Hey guys! Today, we're diving into the awesome track "One Night Only" by The Struts. This song is an absolute banger, filled with energy and killer guitar riffs. If you're looking to add a rock anthem to your repertoire, you've come to the right place. In this guide, we'll break down the chords, strumming patterns, and some tips to help you nail this song. So grab your guitar, tune up, and let's get started!

Introduction to "One Night Only"

"One Night Only" is a quintessential rock song by The Struts, known for their flamboyant style and electrifying performances. Released as part of their album, this track encapsulates the band's high-energy vibe and glam rock influences. For guitarists, it’s a fantastic song to learn because it features a catchy chord progression, a driving rhythm, and opportunities to practice power chords and some lead fills. The song’s structure is fairly straightforward, making it accessible for intermediate players while still offering enough challenge to keep things interesting. Before we jump into the chords, let's talk a bit about what makes this song so special.

The beauty of "One Night Only" lies in its simplicity and raw energy. The song doesn't rely on complex chord voicings or intricate fingerpicking. Instead, it's all about delivering a powerful, driving rhythm that gets the crowd moving. The main chords are relatively easy to grasp, but the key is in the delivery – making sure you capture the energy and attitude of The Struts. Think big, bold strums and a confident performance. This song is a fantastic way to improve your rhythm guitar skills and get comfortable playing with a band. It's also a great choice for live performances, as it's guaranteed to get the audience singing along. The infectious melody and catchy lyrics make it an instant crowd-pleaser. So, if you're looking for a song that's both fun to play and guaranteed to impress, "One Night Only" is an excellent choice. Just remember to channel your inner rock star and have fun with it!

Chords You'll Need

To play "One Night Only," you'll need to know a few essential chords. Don't worry, they're mostly common and easy to learn. Here's a breakdown:

• E Major (E): This is a fundamental chord. Place your index finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 1st fret, your middle finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret. Strum all six strings.
• B Major (B): This one can be a bit tricky for beginners, but with practice, you'll get it. There are a couple of ways to play it. The easiest is as a power chord (B5) but, for the full B Major, barre your index finger across the 2nd fret of all six strings. Place your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 4th fret, your ring finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 4th fret, and your pinky on the 2nd string (B string) at the 4th fret.
• C# Minor (C#m): Another barre chord. Barre your index finger across the 4th fret of all six strings. Place your middle finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 5th fret, your ring finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 6th fret, and your pinky on the 3rd string (G string) at the 6th fret.
• A Major (A): Place your index finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 2nd fret, your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret, and your ring finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 2nd fret. Strum the top five strings, avoiding the low E string.

These chords form the backbone of "One Night Only." Make sure you can transition between them smoothly, as this will make learning the song much easier. Practice each chord individually, focusing on clean and clear sound, before trying to play them in sequence. A good tip is to use a metronome to keep your timing consistent. Start slow and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern for "One Night Only" is relatively straightforward, focusing on a strong, driving rhythm that complements the energy of the song. While there are variations you can incorporate, a basic pattern that works well is:

• Down, Down, Up, Down, Up

This pattern provides a good balance between rhythm and accentuation. The downstrokes on the beat give the song its power, while the upstrokes add a touch of syncopation. Feel free to experiment with variations to find what sounds best to you. For example, you could try adding a slight emphasis on the first downstroke of each chord to give it more punch. Another variation is to incorporate some palm muting to create a more percussive sound, especially during the verses. This involves resting the edge of your strumming hand lightly on the strings near the bridge of the guitar, which dampens the sound and adds a rhythmic texture. Listen closely to the original recording to get a feel for the nuances in the strumming pattern. The Struts are known for their dynamic performances, so pay attention to how they vary the intensity of their playing throughout the song. This can involve strumming harder during the chorus and softening up during the verses. It's all about creating a sense of ebb and flow that keeps the listener engaged. Remember, the most important thing is to keep a steady rhythm and have fun with it! The goal is to create a sound that's both powerful and infectious, capturing the energy of The Struts.

Song Structure and Chord Progression

Understanding the structure of "One Night Only" is essential for learning the song efficiently. Here's a breakdown of the typical song structure and the chord progressions used in each section:

• Verse: The verse typically uses a progression of E - B - C#m - A. This sequence creates a catchy and memorable melody. Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords to maintain the flow of the song.
• Chorus: The chorus is where the song really takes off. The chord progression often remains the same as the verse (E - B - C#m - A), but with a more energetic strumming pattern and vocal delivery. This is where you can really let loose and channel the energy of The Struts.
• Bridge: The bridge may introduce a slight variation in the chord progression, possibly using different voicings or adding a chord to create tension before returning to the chorus. Pay close attention to the changes in this section.
• Solo: While "One Night Only" isn't heavily focused on guitar solos, there may be short fills or lead lines. These are often based around the E major scale or pentatonic scale. Learning these scales can help you improvise your own solos or fills.

To master the song structure, try breaking it down into smaller sections and practicing each one individually. Once you're comfortable with each section, try playing them in sequence. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent, and gradually increase the tempo as you become more confident. It's also helpful to listen to the original recording and follow along with the chords. This will help you internalize the song's structure and get a feel for the dynamics of each section. Remember, the key to learning any song is repetition and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually nail it.

Tips for Playing "One Night Only"

To really nail "One Night Only," here are some extra tips to keep in mind:

• Practice Transitions: Smooth transitions between chords are crucial. Practice moving between E, B, C#m, and A until you can do it without hesitation. Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent.
• Focus on Rhythm: The song's energy comes from its strong rhythm. Pay attention to your strumming pattern and ensure it's consistent and driving. Try different strumming variations to add your own flair.
• Listen to the Original: Listen to The Struts' version of "One Night Only" repeatedly. Pay attention to the nuances in their playing, the dynamics, and the overall feel of the song. This will help you capture the essence of the track.
• Play with Confidence: "One Night Only" is a song that demands confidence. Emulate the energy and attitude of The Struts when you play it. Don't be afraid to let loose and have fun!
• Experiment with Dynamics: Vary your strumming intensity throughout the song. Play softer during the verses and build up to a more powerful strum during the chorus. This will add depth and interest to your performance.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to mastering "One Night Only." Remember, the key is to practice regularly and have fun with it. The more you play, the more comfortable you'll become with the chords, strumming pattern, and overall feel of the song. So grab your guitar, crank up the volume, and start rocking!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When learning "One Night Only" by The Struts, there are a few common pitfalls that guitarists often encounter. Being aware of these mistakes can help you avoid them and learn the song more efficiently. Here are some of the most common errors:

• Rushing the Chord Changes: One of the biggest mistakes is trying to switch chords too quickly. This often results in sloppy transitions and missed notes. Instead, focus on smooth, deliberate chord changes. Practice transitioning between each chord pair slowly and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
• Inconsistent Strumming: Maintaining a consistent strumming pattern is crucial for capturing the energy of the song. Many guitarists struggle with keeping a steady rhythm, especially when transitioning between chords. Use a metronome to practice your strumming and ensure that each stroke is even and consistent.
• Ignoring Dynamics: "One Night Only" is a dynamic song, with variations in intensity throughout. Many guitarists play the song at a constant volume, which can make it sound monotonous. Pay attention to the dynamics of the song and vary your strumming intensity to create a more engaging performance.
• Incorrect Finger Placement: Another common mistake is incorrect finger placement on the chords. This can result in buzzing or muted notes and make the chords sound unclear. Take the time to ensure that your fingers are positioned correctly on each chord and that you are applying enough pressure to produce a clear sound.
• Not Listening to the Original: Failing to listen to the original recording is a common mistake that can hinder your progress. The Struts' version of "One Night Only" is full of nuances and subtle details that can be easily missed if you don't listen closely. Pay attention to the guitar parts, the dynamics, and the overall feel of the song. This will help you capture the essence of the track and play it more accurately.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you'll be well on your way to mastering "One Night Only" and adding this rock anthem to your repertoire. Remember to practice regularly, pay attention to detail, and have fun with it!

Conclusion

So there you have it! You've now got the tools to tackle "One Night Only" by The Struts. Remember, learning guitar takes time and patience, so don't get discouraged if you don't nail it right away. Keep practicing, and you'll be rocking out in no time. This song is a fantastic addition to any guitarist's repertoire, offering a great blend of fun, energy, and skill-building. Now go grab your guitar and start playing. Have fun, and keep rocking!