Hey guys! Ever wanted to play "Reflection" by The Neighborhood on your guitar? You've come to the right place! This guide will break down everything you need to know, from the basic chords to the song structure, so you can nail this tune and impress your friends. Let's dive in!

Introduction to "Reflection"

"Reflection" by The Neighbourhood is a captivating song known for its haunting melody and evocative lyrics. It's a popular choice for guitar enthusiasts looking to add a touch of indie-rock to their repertoire. The song's chord progression and overall structure make it relatively accessible for intermediate guitar players, while still offering enough nuance to keep it interesting for more advanced musicians. The beauty of "Reflection" lies in its simplicity; the core chord sequence is repeated throughout the song, creating a hypnotic and immersive listening experience. This repetitive structure also makes it easier to learn and memorize, allowing you to focus on mastering the finer details of the song, such as the strumming pattern and dynamics. Additionally, the song's melancholic atmosphere and introspective themes resonate with many listeners, making it a powerful and emotionally engaging piece to perform. Whether you're playing it solo or with a band, "Reflection" is sure to leave a lasting impression. One of the key aspects that makes "Reflection" so appealing is its versatility. It can be adapted to various playing styles and skill levels. Beginners can focus on mastering the basic chords and strumming patterns, while more advanced players can experiment with different voicings, inversions, and embellishments to add their personal touch. The song's structure also allows for improvisation and creative interpretation, giving you the freedom to explore your own musical ideas. Furthermore, "Reflection" is a great song to learn for developing your ear training skills. By listening closely to the original recording and trying to replicate the guitar parts, you can improve your ability to recognize chords, melodies, and rhythms. This skill is essential for any aspiring musician, as it allows you to learn new songs more quickly and easily. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, "Reflection" offers a wealth of learning opportunities and musical enjoyment.

Basic Chords

Before we get started, let’s look at the chords you'll need. The main chords used in "Reflection" are relatively straightforward, making it a great song for those looking to expand their chord vocabulary without being overwhelmed. The primary chords you'll be using are:

• Am (A minor): A classic, often used in melancholic songs. Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Strum all strings.
• C (C major): A fundamental chord, essential for any guitarist. Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A string. Strum all strings, avoiding the low E string.
• G (G major): Another essential chord, providing a bright and uplifting sound. Place your middle finger on the 6th string, 3rd fret; your index finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret; and your ring finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret. Strum all strings.
• F (F major): This one can be tricky for beginners. There are a couple ways to play it.
  • F major barre chord: Barre your index finger across all six strings at the first fret. Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the G string, your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the D string, and your pinky on the 3rd fret of the B string. Strum all strings.
  • Simplified F major: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string and your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. Strum strings 1-4. This version omits the root note on the low E string, making it easier to play but sounding less full.

Mastering these chords is crucial. Spend some time practicing the transitions between them. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Smooth transitions are key to making the song sound fluid and professional. Remember, consistency is key. Even if you can only dedicate a few minutes each day to practicing, the cumulative effect will be significant over time. Don't be discouraged if you find it challenging at first; everyone struggles with certain chords or transitions when they're starting out. The important thing is to keep practicing and be patient with yourself. With enough time and effort, you'll eventually master these chords and be able to play them effortlessly. In addition to practicing the chord shapes and transitions, it's also helpful to focus on your strumming technique. Experiment with different strumming patterns and rhythms to find what sounds best to you. Pay attention to the dynamics of your playing, and try to vary the intensity and volume of your strumming to create a more expressive and engaging performance. Also, try using a metronome to develop your timing and rhythm. This will help you stay in sync with the song and ensure that your playing is consistent and accurate. By practicing with a metronome regularly, you'll improve your sense of timing and rhythm, which will make you a better musician overall. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with it! Music is all about self-expression, so feel free to add your own personal touches to the song. Whether it's adding a few embellishments, changing the strumming pattern, or even improvising a solo, don't be afraid to make the song your own. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and let your creativity shine through.

Strumming Pattern

The strumming pattern in "Reflection" is fairly simple, which contributes to the song's hypnotic feel. A common strumming pattern that works well is:

• Down, Down, Up, Down, Up

You can vary this slightly to add your own flair, but this pattern is a solid starting point. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm. Use a metronome to practice if needed. A consistent strumming pattern provides the backbone of the song, ensuring that the chords flow smoothly and rhythmically. Experiment with different variations of the pattern to find what sounds best to you, but always prioritize maintaining a consistent tempo. The dynamics of your strumming also play a crucial role in shaping the overall feel of the song. Try varying the intensity of your strums to create a more expressive and engaging performance. For example, you might strum more softly during the verses and more forcefully during the chorus. By paying attention to these details, you can add depth and nuance to your playing, making it more captivating for the listener. Remember to listen closely to the original recording of "Reflection" and try to emulate the strumming pattern as accurately as possible. Pay attention to the subtle nuances and variations in the rhythm and dynamics, and try to incorporate those elements into your own playing. The more closely you can replicate the original strumming pattern, the more authentic your rendition of the song will sound. Also, don't be afraid to experiment with different strumming techniques. Try using a pick or your fingers, and see which approach you prefer. Each technique will produce a slightly different sound, so it's worth exploring both options to find what works best for you. Additionally, consider the overall tone of your guitar. If you're using an electric guitar, experiment with different amp settings and effects to find a tone that complements the song's melancholic atmosphere. If you're using an acoustic guitar, try using different types of strings to achieve a warmer or brighter sound. Ultimately, the goal is to create a strumming pattern that is both consistent and expressive, and that enhances the overall mood and feel of the song. With practice and experimentation, you'll be able to master the strumming pattern of "Reflection" and play it with confidence and style.

Song Structure

"Reflection" follows a fairly standard song structure, which makes it easy to follow along and learn. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Intro: The song typically starts with an instrumental intro, often featuring a simple guitar riff or chord progression. In many cases, the intro is based on the main chord sequence of the song, which helps to establish the overall mood and feel right from the start. This section can be a great opportunity to showcase your guitar skills and create a captivating introduction to the song. Experiment with different guitar effects, such as reverb or delay, to add depth and texture to the intro. Also, consider incorporating some subtle variations in the chord progression or strumming pattern to keep it interesting for the listener. The intro should be relatively short and concise, but it should also be memorable and engaging, leaving the listener wanting more. By carefully crafting the intro, you can set the stage for the rest of the song and create a lasting impression. Remember to pay attention to the dynamics of the intro, gradually building the intensity and volume as it progresses. This will create a sense of anticipation and excitement, drawing the listener further into the song. Also, consider the overall tone of your guitar and the effects you're using, ensuring that they complement the song's melancholic atmosphere. Ultimately, the intro is your chance to make a statement and establish the mood of the song, so make sure it's well-crafted and executed with precision.
2. Verse: The verses usually consist of the Am-C-G-F chord progression. The lyrics are often introspective and melancholic, reflecting on personal experiences and emotions. Pay attention to the phrasing and rhythm of the lyrics, and try to match your strumming pattern to the vocal delivery. The verses are the heart of the song, conveying the core message and emotions. Experiment with different strumming patterns and dynamics to find what best supports the lyrics. A smooth transition between the chords is essential to maintain the flow of the song. Practice the chord changes until you can switch between them effortlessly. Also, consider adding some subtle embellishments to the chords to make them more interesting. This could include adding a fingerstyle arpeggio, a hammer-on, or a pull-off. The key is to keep the embellishments subtle and tasteful, so they don't distract from the overall song. Remember to listen closely to the original recording and try to emulate the guitar parts as accurately as possible. Pay attention to the nuances in the strumming pattern and dynamics, and try to incorporate those elements into your own playing. The more closely you can replicate the original sound, the more authentic your rendition of the song will be. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touches to the verses. Whether it's changing the strumming pattern, adding a few embellishments, or even improvising a solo, don't be afraid to make the song your own.
3. Chorus: The chorus typically features a more powerful and uplifting melody, with the same Am-C-G-F chord progression. This section is meant to be memorable and catchy, so make sure to emphasize the main vocal line and play with energy. The chorus is the emotional peak of the song, so it's important to give it your all. Increase the intensity of your strumming and sing with passion. The chord changes should be seamless and effortless, allowing you to focus on delivering a powerful and engaging performance. Experiment with different vocal harmonies to add depth and texture to the chorus. Also, consider adding some dynamic variations to the guitar part, such as increasing the volume or adding a subtle embellishment. The key is to make the chorus stand out from the rest of the song, creating a memorable and impactful moment for the listener. Remember to listen closely to the original recording and try to emulate the guitar parts and vocal harmonies as accurately as possible. Pay attention to the nuances in the rhythm and dynamics, and try to incorporate those elements into your own playing. The more closely you can replicate the original sound, the more authentic your rendition of the song will be. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touches to the chorus. Whether it's changing the strumming pattern, adding a few vocal harmonies, or even improvising a solo, don't be afraid to make the song your own.
4. Bridge: Some versions of the song may include a bridge, which is a section that provides a contrast to the verses and chorus. The bridge may feature a different chord progression or tempo, and it often serves to build tension before returning to the chorus. The bridge is an opportunity to explore different musical ideas and textures, so don't be afraid to experiment. Try using different chord voicings, strumming patterns, or even a different instrument altogether. The key is to create a section that is both interesting and cohesive, fitting seamlessly into the overall song structure. Consider using a bridge to build tension before the final chorus, creating a sense of anticipation and excitement. This can be achieved by gradually increasing the volume, tempo, or intensity of the bridge, leading to a powerful and explosive chorus. Remember to listen closely to the original recording and try to emulate the guitar parts and vocal harmonies as accurately as possible. Pay attention to the nuances in the rhythm and dynamics, and try to incorporate those elements into your own playing. The more closely you can replicate the original sound, the more authentic your rendition of the song will be. Finally, don't be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touches to the bridge. Whether it's changing the chord progression, adding a few vocal harmonies, or even improvising a solo, don't be afraid to make the song your own.
5. Outro: The song typically ends with a repeat of the intro or a slowed-down version of the chorus. This section provides a sense of closure and reinforces the main themes of the song. The outro is your final chance to leave a lasting impression on the listener, so make it count. Consider using a fade-out to create a sense of mystery and intrigue, or end with a powerful and sustained chord to create a sense of finality. The outro should be relatively short and concise, but it should also be memorable and engaging, leaving the listener wanting more. Remember to pay attention to the dynamics of the outro, gradually decreasing the intensity and volume as it progresses. This will create a sense of calm and resolution, bringing the song to a satisfying conclusion. Also, consider the overall tone of your guitar and the effects you're using, ensuring that they complement the song's melancholic atmosphere. Ultimately, the outro is your chance to make a final statement and leave the listener with a lasting impression, so make sure it's well-crafted and executed with precision.

Tips for Playing

• Practice slowly: Start at a tempo where you can comfortably play the chords and transitions. Gradually increase the speed as you improve.
• Focus on rhythm: Keeping a steady rhythm is crucial. Use a metronome to help you stay in time.
• Listen to the original: Pay close attention to how the guitar is played in the original recording. This will help you understand the nuances of the song and improve your own playing.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different strumming patterns and variations. Find what sounds best to you.

Conclusion

So there you have it! Playing "Reflection" by The Neighborhood is totally achievable with a bit of practice and dedication. Nail those chords, get the strumming pattern down, and follow the song structure. You’ll be playing this awesome song in no time. Keep practicing, have fun, and rock on!