Redemption Song Chords

Learn how to play Redemption Song!

To understand how Redemption Song’s chords work we have to think of the chords as roman numerals rather than chord names such as G and Am.

Using the Guitar Conspiracy as a guide, 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 IV.

To think in this way is the first step to understanding music as numbers.

Ensure you always do this when you play a song, soon you will see many similarities between chord progressions in different songs.

As you learn Redemption Song, follow the numbers in the DIY TAB as this will get you to the next level of understanding music; as numbers.

Redemption Song Chord Progression

As you can see in the 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 and Wish You Were Here by Pink Floyd are only two examples.

To understand how the verse chords can be changed from G – Em – C – Am to I – VI – IV – II, use the SWS.

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?