Strumming Patterns
Verse — Muted / Driving
↓1
↓2
↓3
↓4
Palm mute all downstrokes. Keep it tight and driving — let the reverb breathe between bars.
Chorus — Open / Explosive
↓1
↓2
↑+
↑3
↓4
↑+
Lift the palm mute. Open, full strums — let the strings ring freely against the heavy reverb.
Tone Settings
Capture Sombr's atmospheric, spacious rock sound with these settings. The key is the combination of medium drive and high reverb — the guitar should feel like it's sitting inside a large room.
60%
Distortion
Medium Drive
85%
Reverb
Hall / High
35%
Delay
Subtle Echo
Pickup Position — Bridge Pickup Active
⚡ Pro Tip — The Coachella / Grunge Sound
For that festival/grunge energy — the raw, heavy version of this song — swap the open chords for power chords with heavy distortion:
E5
G5
D5
A5
Power chords only use the root + 5th (two fingers), so they're actually even easier to play. Combined with a high-gain distortion pedal, this nails the wall-of-sound aesthetic Sombr is known for.
Chords & Lyrics
Chord Shapes to Play
Progression note: Em → G → D → A repeats throughout the entire song. The shift from muted verse strumming to open chorus strumming is what gives the song its explosive dynamic — not a chord change.
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar chords are used in 12 to 12 by Sombr?
12 to 12 by Sombr uses four chords throughout: Em, G, D, and A. The progression loops Em-G-D-A for both verses and chorus. No capo is required — it is played in standard tuning.
Is 12 to 12 by Sombr easy to play on guitar?
Yes. The entire song uses just four open chords in a repeating pattern, making it very accessible for beginners. The real challenge is getting the right tone — medium distortion with high reverb — and nailing the dynamic shift between the muted verse strumming and the explosive open chorus.
What tone settings should I use to sound like Sombr on 12 to 12?
To capture Sombr's atmospheric rock sound on 12 to 12, use medium distortion with high reverb (hall setting) and a subtle delay. Switch to your bridge pickup for a brighter, more cutting tone. The reverb is essential — it gives the song its signature spacious feel.
Can I play 12 to 12 as power chords?
Absolutely. Playing E5, G5, D5, and A5 as power chords with heavy distortion recreates the Coachella-festival and grunge-inspired energy of the track. Power chords are even simpler to play — just two fingers — and they sound huge with a high-gain amp or pedal.