Ready to unleash your inner pop star? You've come to the right place. Fifth Harmony's "Worth It" isn't just an anthem of confidence; it's also a fantastic song to learn on the guitar, offering a potent blend of catchy rhythms and foundational chord progressions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the Chord Gitar dan Tutorial Worth It (Fifth Harmony), transforming you from a listener to a player with insights that go beyond just dots on a fretboard.
Learning to play "Worth It" by Fifth Harmony on your guitar can feel incredibly rewarding. It’s a song that pumps energy into any room, and once you master its rhythms and chord changes, you’ll not only have a new track for your repertoire but also a deeper understanding of pop music dynamics on the acoustic or electric. Let's dive in.
At a Glance: Your Quick Start Guide to "Worth It"
- Key Chords: You'll primarily be working with Cm, G, Ab, Eb, and Bb.
- Difficulty Level: Intermediate, mainly due to the barre chords (Cm, Bb, and often Eb and Ab if you're not using open positions). Don't worry, we'll break them down.
- Tempo: Upbeat and energetic, making timing crucial for that signature feel.
- Strumming: A driving, consistent rhythm is key. We'll suggest patterns.
- Best For: Players looking to practice barre chords, improve chord transitions, and get a feel for modern pop rhythms.
- No Capo Needed: The song's original key is comfortable without a capo.
Why "Worth It" is Worth Your Time on Guitar
Before we jump into the finger placements, let's talk about why "Worth It" is an excellent choice for your guitar journey. Beyond its undeniable catchiness, this track by Fifth Harmony offers a structured approach to improving several key guitar skills:
- Barre Chord Proficiency: "Worth It" heavily relies on barre chords like Cm and Bb, and often Ab and Eb as well. This song provides excellent, repetitive practice to build finger strength and ensure clean, ringing notes.
- Rhythmic Accuracy: The song's strong, driving beat demands a consistent and precise strumming hand. Mastering the rhythm here will improve your overall timing and feel for upbeat songs.
- Smooth Transitions: The chord changes are frequent and often involve moving between barre chords. This is prime territory for honing your transition speed and fluidity, a crucial skill for any guitarist.
- Understanding Pop Structure: Like many pop hits, "Worth It" follows a clear verse-pre-chorus-chorus structure. Learning to identify and play these sections helps you deconstruct and understand other songs more easily.
- Performance Readiness: It's a crowd-pleaser! Once you nail it, "Worth It" is a fantastic song to play for friends, at open mic nights, or simply to boost your own musical confidence.
This isn't just about learning a song; it's about learning through a song. "Worth It" is a practical workshop for fundamental guitar techniques wrapped in an irresistible package.
The Building Blocks: Essential Chords for "Worth It"
To play "Worth It," you'll need to get comfortable with five primary chords. Let's look at each, along with standard fingerings and a quick tip for nailing them.
1. C Minor (Cm)
This is a recurring chord throughout the song, often appearing as a barre chord.
- Fingering (Barre Chord):
- Index finger (1) barred across all strings at the 3rd fret.
- Ring finger (3) on the 5th fret of the A string.
- Pinky finger (4) on the 5th fret of the D string.
- Middle finger (2) on the 4th fret of the G string.
- Tip: Ensure your index finger is flat and pressing firmly, especially near the nut, to get all strings to ring out clearly. Often, a slight tilt of the index finger can help.
2. G Major (G)
Another core chord that appears frequently. You can use an open G or a barre G, depending on your comfort and the desired sound.
- Fingering (Open Position):
- Middle finger (2) on the 3rd fret of the Low E string.
- Index finger (1) on the 2nd fret of the A string.
- Open D, G, B strings.
- Pinky finger (4) on the 3rd fret of the High E string.
- Fingering (Barre Chord - 3rd fret):
- Index finger (1) barred across all strings at the 3rd fret.
- Middle finger (2) on the 4th fret of the G string.
- Ring finger (3) on the 5th fret of the A string.
- Pinky finger (4) on the 5th fret of the D string. (This is essentially an F major shape moved up, or a Cm shape if you adjust the middle finger slightly).
- Tip: For the open G, make sure all six strings ring clearly. For the barre G, focus on strong index finger pressure.
3. A-flat Major (Ab)
This chord is part of the pre-chorus. It's almost always played as a barre chord.
- Fingering (Barre Chord):
- Index finger (1) barred across all strings at the 4th fret.
- Middle finger (2) on the 5th fret of the G string.
- Ring finger (3) on the 6th fret of the A string.
- Pinky finger (4) on the 6th fret of the D string.
- Tip: Think of this as an open G shape (if you know it as a barre) or an F major shape moved up. Again, strong barre pressure is key.
4. E-flat Major (Eb)
Another pre-chorus chord, typically a barre chord.
- Fingering (Barre Chord):
- Index finger (1) barred across all strings at the 6th fret.
- Middle finger (2) on the 7th fret of the G string.
- Ring finger (3) on the 8th fret of the A string.
- Pinky finger (4) on the 8th fret of the D string.
- Tip: This is the same shape as Ab, just shifted two frets higher. If you nailed Ab, Eb should feel familiar.
5. B-flat Major (Bb)
The final chord in the pre-chorus progression. This is also a barre chord.
- Fingering (Barre Chord):
- Index finger (1) barred across the A string down to the High E string at the 1st fret (or all strings if you prefer a full barre).
- Middle finger (2) on the 2nd fret of the G string.
- Ring finger (3) on the 3rd fret of the D string.
- Pinky finger (4) on the 3rd fret of the B string.
- Tip: This is a common shape (A shape barred). Focus on getting the A, D, G, and B strings to ring clearly.
Practice each of these chords individually until you can switch between them relatively smoothly. Your fingers might ache a bit at first, especially with the barre chords, but consistency is your best friend here.
Decoding the Rhythm: Strumming Patterns for "Worth It"
"Worth It" thrives on a driving, consistent rhythm that propels the song forward. While there's no single "correct" strumming pattern, here's a versatile one you can adapt:
Basic Strumming Pattern (Per Measure):
- Down - Down-Up - Up-Down-Up
Let's break that down: - Down (1): A strong downstroke on the first beat.
- Down-Up (and 2): A quick down then upstroke on the "and" of 1 and on beat 2.
- Up-Down-Up (and 3 and 4): A set of three quick strums covering the end of beat 2, beat 3, and the "and" of 3.
Putting it together for a 4/4 measure:
1 & 2 & 3 & 4 &
D D U U D U
Key Strumming Tips:
- Listen to the Original: The best way to internalize the rhythm is to listen closely to the original track. Pay attention to the percussion and how the guitar (or synth) elements interact with it.
- Subtle Accents: Notice that the downstrokes on beats 1 and 3 are often slightly stronger, giving the rhythm its pulse.
- Muting: The song has a tight, somewhat muted feel. You can achieve this by lightly resting the edge of your picking hand's palm near the bridge (palm-muting) during some parts, particularly the verses, to give it that percussive "thump."
- Practice Slow: Start with a metronome at a very slow tempo (e.g., 60-80 bpm). Focus on clean strumming and consistent timing before gradually increasing the speed to match the song's tempo (around 100 bpm).
- Varying Dynamics: While the core pattern is consistent, you can vary the intensity. Strum harder and fuller during the chorus for impact, and lighter during the verses to create contrast.
Remember, this is a starting point. Feel free to experiment and find a strumming pattern that feels natural and captures the energy of "Worth It" for you.
Section by Section: Deconstructing "Worth It" with Chords and Lyrics
Now, let's put it all together. We'll go through the song's structure, section by section, providing the lyrics and corresponding chords. This is where your practice on individual chords and strumming patterns pays off. For a full lyrical breakdown, you can always refer to the Worth It lyrics page to ensure you're singing along perfectly.
[INTRO]
The intro sets the tone, a quick two measures of Cm. Get ready for the energy!
Cm
(Strum 2 measures of Cm, establishing the beat)
[CHORUS]
This is where the song explodes. The main progression is a simple yet powerful alternation between Cm and G. Each chord gets two measures.
Cm
Give it to me I'm worth it
Cm
Baby I'm worth it
G
Uh huh I'm worth it
G
Gimme gimme I'm worth it
(Repeats this progression)
Tip for Chorus: Maintain strong, confident strumming here. Make sure your transition from Cm to G is smooth and quick. The G chord here often feels like a release after the minor tension of Cm.
[VERSE 1]
The verses maintain the Cm to G progression, but with a slightly less intense feel than the chorus. Focus on your timing with the vocal delivery.
Cm
Okay, I tell her bring it back like she left some
Cm
Bring it Bring it back like she left some
G
Uh in the club with the lights off
G
What you actin shy fo', come and show me that you
Cm
Wid it, wid it, wid it, wid it, wid it
Cm
Stop playin', how you know that I
G
Wid it, wid it, wid it, wid it, wid it, wid it
G
What you actin shy for
Tip for Verses: You can lighten your strumming here, maybe incorporating a bit of palm-muting to give it that percussive, almost whispered feel before the chorus builds again.
[VERSE 2]
The second verse follows the same chord structure as the first. This repetition is great for solidifying your Cm-G changes.
Cm
Just gimne you, just give me you
Cm
Just gimme me you, that's all I wanna do
G
And if what they say is true, if its true
G
I might give me to you
Cm
I may take a lot of stuff
Cm
Guaranteed I can back it up
Cm
I think I'ma call you bluff
Cm
Hurry up, I'm waiting out front
[PRE-CHORUS]
This section introduces the new chords: Ab, Eb, and Bb. This is the most challenging sequence of the song due to the rapid barre chord changes. Each chord typically gets one measure, sometimes two for the last G before the chorus.
Ab Eb
Uh huh, you see me in the spot like oooh I love your style
Cm Bb
Uh huh, show me what you got, cus I don't wanna waste my time
Ab Eb
Uh huh, you see me in the spot like oooh I love your style
Cm G
Uh huh, show me what you got now come and make it worth my while
Tip for Pre-Chorus: Slow down significantly when practicing this section. Focus on hitting each chord cleanly before the next transition. The Ab to Eb, then Cm to Bb, then back to Ab to Eb, and finally Cm to G requires smooth, strong fingerwork. This is your barre chord bootcamp!
[CHORUS]
(Repeats with Cm, G chords)
[VERSE 3]
Another verse, same progression. Consistent practice will make these Cm and G changes feel like second nature.
Cm
It's all on you, it's all on you
Cm
It's all on you, so what you wanna do
G
And if you don't have a clue, not a clue
G
I'll tell you what to do
Cm
Come harder just because
Cm
I don't like it, like it too soft
G
I like it a little rough, not too much, but maybe just enough
[PRE-CHORUS]
(Repeats with Ab Eb, Cm Bb, Ab Eb, Cm G chords)
[CHORUS]
(Repeats with Cm, G chords)
[VERSE 1]
(Repeats with Cm, G chords)
[PRE-CHORUS]
(Repeats with Ab Eb, Cm Bb, Ab Eb, Cm G chords)
[CHORUS]
(Repeats with Cm, G chords)
Song Structure Recap:
The song largely alternates between the Cm-G progression for verses and chorus, with the pre-chorus introducing the Ab-Eb-Cm-Bb-Ab-Eb-Cm-G sequence. Notice the clever use of repetition; once you master a few sections, you've essentially got the whole song down!
Tips for Mastering "Worth It" and Beyond
Learning a song, especially one with barre chords and a fast tempo like "Worth It," requires more than just memorizing finger positions. Here are some strategies to truly master the track and enhance your overall guitar skills.
1. The Power of Slow Practice (With a Metronome)
This cannot be stressed enough. Trying to play at full speed right away often leads to sloppy playing and embedded bad habits.
- Start at 50% Speed: Set your metronome to half the song's tempo (around 50 bpm) and play through the entire song.
- Focus on Clarity: Are all notes ringing out? Are your chord changes clean? Is your rhythm consistent?
- Gradual Increase: Incrementally raise the tempo by 5-10 bpm only when you can play the section perfectly at the current speed. This builds muscle memory correctly.
2. Isolate Challenging Transitions
The Ab-Eb-Cm-Bb sequence in the pre-chorus is likely the trickiest part. Don't try to power through the entire song if this section is giving you trouble.
- "Chord Pair" Drills: Practice just Ab to Eb, then Eb to Cm, then Cm to Bb, etc. Repeat each pair 10-20 times until the movement feels smooth.
- Focus on Economy of Motion: Try to lift your fingers just enough to clear the strings, moving them efficiently to the next chord shape. Minimizing unnecessary finger movement speeds up transitions.
3. Listen Actively and Play Along
Beyond just knowing the chords, understanding the feel of the song is paramount.
- Active Listening: Pay attention to the original track. How does the guitar (or background instrumentation) contribute to the rhythm? Where are the accents?
- Play with the Song: Once you're comfortable with the chords and a basic strumming pattern, try playing along with the original recording. This is the ultimate test of your timing and ability to blend in.
4. Build Finger Strength for Barre Chords
If your barre chords are sounding muted or your hand aches quickly, you need to build strength.
- Dedicated Barre Chord Practice: Spend 5-10 minutes each practice session just holding barre chords cleanly. Focus on pressing evenly across all strings.
- Forearm and Hand Stretches: Regular stretches can improve flexibility and reduce strain, aiding in barre chord execution.
5. Record Yourself
It might feel awkward at first, but recording your practice sessions is incredibly insightful.
- Self-Assessment: Listen back with a critical ear. Where are you rushing? Where are notes buzzing? Which transitions are weak?
- Track Progress: You'll be amazed at how much you improve over time, and hearing it will be a huge motivator.
Common Pitfalls and How to Overcome Them
Every guitarist encounters challenges. Here are some common issues when learning "Worth It" and practical solutions.
Pitfall 1: Muted or Buzzing Barre Chords
This is the most frequent complaint about barre chords.
- Cause: Insufficient or uneven pressure across the barre finger; not using the bone side of your index finger; thumb not providing counter-pressure.
- Solution:
- "Roll" Your Finger: Slightly rotate your index finger so you're pressing with the firmer, bonier side, not the fleshy pad.
- Thumb Placement: Position your thumb directly behind your index finger on the back of the neck, creating a "pincer" grip.
- Elbow In: Pull your elbow slightly closer to your body; this often gives your hand more leverage.
- Check Each String: Strum each string individually after forming the chord to identify which ones aren't ringing. Adjust your finger pressure until all are clear.
Pitfall 2: Slow or Choppy Chord Changes
Struggling to switch between chords in time with the song.
- Cause: Lifting fingers too high; thinking about each finger placement individually; lack of muscle memory.
- Solution:
- "Floating Fingers": Try to keep your fingers close to the fretboard when lifting, ready to move to the next position. Don't let them fly far away.
- Anticipate: Look ahead to the next chord. As you strum the current chord, your brain should already be "prepping" for the next one.
- Practice Chord Pairs (again!): As mentioned, isolate the two chords you're struggling to switch between and drill them back and forth.
Pitfall 3: Losing the Beat
The song's energy and tempo can be challenging to maintain.
- Cause: Not using a metronome; focusing too much on chords and forgetting the rhythm; tension in the strumming hand.
- Solution:
- Metronome is Non-Negotiable: Seriously, use it every time.
- Foot Tapping/Head Nodding: Physically externalize the beat. This helps your whole body internalize the rhythm.
- Relax Your Strumming Hand: A tense hand will tire quickly and become erratic. Keep your wrist loose and let it do most of the work for the strumming motion.
Pitfall 4: Feeling Discouraged
It's natural to hit plateaus.
- Cause: Unrealistic expectations; comparing yourself to others; not recognizing small victories.
- Solution:
- Break It Down: If the whole song is too much, focus on just the chorus, or just a single difficult transition.
- Celebrate Small Wins: Did you nail that Cm to G change three times in a row? Great! Acknowledge that progress.
- Take Breaks: Sometimes, stepping away for a few hours or even a day can "reset" your brain and fingers, making the next session more productive.
Taking It Further: Beyond the Basic Chords
Once you're comfortable playing "Worth It" with the basic chords and strumming pattern, you can start exploring ways to add more flair and personal touch.
1. Experiment with Different Chord Voicings
While the barre chords are standard, you can experiment. For instance:
- Open Position Alternatives: Some players prefer open C minor (though less common) or a G major in the open position. While this song leans heavily on barre chords for its driving rhythm, knowing alternatives can be useful for other songs.
- Power Chords: For a grittier, rockier feel, you could substitute some major and minor barre chords with power chords (e.g., Cm power chord at 3rd fret, G power chord at 3rd fret). This works particularly well if you're playing on an electric guitar with distortion.
2. Incorporate Arpeggios (Subtly)
For quieter sections or intros, instead of strumming, you could try picking the individual notes of the chords.
- Intro Idea: Instead of just strumming Cm, pick the notes of the Cm chord (e.g., A string 3rd fret, D string 5th, G string 4th, B string 4th) in a rhythmic pattern.
- Verse Variation: During the "Wid it, wid it" sections, a very light, sparse arpeggio might create an interesting contrast to the heavy strumming of the chorus.
3. Solo or Lead Fills
The original track has synth lines and vocal harmonies that create melodic interest. If you're playing with a band or want to add a lead part:
- Pentatonic Scale: The Cm natural minor scale (or C minor pentatonic) would be your go-to for improvising lead lines over the song. This scale is perfect for adding melodic fills that fit the song's key.
- Listen for Hooks: Try to identify the prominent melodic hooks in the song (vocal lines, synth parts) and learn to play them on your guitar.
4. Adding Percussive Elements
Clapping, finger taps, or even muted strums on the body of the guitar can add a percussive layer, especially if you're playing solo.
- Muted Strums: Integrate quick, percussive muted strums (lightly touch strings with fretting hand while strumming) in between chord changes to add to the rhythmic drive without sounding too busy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions aspiring guitarists have about learning "Worth It."
Q: Is "Worth It" hard to play on guitar for a beginner?
A: For an absolute beginner, "Worth It" might be challenging primarily because of the reliance on barre chords (Cm, Ab, Eb, Bb). Mastering these chords takes time and finger strength. However, for a beginner who has a basic grasp of open chords and is ready to tackle barre chords, it's an excellent song for focused practice and skill development. It's definitely "worth it" for intermediate players.
Q: What key is "Worth It" in?
A: "Worth It" is in the key of C minor. This is evident from the prevalence of the Cm chord and the overall minor-key feel. The G major chord serves as the dominant chord, leading back to Cm, and the Ab and Eb chords are also diatonic to C minor.
Q: Can I play "Worth It" with a capo?
A: You can play "Worth It" with a capo, but it's not strictly necessary for the original key. If you find the barre chords at the 3rd, 4th, and 6th frets too difficult, you could place a capo on, say, the 3rd fret and play the song using A minor shapes.
- If Capo on 3rd fret: Play Am (instead of Cm), Em (instead of G), F (instead of Ab), C (instead of Eb), G (instead of Bb). This translates the barre chords into more beginner-friendly open or easier barre shapes. However, remember the barre chords for this song are excellent practice!
Q: How can I make my barre chords sound clearer?
A: Focus on applying even pressure across the entire barre finger. Roll your index finger slightly to use the boney side. Ensure your thumb is providing firm counter-pressure on the back of the neck, directly behind your index finger. Practice slowly, pressing firmly, and checking each string individually until it rings clear. Consistency is key to building the necessary finger strength.
Q: What kind of guitar is best for playing "Worth It"?
A: "Worth It" sounds great on both acoustic and electric guitars.
- Acoustic: Provides a full, resonant sound that's perfect for singing along and solo performance.
- Electric: Allows you to experiment with effects (like a touch of chorus or delay) to mimic the song's production, and makes barre chords slightly easier to press due to lower string action. Ultimately, choose the guitar you're most comfortable with and enjoy playing.
Your Next Steps: Making It Truly "Worth It"
You've got the chords, the strumming pattern, and a detailed breakdown of Fifth Harmony's "Worth It." Now it's time to transform this knowledge into tangible skill. Here's how to make your efforts truly pay off:
- Consistent Practice: Dedicate 15-30 minutes daily (or as often as possible) to "Worth It." Even short, focused sessions are more effective than one long, infrequent session.
- Focus on Weaknesses: Don't avoid the tricky parts. If the pre-chorus is tough, spend 80% of your practice time on that section until it clicks.
- Perform for Yourself: Play through the song as if you were performing on stage. Sing along! This adds another layer of coordination and helps you internalize the full musical experience.
- Explore Other Songs: Once "Worth It" feels comfortable, apply the skills you've gained to new challenges. Look for other pop songs that use similar chord progressions or require barre chord proficiency. This continuous learning is what truly builds a versatile guitarist.
Learning "Worth It" on the guitar is more than just memorizing a few shapes; it's an exercise in rhythm, finger strength, and musical interpretation. Embrace the challenge, enjoy the process, and soon you'll be confidently belting out, "Baby, I'm worth it!" with your guitar as your powerful accompaniment. Keep strumming!