Learn How to Play "July" by Noah Cyrus on the Guitar

In this easy, beginner-friendly lesson, we'll learn how to play July by Noah Cyrus on the guitar. This beautiful song can grow with you as you develop your guitar skills. You can start simple and incorporate more detailed playing techniques as you get more comfortable. Whether you're a beginner or a more advanced player, you'll find this song both challenging and rewarding.

💡 Did You Know? Noah Cyrus comes from a family of talented musicians. She's the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus, notorious for the classic hit "Achy Breaky Heart," and the sister of pop sensation Miley Cyrus.

Chord Progression

July primarily involves open chords, but there's one F chord that you can approach in different ways depending on your skill level. For beginners, I recommend using a smaller F major 7 chord or a mini F for an easier experience. More advanced players might prefer reaching over with the thumb to grab the bass note of the F. But don't worry too much about this now—we'll discuss this in more detail in the video.

The song starts with an A Minor chord, a C chord, and then an F chord for two bars. This chord progression is repeated throughout the intro and the verses. It's a simple progression that's easy to follow, but it gives the song its unique charm.

💡 Struggling with the F Chord? Check out these F chord variations for advancing beginners and my ultimate guide to playing E Shape Barre Chords!

The chorus introduces a slight variation. It starts with a C chord, switches to an A Minor, and then transitions into an F chord. It then moves from an A Minor to a C and back to an F. The progression ends with a G chord and then switches between A Minor and D Minor.

There's an additional progression in the chorus that goes from C to A Minor and then to F., This progression leads into the whistling part of the song, which repeats the verse progression.

Towards the end of the song, there's another change with a new progression from D Minor to A Minor and then to F. This variation gives the song an interesting twist.

Strumming Pattern

Alright, let's dive into the strumming pattern options for this song! The beauty of strumming is that you can always make it your own, but let's discuss some approaches you might want to consider.

For beginners, I recommend keeping those chord changes down and keeping a simple, steady rhythm. One option here is to strum once per bar. That means you'll be strumming once for each chord change, keeping the rhythm simple and steady. It's a great way to get your bearings and build your confidence.

🎯 Strumming Dynamics and More! Achieving a good-sounding, relaxed strumming is a challenge to many guitar players, but over the past decades, I understood how to help you nail strumming—once and for all. And my knowledge is all here available for you!

Consider picking out the bass notes for those looking to add more flavor to your strumming. This means you'll strum the bass note of the chord on the first beat, then strum the full chord. This can add depth and texture to your strumming and make the song feel fuller.

If you're comfortable with fingerstyle playing, you can use your thumb to play the bass note of the chord and your fingers to strum the rest of the strings. This can give you a nice, smooth sound.

And if you're looking to challenge yourself, try adding percussive hits or muted strums. This can give your strumming a rhythmic, groovy feel, and it's a lot of fun once you get the hang of it!

Final Thoughts

Learning July by Noah Cyrus is a journey that can help you grow as a guitar player. The song offers a wonderful opportunity to explore different chords and strumming techniques, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and more advanced players.

Remember, playing a song on the guitar isn't just about knowing the chords. It's about capturing and expressing the song's emotion through your playing. So, take your time, practice at your own pace, enjoy the process, and most importantly, have fun!

Now, are you ready to strum along to July? Let's get started! Watch the video to see the chord progressions and strumming patterns in action.

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