Say A Little Prayer For You Chords – Easy Guitar Chord Diagrams

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Playing “Say a Little Prayer” on guitar starts with those iconic chord changes. The song, made famous by Aretha Franklin and originally by Burt Bacharach, is a joy to strum. You’ll find the say a little prayer for you chords are surprisingly simple for beginners to pick up.

This guide breaks down every chord, strumming pattern, and transition you need. We’ll cover the verse, chorus, and bridge in standard tuning. No capo required for the original key of Bb major.

Let’s get your fingers moving. The chord progression is repetitive, which makes it easy to memorize. You’ll be playing along in no time.

Say A Little Prayer For You Chords

The main chords for this song are Bb, Eb, F, and Gm. These four chords form the backbone of the entire track. You’ll use them in the verse and chorus with slight variations.

Here is the full chord chart for the song:

  • Bb major (barre chord at fret 1, or open shape if you can)
  • Eb major (barre chord at fret 6, or open shape)
  • F major (barre chord at fret 1, or open shape)
  • G minor (barre chord at fret 3, or open shape)
  • C minor (used in bridge, barre at fret 3)
  • D minor (used in bridge, barre at fret 5)

If you are a beginner, try the open chord versions first. For Bb, use the A-shape barre at fret 1. For Eb, use the open Eb shape (xx1343). For F, use the open F shape (133211). For Gm, use the open Gm shape (355333).

Verse Chord Progression

The verse follows a simple pattern. It goes: Bb, Eb, Bb, Eb, then F, Eb, Bb, F. Each chord gets one measure, which is four beats in 4/4 time.

  1. Bb (4 beats)
  2. Eb (4 beats)
  3. Bb (4 beats)
  4. Eb (4 beats)
  5. F (4 beats)
  6. Eb (4 beats)
  7. Bb (4 beats)
  8. F (4 beats)

Play this progression slowly. Focus on clean transitions between Bb and Eb. The F chord might feel tricky, but keep your fingers curved.

Chorus Chord Progression

The chorus is almost identical to the verse. The only difference is the last two chords. In the chorus, it ends on Gm and F instead of Bb and F.

  1. Bb (4 beats)
  2. Eb (4 beats)
  3. Bb (4 beats)
  4. Eb (4 beats)
  5. F (4 beats)
  6. Eb (4 beats)
  7. Gm (4 beats)
  8. F (4 beats)

Notice the Gm chord replaces Bb. This gives the chorus a slightly different feel. Practice switching from Eb to Gm quickly.

Bridge Chord Progression

The bridge is shorter and uses different chords. It goes: Cm, F, Bb, Eb, then Cm, F, Bb. Each chord gets two beats except the last Bb which gets four.

  1. Cm (2 beats)
  2. F (2 beats)
  3. Bb (2 beats)
  4. Eb (2 beats)
  5. Cm (2 beats)
  6. F (2 beats)
  7. Bb (4 beats)

This part adds variety. The Cm chord is a barre at fret 3. Keep your strumming light here.

Strumming Pattern For The Song

The strumming pattern is steady and upbeat. The original recording uses a syncopated rhythm. For beginners, start with a simple down-up-down-up pattern.

Try this basic pattern: down, down-up, up-down-up. Count it as 1, 2-and, 3-and-4. Each chord gets one full pattern.

Here is a step-by-step breakdown:

  1. Strum down on beat 1
  2. Strum down on beat 2
  3. Strum up on the “and” of beat 2
  4. Strum up on beat 3
  5. Strum down on beat 4
  6. Strum up on the “and” of beat 4

Practice this pattern slowly with a metronome. Once comfortable, speed it up. The song tempo is around 100 BPM.

Alternative Strumming Pattern

If you want a more authentic sound, try a syncopated pattern. It goes: down, down-up, up-down, up. This matches the original recording better.

Count it as: 1, 2-and, 3-and-4-and. The upstrokes fall on the off-beats. This gives the song its signature groove.

How To Play The Chords

Let’s go through each chord shape in detail. We’ll use standard tuning (EADGBE).

Bb Major Chord

The Bb major chord is a barre chord at fret 1. Place your index finger across all six strings at fret 1. Then form an A major shape with your other fingers.

  • Index finger: barre all strings at fret 1
  • Ring finger: fret 3 on string 5 (A string)
  • Pinky finger: fret 3 on string 4 (D string)
  • Middle finger: fret 2 on string 3 (G string)

Strum all six strings. If some strings buzz, press harder with your index finger. Alternatively, use the open Bb shape: x13331 (mute low E string).

Eb Major Chord

The Eb major chord can be played as a barre at fret 6. Use the E major shape. Index finger barres all strings at fret 6.

  • Index finger: barre all strings at fret 6
  • Ring finger: fret 8 on string 5 (A string)
  • Pinky finger: fret 8 on string 4 (D string)
  • Middle finger: fret 7 on string 3 (G string)

Strum all six strings. For an easier version, use the open Eb shape: xx1343 (mute low E and A strings).

F Major Chord

The F major chord is a barre at fret 1. Use the E major shape. Index finger barres all strings at fret 1.

  • Index finger: barre all strings at fret 1
  • Ring finger: fret 3 on string 5 (A string)
  • Pinky finger: fret 3 on string 4 (D string)
  • Middle finger: fret 2 on string 3 (G string)

Strum all six strings. The open F shape (133211) is also common. Mute the low E string with your thumb.

G Minor Chord

The G minor chord is a barre at fret 3. Use the E minor shape. Index finger barres all strings at fret 3.

  • Index finger: barre all strings at fret 3
  • Ring finger: fret 5 on string 5 (A string)
  • Pinky finger: fret 5 on string 4 (D string)
  • Middle finger: fret 4 on string 3 (G string)

Strum all six strings. The open Gm shape (355333) is also valid but harder for beginners.

C Minor Chord

The C minor chord is a barre at fret 3. Use the A minor shape. Index finger barres strings 1-5 at fret 3.

  • Index finger: barre strings 1-5 at fret 3
  • Ring finger: fret 5 on string 5 (A string)
  • Middle finger: fret 4 on string 4 (D string)
  • Pinky finger: fret 5 on string 3 (G string)

Strum only strings 1-5. Mute the low E string with your index finger.

D Minor Chord

The D minor chord is a barre at fret 5. Use the A minor shape. Index finger barres strings 1-5 at fret 5.

  • Index finger: barre strings 1-5 at fret 5
  • Ring finger: fret 7 on string 5 (A string)
  • Middle finger: fret 6 on string 4 (D string)
  • Pinky finger: fret 7 on string 3 (G string)

Strum only strings 1-5. This chord appears only in the bridge.

Full Song Structure With Lyrics

Here is the complete song structure. We’ll include the lyrics for reference. Play the chord progressions as listed above.

Verse 1

The first verse uses the verse progression. It goes: Bb, Eb, Bb, Eb, F, Eb, Bb, F.

Lyrics: “The moment I wake up, before I put on my makeup…”

Chorus 1

The chorus uses the chorus progression: Bb, Eb, Bb, Eb, F, Eb, Gm, F.

Lyrics: “Say a little prayer for you…”

Verse 2

Same as verse 1. Lyrics: “I run for the bus, dear, while riding I think of us, dear…”

Chorus 2

Same as chorus 1. Lyrics repeat.

Bridge

The bridge uses: Cm, F, Bb, Eb, Cm, F, Bb. Lyrics: “Forever, and ever, you’ll stay in my heart…”

Chorus 3

Same as chorus 1. Lyrics repeat with ad-libs.

Outro

The outro repeats the chorus progression several times. It fades out on Bb. Strum softly.

Common Mistakes And Fixes

Many beginners struggle with barre chords. Here are common issues and solutions.

  • Buzzing strings: Press harder with your index finger. Keep it straight.
  • Slow chord changes: Practice switching between two chords at a time. Use a metronome.
  • Strumming too fast: Slow down. Focus on rhythm, not speed.
  • Missing the bridge chords: Write them down. Practice Cm to F transition.

Another mistake is playing the wrong chord in the chorus. Remember, the chorus ends on Gm and F, not Bb and F. Double-check your chord chart.

Tips For Playing Along With The Recording

Playing with the original track helps your timing. Here are some tips.

  1. Listen to the song a few times. Note the chord changes.
  2. Start with just the verse. Play along slowly.
  3. Use a capo if you want a different key. Capo at fret 1 for C major chords.
  4. Focus on the bass notes. The root note of each chord is important.
  5. Don’t worry about mistakes. Keep strumming.

The song has a steady beat. Count 1-2-3-4 in your head. The chord changes happen on beat 1 of each measure.

Transposing To Other Keys

If Bb major is too hard, transpose to a different key. Use a capo or change chords.

Here is how to transpose to G major:

  • Bb becomes G
  • Eb becomes C
  • F becomes D
  • Gm becomes Em
  • Cm becomes Am
  • Dm becomes Bm

With a capo at fret 3, play the G major shapes. This sounds in Bb major. Or capo at fret 1 and play A major shapes.

Practice Routine For This Song

Set aside 10-15 minutes daily. Follow this routine.

  1. Warm up with open chords (5 minutes)
  2. Practice barre chords (5 minutes)
  3. Play the verse progression slowly (2 minutes)
  4. Play the chorus progression (2 minutes)
  5. Play the bridge (1 minute)
  6. Play the full song (2 minutes)

Increase speed gradually. Use a metronome at 60 BPM, then 80, then 100.

Frequently Asked Questions

What key is “Say a Little Prayer” in?

The original key is Bb major. You can play it in other keys with a capo.

Are there easier chord versions for beginners?

Yes. Use open chord shapes like x13331 for Bb and xx1343 for Eb. Avoid barre chords if needed.

What strumming pattern does the original use?

The original uses a syncopated pattern with off-beat upstrokes. A simple down-up pattern works too.

Can I play this song without a capo?

Yes. The chords are in standard tuning without a capo. Use barre chords at fret 1, 3, and 6.

How long does it take to learn this song?

With daily practice, you can play it in a week. Barre chords may take longer to master.

Final Thoughts

You now have all the tools to play “Say a Little Prayer” on guitar. The chords are repetitive, so focus on clean transitions. Practice the strumming pattern slowly.

Remember, the say a little prayer for you chords are Bb, Eb, F, and Gm. The bridge adds Cm and Dm. Use the tips above to improve your timing.

Keep strumming and have fun with this classic song. It’s a great addition to your repertoire.