Mastering the chords for "What's Up" opens a door to one of the most recognizable pop anthems from the late 90s. This song, performed by the Scottish band 4 Non Blondes, relies on a sequence that is both emotionally resonant and technically accessible for players of various levels. The foundation lies in a few core shapes that repeat throughout the track, making it an excellent choice for building your repertoire.
The Foundational Chord Progression
The entire verse and chorus of "What's Up" revolves around a specific loop that creates its signature sound. To capture the essence of the song, you will primarily alternate between two chords. This section provides the essential framework you need to start playing the track accurately.
Primary Chords: E Major and A Major
The magic of "What's Up" is derived from the movement between E major and A major. These two chords share a similar shape on the neck, which allows for a smooth transition. The progression feels both uplifting and melancholic, perfectly matching the song's introspective lyrics about feeling lost or searching for meaning.
E Major: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 3rd (G) string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th (A) string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string.
A Major: Position your index finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th (D) string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd (G) string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 2nd (B) string.
Mapping the Song Structure
To play the song in its entirety, you need to understand how these chords fit into the different sections. The arrangement is standard for pop music of that era, which helps you anticipate the changes. Knowing where the transitions occur prevents you from getting lost in the rhythm.
Verse and Chorus Breakdown
During the verses, the progression leans heavily on the E chord, establishing the mood. When the chorus hits, the A chord is introduced more prominently, creating a lift in the energy. The strumming pattern is crucial here; it moves from a steady downbeat to a more dynamic, syncopated rhythm that drives the song forward.
Advanced Variations and the Iconic Intro
While the core progression is simple, the song's identity is cemented by its opening guitar riff. This section acts as the hook before the vocals even begin. It utilizes a specific fingering that involves muted strings and partial chords to achieve that percussive, gritty sound.
Decoding the Intro Riff
The intro is essentially a muted strum pattern played over the E chord shape. You will use the edge of your picking hand to lightly dampen the strings near the bridge while your left hand holds the standard E chord position. This creates the "chu-chu-chuk" sound that immediately grabs the listener's attention.
Tips for a Clean Transition
Many beginners struggle with the jump between the E and A shapes because the thumb placement changes. On the E chord, your thumb should sit comfortably behind the neck. However, on the A major shape described here, moving your thumb down to the middle of the neck provides better leverage and finger positioning.
Use a metronome to slow down the tempo until the finger switches feel natural.
Focus on lifting your fingers off the strings cleanly to avoid muting the next chord.
Practice the transition in isolation until it feels like a single, fluid motion.
