How to Play Kina Grannis’ “Falling In Love” for Beginners
If you’ve ever heard Kina Grannis’ soft‑spoken anthem “Falling In Love” and felt the urge to strum along, you’re not alone. The song’s gentle melody makes it a perfect first‑step for anyone picking up a guitar. Below is a straightforward walk‑through of the chords, strumming pattern, and a few tips to keep the music sounding sweet—even if you’re still learning the basics.
What You’ll Need
- A standard‑tuned acoustic or classical guitar (E A D G B E)
- A capo (optional, but handy for matching Kina’s original key)
- Patience and a willingness to repeat a few measures
Chord Layout
The song essentially rides on four open chords, which means you won’t have to stretch your fingers far. Here’s the progression as it appears in the original recording:
- G – 320003
- D – xx0232
- Em – 022000
- C – x32010
If you place a capo on the second fret, the chords shift to A, E, F♯m, and D, letting you sing in the original key without changing finger shapes.
Strumming Pattern
Think of the rhythm as a gentle sway—something you could hum while walking. A simple pattern that works well is:
- Down (1)
- Down‑up (2‑&)
- Up (and)
- Down‑up (4‑&)
That translates to DOWN – DOWN‑UP – UP – DOWN‑UP. Play it slowly at first; the song’s tempo is around 78 BPM, so a relaxed pace feels natural.
Putting It Together
Start with the verse:
G – D – Em – C (repeat twice)
Then glide into the chorus, which uses the same four chords in the same order—no surprise changes to keep you from getting lost.
Common Pitfalls (And How to Dodge Them)
Even simple songs can trip up beginners. Here are a couple of hiccups you might encounter, plus quick fixes.
- Muted strings: When switching from G to D, make sure your middle finger lifts cleanly off the low E string. A light tap with your index finger can help.
- Changing tempo: If you speed up unintentionally, pause, count the beats again, and reset. Consistency beats speed.
- Capo placement: Double‑check that the capo is snug and straight; any wobble will make the chords sound off‑key.
Adding a Little Flair
Once you’re comfortable with the basic rhythm, try these optional touches:
- Arpeggiated picking: Instead of full strums, pluck the strings one at a time (e.g., 1‑2‑3‑4‑3‑2). It gives the song a more intimate vibe.
- Dynamic swells: Start verses softly and build volume into the chorus. The contrast mirrors Kina’s vocal approach.
- Harmonic embellishment: Slip a quick G/B (320033) before returning to G for a subtle tonal shift.
Practice Routine
Consistency is the secret sauce. Try the following three‑day loop:
- Day 1: Focus on chord transitions. Repeat each change 10 times, aiming for clean sound.
- Day 2: Add the strumming pattern slowly. Loop the entire verse‑chorus progression for 5 minutes.
- Day 3: Play along with the official track (or a backing track) at half speed, then gradually increase to normal tempo.
Repeat the cycle, and you’ll notice smoothness blooming after just a week.
Why This Song Is a Good Beginner Choice
Beyond its melodic charm, “Falling In Love” teaches several core guitar skills:
- Open‑chord familiarity (G, D, Em, C)
- Steady timing with a simple 4/4 feel
- Use of a capo to transpose without altering finger positions
Mastering these basics opens the door to countless other songs—think of this track as a gateway rather than a destination.
Final Thoughts
There’s a quiet satisfaction in hearing yourself play a song that once belonged only to your playlist. With just four chords, a modest strum, and a sprinkle of practice, “Falling In Love” can become a staple in your beginner repertoire. Grab your guitar, place that capo (if you like), and let the melody breathe through your fingertips. Happy strumming!
