Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the amazing world of gospel music? Today, we're going to explore how to play the iconic song "Todas as Coisas" by Fernandinho on the guitar! This song is not only beautiful but also relatively simple to learn, making it perfect for beginner and intermediate guitarists. So, grab your guitar, tune it up, and let's get started!

Getting Started with "Todas as Coisas"

Before we even touch the strings, let's talk about the basics. "Todas as Coisas" is generally played in the key of E major. This is a guitar-friendly key, so you're in luck! Make sure your guitar is properly tuned to standard tuning (EADGBe). Knowing the key will help you understand the chord progressions and make it easier to transpose if needed.

Understanding the Chord Progression

The chord progression for "Todas as Coisas" is relatively straightforward. The primary chords you'll need to know are E, B, C#m, and A. These four chords form the backbone of the song, and you'll be using them throughout. If you're new to these chords, don't worry! We'll break them down step by step.

• E Major: Place your index finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 1st fret. Place your middle finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret. Place your ring finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret. Strum all six strings.
• B Major: This one can be a bit trickier for beginners. There are a couple of ways to play it. The most common is a barre chord. Barre your index finger across all strings at the 2nd fret. Place your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 4th fret. Place your ring finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 4th fret. Place your pinky on the 2nd string (B string) at the 4th fret. Strum all six strings. Alternatively, you can play a simplified version, leaving out the lower strings.
• C#m (C Sharp Minor): This is another barre chord. Barre your index finger across all strings at the 4th fret. Place your middle finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 6th fret. Place your ring finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 6th fret. Place your pinky on the 3rd string (G string) at the 6th fret. Strum all six strings.
• A Major: Place your index finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 2nd fret. Place your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret. Place your ring finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 2nd fret. Strum strings 5, 4, 3, 2, and 1.

Practicing the Chord Changes

The key to mastering "Todas as Coisas" on the guitar lies in smooth and timely chord changes. Start by practicing the transitions between each pair of chords slowly. Focus on cleanly switching from one chord to the next without any buzzing or muted strings. A great exercise is to use a metronome to keep a steady beat. Begin at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. For example, practice going from E to B, then B to C#m, C#m to A, and finally A back to E. Repeat these transitions until they become second nature.

Also, try to minimize unnecessary movements. Keep your fingers close to the fretboard so you don't have to move them too far when changing chords. Over time, your muscle memory will develop, and the changes will become much smoother. Don't get discouraged if it feels awkward at first; consistency is key. Regular practice, even for just 15-20 minutes a day, will make a significant difference.

Strumming Patterns for "Todas as Coisas"

Choosing the right strumming pattern can significantly enhance the feel of the song. For "Todas as Coisas", a simple and effective strumming pattern is down-down-up-down-up. This pattern provides a gentle and rhythmic foundation that complements the song's worshipful tone. However, feel free to experiment with other patterns to find what sounds best to you.

Basic Strumming Pattern

Let's break down the basic strumming pattern: Down, Down, Up, Down, Up. Start by strumming downwards on the first beat, then downwards again on the second beat. Follow this with an upward strum on the third beat, another downward strum on the fourth beat, and finish with an upward strum on the fifth beat. Repeat this pattern continuously. This pattern works well with most sections of the song and is easy to adapt as you become more proficient.

Adding Variations

Once you're comfortable with the basic strumming pattern, you can start adding variations to make your playing more dynamic. For instance, you can try adding a slight emphasis on certain beats or incorporating palm muting for a more percussive sound. Palm muting involves lightly resting the side of your strumming hand on the strings near the bridge while strumming. This creates a muted, chunkier sound that can add depth to the song.

Another variation is to use different strumming patterns for different sections of the song. For example, you might use the basic down-down-up-down-up pattern for the verses and switch to a more energetic pattern for the chorus. Experiment with different rhythms and accents to find what works best for you and enhances the overall feel of the song. Remember, the goal is to create a dynamic and engaging performance that complements the song's message.

Putting It All Together

Now that you know the chords and a few strumming patterns, it's time to put everything together! Start by playing the chord progression slowly and using the basic strumming pattern. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and making clean chord changes. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase the tempo and add variations to your strumming.

Playing Along with the Song

A great way to improve your timing and feel for the song is to play along with the original recording. Find a karaoke or instrumental version of "Todas as Coisas" and play along with it. Pay attention to how Fernandinho uses dynamics and variations in his strumming. Try to emulate his style and incorporate those elements into your own playing. Playing along with the song will also help you internalize the structure and flow of the music.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When learning to play "Todas as Coisas" on the guitar, there are a few common mistakes that beginners often make. One of the most common is not practicing chord changes slowly enough. It's important to start slow and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable. Rushing the chord changes can lead to sloppy playing and frustration. Another common mistake is not using a metronome. A metronome can help you develop a sense of timing and rhythm, which is essential for playing any song well.

Also, many beginners struggle with barre chords. Barre chords can be challenging at first, but with practice, they become much easier. Make sure you're applying enough pressure with your index finger and that your fingers are positioned correctly. If you're having trouble with barre chords, try practicing them separately from the song. Another mistake is not listening to the original recording enough. Listening to the song repeatedly will help you internalize the melody, rhythm, and dynamics, which will make it easier to play along.

Tips for Mastering "Todas as Coisas"

Mastering "Todas as Coisas" on the guitar takes time and effort, but with the right approach, you can achieve your goal. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Practice Regularly: Consistency is key. Try to practice every day, even if it's just for 15-20 minutes. Regular practice will help you build muscle memory and improve your overall playing skills.
• Use a Metronome: A metronome is an invaluable tool for developing timing and rhythm. Use it to practice chord changes and strumming patterns.
• Listen to the Original Recording: Listen to "Todas as Coisas" repeatedly to internalize the melody, rhythm, and dynamics.
• Break It Down: If you're struggling with a particular section of the song, break it down into smaller parts and practice each part separately.
• Record Yourself: Recording yourself playing can help you identify areas for improvement. Listen back to your recordings and make note of any mistakes or areas where you can improve.
• Be Patient: Learning to play the guitar takes time. Be patient with yourself and don't get discouraged if you don't see results immediately. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually reach your goal.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play "Todas as Coisas" by Fernandinho on the guitar is a rewarding experience. Not only will you be able to play a beautiful and inspiring song, but you'll also improve your guitar playing skills. Remember to start slow, practice regularly, and be patient with yourself. With dedication and persistence, you'll be able to master this song and share its message of hope and faith with others. Now go pick up that guitar and start playing! You've got this!