The chord progression and strumming pattern for "What Makes You Beautiful"
What Makes You Beautiful uses four chords throughout most of the song: D, A, Bm, and G. The progression repeats in this order for the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus. Once you lock in this four-chord loop and a steady strumming pattern, you can play the entire track.
The song sits in the key of D major, which makes it accessible for beginners while still sounding full when played with open chords. The progression moves D–A–Bm–G, and each chord typically gets one measure (four beats) in the verse sections. The rhythm is straightforward: a down-up strumming pattern works well, or you can use a straightforward down-strum on each beat if you're still building speed.
The tempo sits around 92 beats per minute, so you have time to switch between chords without rushing. Most players find the chord changes smooth because D, A, and G share common finger positions—your fingers don't have to jump far between them.
Key Takeaways
- The song uses only four chords—D, A, Bm, and G—played in that order throughout the verse, pre-chorus, and chorus.
- Each chord typically holds for one measure (four beats), giving you time to make clean changes.
- The song is in D major and uses open chord shapes, making it a good choice for intermediate beginners.
- A straightforward down-up strumming pattern or steady downstrokes work well; the song doesn't require complex rhythm techniques.
- The bridge introduces a variation where the progression shifts slightly, but the same four chords appear in a different order.
Open chord shapes for D, A, Bm, and G
The D chord uses three fingers: place your index finger on the first fret of the high E string (the thinnest string), your middle finger on the second fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the third fret of the B string. Strum from the D string down (skip the low E string). This is one of the first chords most players learn.
The A chord sits on the first three frets of the top three strings. Index finger on the first fret of the B string, middle finger on the second fret of the D string, and ring finger on the second fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings, or skip the low E if it sounds muted. This chord is stable and straightforward to hold.
Bm is a barre chord, which means your index finger presses down across multiple strings at the same fret. Place your index finger flat across the second fret of the A, D, G, B, and high E strings. Then add your middle finger on the third fret of the B string and your ring finger on the fourth fret of the high E string. If the barre feels difficult, you can play a simplified version by fretting only the A, D, G, and B strings with your index finger and skipping the high E.
The G chord uses three fingers: index on the first fret of the low E string, middle on the second fret of the A string, and ring on the third fret of the high E string. Strum from the low E string down. G is one of the most common open chords and sits comfortably next to D and A.
Verse and chorus chord timing
The verse follows the D–A–Bm–G pattern with one chord per measure. If you're playing at 92 BPM, each measure lasts about 2.6 seconds, which gives you plenty of time to switch chords cleanly. Count "1, 2, 3, 4" for each chord, then move to the next one.
The pre-chorus keeps the same four chords in the same order, so there's no new progression to learn. The chorus also repeats D–A–Bm–G. This repetition is what makes the song so learnable—once you can change between these four chords smoothly, you can play the main sections without stopping.
The bridge (the section that comes after the second chorus) shifts the chord order slightly. It typically moves to Bm–G–D–A, reversing the usual pattern. This creates a different feel and signals to the listener that the song is building toward the final chorus. Practice this section separately so the change doesn't catch you off guard.
Strumming techniques that work for this song
A straightforward down-up strumming pattern—where you strum down on beats 1 and 3, then up on beats 2 and 4—fits the song's energy without being too busy. This is sometimes called a "folk strum" and works well for pop songs with steady rhythm.
If you want more texture, try a pattern where you strum down on every beat (1, 2, 3, 4) for the verse, then add an extra up-strum between beats 2 and 3 during the chorus. This subtle change makes the chorus feel fuller without requiring a completely different technique.
Avoid over-strumming or using a fast, complex pattern—the song's charm comes from its simplicity. The vocals carry the melody, so your guitar should sit behind them and provide steady support. If you're still building finger strength, stick with downstrokes only until your chord changes feel automatic.
Common mistakes when learning this song
The most common mistake is rushing the Bm chord change. Because Bm is a barre chord and requires more finger pressure than D, A, or G, players often slow down or mute strings when switching to it. Practice the D–A–Bm change in isolation: play D for four beats, then move to A for four beats, then to Bm for four beats. Repeat this sequence until the changes feel smooth.
Another frequent issue is muting the high E string during the G chord. If you're not careful with finger placement, your index finger can accidentally touch the high E string and dampen it. Check that your index finger sits on the low E string only, and your other fingers are clear of the high E.
Players also sometimes forget that the bridge uses a different chord order. Mark the bridge in your chord chart or tab so you don't accidentally play D–A–Bm–G when you should be playing Bm–G–D–A. A quick mental note before you reach the bridge prevents stumbling.
Matching the song's tempo and feel
The original recording has a light, upbeat feel despite the slow-to-moderate tempo. This comes from the clean guitar tone and the way the chords are strummed—not heavily, but with clarity. When you practice, aim for clean chord changes and even strumming rather than volume or speed.
If you're playing along with the recording, use a metronome set to 92 BPM to build muscle memory for the timing. Once you can play the progression cleanly at that tempo, you can slow it down or speed it up depending on your preference or the context you're playing in.
The song also benefits from letting chords ring out between changes. Don't mute the strings as you move to the next chord—let the sound sustain slightly so the progression feels connected. This is especially important during the chorus, where the chords should blend together smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to play the Bm as a full barre chord, or can I use a simplified version?
A simplified Bm works fine, especially when you're starting out. You can fret only the A, D, G, and B strings at the second fret with your index finger and skip the high E string entirely. This reduces finger pressure and makes the change faster. Once your hand strength improves, you can add the full barre.
What if I can't switch between chords fast enough?
Slow down your practice tempo to 60 or 70 BPM using a metronome. Focus on clean changes rather than speed. Play each chord for four full beats, then move to the next one. As your fingers memorize the shapes, gradually increase the tempo. Most players can play at the original speed within a few weeks of daily practice.
Should I strum all six strings for every chord?
For D, A, and G, strumming all six strings works and sounds good. For Bm, you can skip the low E string if it sounds muted or unclear. Experiment with both approaches and use whichever sounds cleaner to your ear. Consistency matters more than which strings you choose.
Can I play this song with a capo?
Yes. If you place a capo on the second fret, the chords become C#, G#, A#m, and F#. This raises the pitch and can be useful if you're singing along and need a higher key. The chord shapes and progression stay the same—only the pitch changes.
What should I practice first if I'm a beginner?
Start with the D–A–G progression (leaving out Bm for now) and practice switching between those three chords until the changes feel smooth. Once that feels automatic, add the Bm chord and practice the full four-chord loop. Then work on the bridge separately before putting the whole song together.