Rivermaya - Checkmate Chords

Intro: F#-E-F#-E

    F#                    E
A candle light dinner for two
                 F#             E  
But there’s only me and there’s no you
   F#                       E
Waiting for the flowers to bloom
                 F#
It consumes my world
                          E
Thoughts reach up to the moon
                    F#
It’s understandable that I’m not
           E
Thinking right
                       F#
My heart is leading the way
                  E
It contradicts my mind but I say

Chorus:
F#
Two different people
E                        
One way or another will find a way
           F#
To make it work
       E
Some little time for each other is
B
Good for the soul
         F                        E
Happily ever after, if you want to live
         
Look for another side of each other
A       
When can time and logic
F#-E-F#-E
Follow?

F#                                E
So I guess in the meantime I’ll watch
A movie by myself
F#                      E
Not feeling lonely I have some
Friends to keep me company

                  E
But if, when the time comes 
                               F#
That see who’s meant to be with me
 
 E    
Whoever that’ll be
F#               E
It doesn’t have to be destiny
Because
(repeat chorus)

Adlib: F#-E-A-F#-A-E
Chorus:



How to play "Checkmate" on guitar

Intro and Verse Chords:
- Start with a repetitive chord progression F# and E for the intro.
- Maintain this pattern for the verses, which set a contemplative and
somewhat melancholic mood.

Strumming Pattern:
- Use a steady and rhythmic strumming pattern such as down-down-up-up-down-up.
- This pattern should be consistent to maintain the flow and build up the emotional
narrative of the verses.

Chorus Chords:
- Continue with F# and E, but add B and F for a richer harmonic texture.
- The chorus opens up emotionally, so intensify your strumming here to match the lyrical
content about hope and possibilities.

Adlib Section:
- The adlib part uses the chords F#, E, A, transitioning back to F# and A, and then to E.
- This section allows for a bit of instrumental expression. Play it with a mix of strumming
and individual note picking to highlight the melody.

Common Mistakes:
- Not varying the strumming dynamics between the verse and chorus, which can make
the song sound monotonous.
- Losing the rhythm in the transitions between the different chords, especially during the
adlib and chorus sections.

General Tips:
- Pay close attention to the emotional shifts in the lyrics, and reflect these in your playing
style and dynamics.
- Practice the transitions between the more complex chords in the chorus to ensure smooth
execution during performance.

Lyrics Meaning:
- "Checkmate" explores themes of waiting and anticipation in love, the complexity of relationships,
and the eventual acceptance that things may not turn out as planned. The song captures
the bittersweet realization that love can be both hopeful and disappointing.