Learn the Chords You Need to Play "I Can't Get Away" on Guitar and Piano

Understanding the Chords for "I Can't Get Away"

If you want to learn how to play "I Can't Get Away" on guitar or piano, getting a good grasp of the chords used in the song is essential. Written by Shane McAnally, Josh Osborne, and Matt Ramsey, "I Can't Get Away" was released in 2021 by Walker Hayes as part of his album "Country Stuff." With its driving beat and emotional lyrics about struggling through hard times, the song connected with many listeners and became a major hit.

The Basic Chord Progression

The chord progression for the verses of "I Can't Get Away" centers around G major, D major, A minor, and E minor chords. It has a bouncy, upbeat feel that matches the determination in the lyrics. The pattern is a I-V-vi-iii progression in the key of G major. So if you understand those basic open guitar chords or piano chords, you'll be able to play along with much of the song.

Chords for Specific Sections

Here is a breakdown of the chords used in different sections of "I Can't Get Away":

Verse:

G, D, Am, Em

Chorus:

G, D, Cadd9, G

Bridge:

Am, C, G, D

Strumming Patterns

The strumming pattern for the verses mixes up and down strums to create a driving, resilient feel. The pattern could be described as:

Down, down-up, up, down-up

Focus on keeping the rhythm steady as you switch between the chords. The choruses have more of a rolling, forward-momentum strumming pattern better transcribed as:

Down, up, down, up

In the bridge, the mood shifts slightly with a simpler downstrums on each chord.

Tips for Learning the Chords

Here are some suggestions to help master the "I Can't Get Away" chords and chord changes:

• Use chord charts to have the chords and strumming patterns laid out in an easy-to-read format
• Start slow and aim for accuracy before trying to go faster
• Break the song down into smaller sections and get each part down individually
• Use a metronome to internalize the timing
• Record yourself and listen back to improve
• Pay attention to chord transitions to make them smooth

Playing "I Can't Get Away" for Beginners

As a relatively simple country-influenced chord progression, "I Can't Get Away" can be a great tune for beginner guitar players or pianists to start learning. Focusing just on a few sections at a time can make the learning process less intimidating.

Good Sections for Novices

The repetition in the song makes it well-suited for introducing beginners to practicing chord changes. The verses only use 4 chords, repeating in sequence. New players can begin by just getting used to transitioning smoothly between the G major and D major chords that start each verse sequence.

Since the chorus also sticks to only 4 consistent chords, that section also works well for beginners to play along with once they're comfortable with the G and D changes. The Cadd9 and final G chord will stretch their skills with some new changes to coordinate.

How to Simplify Strumming

Coordinating the strumming patterns while accurately transitioning between chords can be complicated for those just getting started. Simplify things at first by using only basic quarter note downstrums:

G - Downstrum
D - Downstrum
Am - Downstrum
Em - Downstrum

This will allow beginners to put full focus on smoothly moving from chord to chord while keeping rhythm before adding the fuller strumming pattern.

Tips for Beginners

Keep these tips in mind when starting out on "I Can't Get Away":

• Use a keyboard or chord diagrams to help recognize chord finger positions
• Only play sections with 2-3 chords at first
• Play each chord as whole notes at tempo to learn chord changes
• Relax your fretting hand to allow fluid transitions
• Refer back frequently to chord charts/diagrams

Gradually increase playing difficulty, speed, and length as your chord changing ability develops. With consistency, the transitions required to play "I Can't Get Away" will become second nature.

Resources for Learning "I Can't Get Away" Chords

Taking advantage of available chord charts, tutorial videos, tabs, and more can provide valuable help as you learn the chords to play "I Can't Get Away." These resources break the song down in detail to make the learning process easier.

Guitar Chord Charts

Print out chord charts for "I Can't Get Away" to always have the chords and strumming patterns for reference. These show the chord diagrams linked to the proper place in the song structure so you know exactly when to play each one.

Guitar Tabs / Sheet Music

Tabs and sheet music provide guidance on playing the individual rhythm guitar parts or vocal melodies note-for-note. Tabs use numbers and symbols to indicate what strings and frets to play, while sheet music uses standard musical notation.

YouTube Lessons / Tutorials

Abundant guitar and piano tutorial videos are available on YouTube breaking down how to play "I Can't Get Away." Watch these not only for the chord and playing guidance but also for ideas on rhythm and "feel."

Interactive Chord Sites

Sites like Chordie allow you to hover over the lyrics of "I Can't Get Away" to then display what chord shape to play at that moment. This interactivity helps engrain the chord changes that go with the words.

Using all the materials at your disposal will help internalize the chord changes needed to confidently play "I Can't Get Away" and sing along. With consistent practice over time, playing the song will become second nature as muscle memory develops.

FAQs

What are the main chords used in "I Can't Get Away"?

The main chords are G major, D major, A minor, E minor, and Cadd9. The progression follows a I-V-vi-iii pattern in the key of G major.

Is "I Can't Get Away" a good song for beginners to learn on guitar or piano?

Yes, the repetitive chord progression pattern using just a few easy open chords makes it well-suited for beginners to practice chord changes and strumming.

What is the strumming pattern for the verses?

The strumming pattern for the verses is: Down, down-up, up, down-up. Focus on keeping the rhythm steady as you switch between chords.

What chord progression is used in the choruses?

The choruses use a I-V-VII-I progression, playing G major, D major, Cadd9, and G major chords.