How to Play "True Colors" by Cyndi Lauper on the Guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play True Colors by Cyndi Lauper on the guitar. This beautiful classic pop song is a joy to learn and will be a great addition to your guitar repertoire.

True Colors is a unique song to learn because there isn't any guitar on the original recording. This gives us a bit of freedom in the way we play it. The main part of the song that I'll be teaching is the keyboard part on the guitar, which forms the song's iconic riff. Once you've got that down, you can play around with the rest of the song.

The Song Structure

The song structure for True Colors is fairly straightforward. For the most part, we'll use two chords per bar throughout the song. The original recording has a few exceptions, but we'll keep it simple for our version. Some of these chords are "pushed," meaning they come in a little bit earlier than you might expect.

The Verse

The verse of True Colors has a beautiful progression that starts with A minor, then G with a B bass, followed by C to C with an E base. Then we have an interesting F add9 chord. This progression then leads to A minor and G. This sequence is the backbone of the verse and gives the song its distinctive sound.

The Chorus

The chorus introduces a few new chords. We start off with F, then move to C, followed by a G sus4 and G. This progression then leads back to F, C with an E base, and back to F. After this, we have a quick sus and G, followed by a sequence of F, C, D minor, and A minor.

Make it Your Own

One of the best things about learning True Colors is the room for experimentation it provides. You can explore different ways to play the chords, add extra notes, or even incorporate scales into your playing. This song is all about making it your own and finding your unique sound.

True Colors by Cyndi Lauper is a wonderful song to learn on the guitar. It's a classic pop song that's sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this song will offer something new and exciting to add to your skills. Remember, the key is to have fun and make the song your own. So, pick up your guitar, watch the video, and start strumming!

👉 Want chords, tabs, and lyrics to follow along with my song tutorials? Check out JustinGuitarTabs!