Learn to play "Be My Baby" by The Ronettes on the guitar

In this lesson, we'll learn how to play Be My Baby on the guitar. This classic hit by The Ronettes, produced by the legendary Phil Spector, offers a fantastic opportunity for beginners and more advanced players alike to delve into the world of pop-rock music.

Be My Baby is a fantastic song, and in this lesson, I've simplified it a bit to make it really accessible for beginners. We'll use a capo on the fourth fret to make it easier. However, if you're up for a challenge, you can play it without the capo, using barre chords all the way through. This could be a great exercise if you're learning barre chords and want to put them into use. But the song still sounds great played in an open position using chords with the capo.

Chord Progression

The chord sequence in this song is quite straightforward. We start with a C chord, followed by a sequence of D minor, G, G7, C. This sequence builds up to the chorus of the song. The song's rhythm and progression give it that timeless pop-rock feel that begs for a sing-along.

But it's not all as straightforward as it seems. There are a few things that I've done slightly differently, mainly to keep the harmony the same as it was in the original recording. For instance, the original recording sounds like it goes straight to E7 when we get to the E chord. However, I believe it sounds better if you start with E for a bar and then add E7. The same principle applies when we move to the A and D chords. Instead of going directly to A7 and D7, I suggest starting with the regular A and D chords and then transitioning to the seventh chords. This gives the song a richer, more layered sound.

Strumming Techniques

Now, let's talk about strumming. I recommend using 16th-note strumming with all down strums for the verses. This technique imbues the song with energy and drive. However, it's not just about the strumming. There's also the matter of accents. By adding accents to certain beats, you can add another dimension of rhythm to the song.

However, when we reach the chorus, I suggest switching to eighth-note strumming. This change in rhythm makes the chorus feel more relaxed, a perfect complement to the energetic verses.

Wrapping Up

That's it for Be My Baby. This song offers a great opportunity to practice chord progression, strumming techniques, and the use of accents. So, grab your guitar, tune up, and let's get started. Don't forget to watch the video for a step-by-step guide to playing this classic hit.

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