is I – I/7 – VI – IV. The B5 should be minor, all others are major chords.
Here’s the bridge, only one chord changes – genius!
Changing the D5/C# to an A/E makes this a I – V – VI – IV, the most common modern hit progression, check my lesson series on I’m Yours to learn more about it.
Here’s the chorus, the G chord is now played in a different way.
It’s still a G5 since there is no open B string but it feels bigger as there are more strings.
Lastly, here’s the breakdown section.
Rhythm guitar is about attention to detail
To get the rhythm part solid, yet groovy, you need to practice to a metronome. As you do, aim to place the 2nd and 4th beats later on the click than 1 and 3, which should be bang on.
This style of playing creates a lazy, groovier feel that goes well with the bluesy vibe of 1234.
The anticipated shuffled strums can also be manipulated by how close they are to the main strums. Experimentation is the key here.
Also, notice the slight difference in dynamics when the verse starts.
Aiming to be as dynamic as possible in your playing, rather than relying on pedals to do this, will make you a better musician.
Keeping the dynamic aspects improvised, and adapting to vocals and other instruments in real-time will make the music come alive.
1234 is a great tune to use as practise for all these elements. Since they are so repetitive, the variation must come from the player. Combine metronome practise with playing along with me and the singer for the best results.
1234 TAB | Related Pages
1234 | Chords + Lyrics
You can learn how to play 1234 by Feist using chords, lyrics, a Spytunes video guitar lesson, chord analysis, TAB, and the original recording.
| D D/C# | Bm G |
One, two, three, four, tell me that you love me more…
Five similar tunes | Chords + Lyrics
- Baby Love chords by The Supremes
- Baby Won’t You Please Come Home chords by Bessie Smith
- Blue Moon chords by Billie Holiday
- Don’t Wait Too Long chords by Madeleine Peyroux
- Dream A Little Dream Of Me chords by Mama Cass
Feist tunes
Leslie Feist is a Canadian singer-songwriter who became famous after her signature song was featured in an iPod nano ad.
She is best known for her tunes Mushaboom, My Moon Man, 1234, and How Come You Never Go There.
Feist on the web
About me | Dan Lundholm
This guitar lesson by Dan Lundholm features TAB and covers 1234. Discover more about him and how you can learn guitar with Spytunes.
Most importantly, find out why you should learn guitar through playing tunes, not practising scales, and studying theory in isolation.