This Must Be The Place Chords

The iconic song by Talking Heads. “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” is a beloved track from their 1983 album “Speaking in Tongues”. To play this song, you’ll need a good understanding of chord progressions and a bit of practice to get the unique rhythm and feel just right. Here’s a breakdown of the chords you’ll need:

Verse: G - G7 - C - C7 G - G7 - Am - D7

Chorus: G - D - Em - C G - D - Em - C

Bridge: Am - F - G - C Am - F - G - C

Chord Variations: Throughout the song, David Byrne uses several variations of these chords, including suspended chords (e.g., Csus2 instead of C), major seventh chords (e.g., Gmaj7 instead of G), and added tone chords (e.g., Gadd9 instead of G). Feel free to experiment with these variations to add your own flavor to the song.

Strumming Pattern: The strumming pattern for “This Must Be the Place” is quite distinctive. Focus on a steady, eighth-note rhythm with an emphasis on the “and” of beat 2. You can use a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes to create a bouncy, energetic feel.

Tips:

• Pay attention to your chord transitions, as some of the changes can be quite quick.
• Experiment with different rhythms and emphasis to capture the song’s unique feel.
• Don’t be afraid to add your own embellishments, such as suspended chords or melodic fills, to make the song your own.
• If you’re playing with a band, make sure to communicate with your fellow musicians about the chord progressions, strumming pattern, and overall feel of the song.

Now, go ahead and start playing! With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to capture the essence of this incredible song.

In addition to the chords and strumming pattern, it’s essential to understand the song’s history and context. “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” was written by David Byrne and was released as a single in 1983. The song has since become one of the band’s most popular and enduring tracks, with its unique blend of art rock, new wave, and pop influences.

The song’s lyrics are often interpreted as a nostalgic and introspective reflection on love, relationships, and the passage of time. The song’s title, “This Must Be the Place,” refers to the idea of finding a sense of home and belonging, whether that’s a physical place or a emotional state.

To take your playing to the next level, try experimenting with different arrangements and interpretations of the song. You could try playing it as a solo acoustic piece, or with a full band. You could also experiment with different genres and styles, such as jazz or folk, to create a unique and interesting cover version.

Overall, “This Must Be the Place (Naive Melody)” is a fantastic song to play and listen to, with its unique blend of art rock, new wave, and pop influences. With practice and patience, you can master the song’s chord progressions and strumming pattern, and create your own unique and interesting interpretation.

By following these tips and practicing regularly, you can master the chord progressions and strumming pattern of “This Must Be the Place” and create your own unique and interesting interpretation of this iconic song.