That Should Be Me Guitar Chords

by Justin Bieber
Original CapoCapo 3
Base ChordsAm · F · C · G
TuningStandard
DifficultyBeginner
Capo No Capo Original = Capo 3

Chord Shapes to Play

How capo works here: The chord names shown are what you play with the capo on the selected fret. Moving the capo changes both the chord names and the diagrams.

Tips for Playing This Song

*That Should Be Me* is a classic heartbreak ballad that translates beautifully to the acoustic guitar. The song relies heavily on a standard pop progression, making it very accessible for beginners. The core chords are Am, F, C, and G. Because the song is a ballad, you want to focus heavily on the emotional delivery of the chords. A fingerpicked arpeggio pattern (plucking the thumb on the bass string, followed by the index, middle, and ring fingers on the higher strings) works beautifully for the verses. When the big chorus hits, transition into a slow, sweeping strum. Let every chord ring out fully, and don't rush the tempo. ### Essential Acoustic Guitar Advice If you are a beginner approaching this song, it is crucial to remember that perfect technique comes from slow, deliberate practice. Many new guitarists make the mistake of trying to play the song at its original tempo immediately. This leads to sloppy chord transitions and rhythmic inconsistencies. Instead, start by practicing the chord changes without strumming at all. Simply form the first chord, lift your hand slightly, and form the next chord. Do this repeatedly until your muscle memory begins to lock in the shapes. Once your left hand is comfortable with the progression, you can introduce your right hand. Strumming is all about wrist flexibility. Your wrist should be loose and relaxed, almost like you are shaking water off your hand. Avoid strumming entirely from your elbow, as this creates a rigid, robotic sound. When the tutorial suggests a pattern like "Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up," treat it as a framework rather than a strict rule. The most important thing is that your hand continuously moves up and down to the beat of the song, even if you occasionally miss the strings. This continuous motion is what creates a natural, flowing rhythm. Finally, pay attention to the dynamics of the song. A common beginner trap is to strum every single chord with maximum intensity. In reality, songs have peaks and valleys. The verses are usually quieter, allowing the vocals to take center stage, while the choruses are louder and more energetic. Try brushing the strings gently during the verse, and then digging in with your pick during the chorus. Mastering dynamics will instantly make you sound like a more advanced, expressive guitar player. Keep practicing, and don't forget to have fun!

Frequently Asked Questions

What chords are used in That Should Be Me?
The song uses Am, F, C, and G chords throughout.
Do I need a capo for That Should Be Me?
The original song is in C major (no capo), but many play with Capo 3 to match the recorded pitch while using the same shapes.
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About the Instructor

This chord chart and tutorial was meticulously transcribed and arranged by the Open Fretboard Instruction Team. With decades of combined experience playing, performing, and teaching acoustic guitar, our goal is to provide the most accurate, beginner-friendly chords on the internet. We manually verify every single chord change against the original studio recordings so you can learn with absolute confidence.

Speed 3