Rivermaya - If Chords

Tuning: EADBGe (Standard)

Chords:

A  - x02220
A7 - x02020
D  - xx0232
G  - 320033

Intro:A-A7-D-G(2x)

Verse:

A                    A7 
If I could choose to live my life 
D                      G
There'll be no if's to say 
A                    A7 
If I would choose to hold your hand 
D                       G 
There'll be no words to say

Chorus:

        A 
Without thought 
        A7 
Without pride 
         D                     G 
Leave the things that seem to weaken us 
       A 
Without fear 
          A7 
Leave your lies 
        D                G 
Let the magic turn your life around

Ohhh... 

Interlude:A-A7-D-G(2x)

Verse:

   A                  A7 
If I would choose to touch you there 
       D                  G 
Would you touch me there too 
 A                 A7 
If you choose to stay with me 
       D                  G 
I'll spend my life with you

Chorus:

        A 
Without thought 
        A7 
Without pride 
         D                     G 
Leave the things that seem to weaken us 
       A 
Without fear 
          A7 
Leave your lies 
        D                G 
Let the magic turn your life around

Ohhh... 

-End-



How to play "If" by Rivermaya on guitar

Chords Overview:
This song is built around a straightforward and catchy chord progression,
using the chords A, A7, D, and G. The simplicity of these chords allows the
lyrical content to stand out, making it an excellent choice for acoustic
sessions.

Intro and Verse Chords:
- Start with the intro progression A, A7, D, G, played twice:
    A: x02220
    A7: x02020
    D: xx0232
    G: 320033
- Strum these chords with a gentle, flowing rhythm to establish the song's
  reflective mood.

Verse:
- The verses continue with the same chord pattern as the intro:
    A A7 D G
- Keep the strumming pattern consistent, focusing on smooth transitions
  between chords to maintain the song’s serene vibe.

Chorus:
- The chorus uses the same chords as the verses but emphasizes the lyrical
  message through dynamic changes:
    A A7 D G
- Consider varying the strumming intensity here to highlight the shift in
  lyrical themes, such as playing softly for "Without thought, without pride"
  and slightly louder for "Leave the things that seem to weaken us."

Interlude:
- After the first chorus, return to the intro pattern for the interlude:
    A A7 D G (played twice)
- This provides a thoughtful pause before entering the second verse.

Second Verse and Chorus:
- Follow the same chord pattern and strumming style as the first verse and
  chorus for the second verse and subsequent chorus.

General Tips:
- Ensure that each chord is played cleanly, particularly the transition
  between A and A7, which should be seamless to keep the harmonic continuity.
- Pay attention to the dynamics of your strumming; the emotional depth of the
  song can be enhanced by how softly or strongly you play.

Common Mistakes:
- Not adjusting strumming dynamics according to the emotional content of the
  lyrics can lead to a performance that feels flat. Be mindful of how the
  lyrics and chords interact.
- Rushing through the chord transitions, especially during the chorus, can
  disrupt the flow of the song. Take your time to make each chord change
  deliberate and clear.

Lyrics Meaning:
The song "If" speaks about the hypotheticals and possibilities in life,
focusing on personal choices and the impact of those choices on relationships.
It promotes a message of living without regrets and making the most of the
moments with loved ones.