Redemption Song Chords

Learn to play Redemption Song by Bob Marley in this video guitar lesson!

To understand the chord progression of 'Redemption Song' we have to think of the chords as roman numerals rather than chord names such as G and Am.

Notice how the verse moves from IV - I/III - II, except before the chorus where it goes IV - V.
The function of the V chord is to pull stronger to I. Compare this to chord II, which is the sad version of chord V.

To think in this way is the first step to understanding the guitar, make sure you always do this when you play a song, soon you will see many similarities between chord progressions in different songs.

When you learn 'Redemption Song' it would be a good idea to use SpyTunes DIY TAB system, this way you can get to the next level of musical understanding.

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Redemption Song Chords Video Guitar Lesson

As you can see in this video lesson, the intro use the hammer on technique, play the open string, then "hammer on" the note.

This is a very common technique on the guitar and can be found in many songs, 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman use this technique, so does 'Wish You Were Here' by Pink Floyd.

To understand how the verse chords can be changed from G - Em - C - Am to I - VI - IV - II, use the SWS and the pictures from the Chordacus software that you see below.

The Chorus use the classic I - IV - V progression, this is by far the most common chord progression in hit choruses.
Using only the VI chord to replace the I chord for varying the concept Marley pulls it off.

The VI chord could be seen as a sad version of chord I, can you hear a relationship between this, the lyrics and the arrangement?

The M8 section that for some reason never had any words added to it use a slightly different strumming pattern, learn more about this in the rhythm guitar lesson.

Redemption Song Chords