Mastering the 'Run Around' Chords by Blues Traveler: A Step-by-Step Guide to Playing this Iconic Song

Learn how to play the chords for Run Around by Blues Traveler on guitar. Find the correct finger positions and strumming patterns for this classic blues-rock hit.

Blues Traveler's hit song Run Around has captivated audiences with its catchy melody and soulful lyrics. One of the key elements that make this song so memorable is its captivating chord progression. With a blend of blues, rock, and pop influences, the chords in Run Around create a rich and dynamic musical backdrop that perfectly complements the heartfelt vocals of lead singer John Popper. As we delve into the chord structure of this iconic song, we will explore how the clever use of transitions between chords adds depth and emotion to the overall composition.

Introduction

The song Run-Around by Blues Traveler is a popular blues-rock track that was released in 1994 as part of their fourth studio album, Four. The song became one of the band's biggest hits, reaching the top of the Billboard charts and earning them a Grammy Award for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. In this article, we will analyze the chords used in Run-Around and discuss their musical and harmonic significance.

Guitar Chords

On the guitar, Run-Around primarily uses four main chords: E major, A major, B7, and F# minor. These chords form the backbone of the song and create its distinctive sound. Let's take a closer look at each of these chords:

E Major (E)

E major is a basic open chord that consists of the notes E, B, and G#. It is played by placing your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string. This chord provides a bright and uplifting sound, often used in rock and pop music.

A Major (A)

A major is another open chord commonly used in various genres of music. To play this chord, place your index finger on the 1st fret of the B string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D string, and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the G string. The A major chord brings a warm and full sound to the song.

B7

The B7 chord is a dominant seventh chord that adds bluesy tension to the progression. To play this chord, bar your index finger across all strings on the 2nd fret, then place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string and ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string. The B7 chord creates a rich and slightly dissonant tone, contributing to the overall bluesy feel of the song.

F# Minor (F#m)

F# minor is a minor chord that adds a melancholic touch to the song. To play this chord, bar your index finger across all strings on the 2nd fret, then place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the A string and pinky finger on the 4th fret of the D string. The F# minor chord provides a darker and more introspective sound to the progression.

Chord Progression

The chord progression in Run-Around follows a simple yet effective pattern that repeats throughout the song. The sequence is as follows:

Verse

In the verses, the chord progression consists of E major, A major, and B7, with each chord being played for four beats. This creates a driving and energetic feel that supports the lyrics and melody. The chords are strummed in a rhythmic pattern, often using a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes.

Pre-Chorus

The pre-chorus section introduces the F# minor chord, adding a slight change in tonality and preparing for the upcoming chorus. The progression in the pre-chorus is E major for two beats, followed by F# minor for two beats. This transition from major to minor creates a subtle tension that enhances the emotional impact of the song.

Chorus

The chorus section brings a dynamic change to the chord progression. It follows an A major to B7 pattern, played for two beats each. This shift to different chords adds variety and intensity to the song, allowing the chorus to stand out melodically and harmonically.

Bridge

The bridge section of Run-Around introduces a new chord progression that provides a contrast to the rest of the song. The chords used in the bridge are F# minor, A major, and E major, played for four beats each. This progression creates a sense of resolution and closure before returning to the familiar verse and chorus sections.

Conclusion

The chords used in Blues Traveler's Run-Around contribute significantly to the song's overall sound and emotional impact. The combination of E major, A major, B7, and F# minor creates a blend of brightness, warmth, tension, and melancholy that perfectly complements the lyrics and melody. Understanding the chords and their role in the song can help musicians appreciate the craftsmanship behind this timeless blues-rock hit.

Introduction to Blues Traveler's Run Around: Analyzing Chords and Progressions

Blues Traveler's hit song Run Around is a beloved classic that showcases the band's exceptional musicality and songwriting skills. In this analysis, we will delve into the chords and progressions employed in this iconic track, uncovering the key and harmony that lay the foundation for its catchy melodies and emotional depth.

Defining the Chords: Understanding the Key and Harmony

The key of Run Around is primarily in E major, with frequent modulations to related keys such as A major and B major. The song's harmony is built upon a combination of major and minor chords, creating a dynamic tonal landscape that captivates listeners. The primary chords used include E, A, B, C#m, and F#m, which form the backbone of the song's harmonic structure.

The Structure of Run Around: Breaking Down Verse and Chorus Progressions

Run Around follows a traditional verse-chorus structure. The verse progression revolves around a simple yet effective sequence of chords, namely E, A, and B. This progression establishes a solid foundation for the melodic and lyrical content of the verses. The chorus, on the other hand, introduces a more pronounced change in the progression, incorporating chords such as C#m and F#m, providing a contrasting and uplifting feel.

Exploration of Chord Voicings: Finding Variations and Interesting Tones

An intriguing aspect of Run Around lies in the various chord voicings utilized throughout the song. By experimenting with different inversions and positions on the guitar, the band adds depth and complexity to the overall sound. For instance, instead of playing a standard E major chord, Blues Traveler often opts for voicings that include open strings or higher register notes, creating a unique and captivating sonic texture.

Applying Chord Inversions: Enhancing the Song's Melodic and Harmonic Flow

Chord inversions play a crucial role in enhancing the melodic and harmonic flow of Run Around. By rearranging the order of the chord tones, the band introduces smooth voice leading and creates interesting melodic lines within the chords. This technique adds a sense of fluidity and movement to the song, ensuring a seamless transition between different sections and providing a satisfying musical experience for the listener.

Dynamic Chord Transitions: Examining Smooth Changes and Colorful Shifts

The transitions between chords in Run Around are meticulously crafted to maintain a sense of momentum and interest. The band employs smooth changes and colorful shifts, often incorporating passing chords to create subtle harmonic surprises. These dynamic transitions contribute to the overall energy and excitement of the song, keeping the listener engaged and eagerly anticipating the next chord progression.

Advanced Chord Substitutions: Unveiling Unique Harmonic Choices in Run Around

One of the remarkable aspects of Blues Traveler's composition is their use of advanced chord substitutions. Throughout Run Around, the band incorporates unexpected chord choices, deviating from traditional progressions to add complexity and intrigue. These unique harmonic choices demonstrate the band's musical prowess and elevate the song to a new level of sophistication.

The Role of Sus2 and Sus4 Chords: Examining Tension and Resolution in the Song

Blues Traveler skillfully employs sus2 and sus4 chords in Run Around to create tension and resolution within the song. These chords, characterized by their unresolved and ambiguous nature, add a sense of intrigue and emotional depth. By incorporating sus2 and sus4 chords at strategic points, the band enhances the overall musical experience, evoking a range of emotions in the listener.

Analyzing the Bridge Section: Unraveling the Harmonic Complexity and Emotional Depth

The bridge section of Run Around showcases the band's ability to navigate through harmonic complexity and emotional depth. Here, the chord progressions take unexpected turns, introducing new tonalities and building tension before resolving back into the familiar main key. This intricate exploration of harmony adds a sense of drama and intensity, intensifying the emotional impact of the song.

Final Thoughts: Appreciating the Impact of Chord Choices on the Overall Feel and Success of Run Around by Blues Traveler

Blues Traveler's Run Around exemplifies the power of well-crafted chord choices in creating a memorable and impactful song. By analyzing the chords and progressions employed, we gain insight into the band's musical choices and the thoughtfulness behind their composition. The use of chord voicings, inversions, transitions, substitutions, and suspensions all contribute to the overall feel and success of the song, showcasing the band's exceptional musicianship and their ability to captivate audiences with their harmonically rich and emotionally resonant music.

Blues Traveler's hit song Run Around is not only renowned for its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics, but also for its unique chord progression that adds depth and emotion to the overall musical composition. The song, released in 1994, became an instant success and catapulted Blues Traveler to mainstream fame.

From an academic perspective, analyzing the chords used in Run Around allows us to delve into the artistic choices made by the band and understand how they contribute to the song's overall impact on the listener. Here, we will explore the chord progression and highlight the significance of each chord:

Verse: The song begins with a simple yet powerful G major chord, establishing the song's key and setting the initial tone. This chord is played for two measures before transitioning to a C major chord, which adds a sense of anticipation and tension.
Pre-Chorus: The pre-chorus section introduces an E minor chord, which complements the previous chords by adding a touch of melancholy. This chord is followed by a D major chord, creating a subtle shift that enhances the emotional quality of the lyrics.
Chorus: The chorus section introduces a series of chords that bring a sense of resolution and release. It starts with a C major chord, which provides a strong foundation, and transitions to an E minor chord, adding a bittersweet flavor to the melody. The next chord, D major, adds a touch of brightness and hope. Finally, the chorus concludes with a G major chord, bringing the progression back to its starting point and creating a sense of closure.

Throughout the song, Blues Traveler expertly balances tension and release through their chord choices, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics. The chords used in Run Around work together harmoniously, creating a musical journey that the listener can follow along with.

Blues Traveler's use of chord progressions in Run Around showcases their artistic prowess and ability to evoke emotions through music. The carefully selected chords add layers of complexity and depth to the song, making it a truly memorable and beloved piece within the blues rock genre.

Overall, the chords for Blues Traveler's Run Around are an essential component of this iconic blues-rock song. By understanding and mastering these chords, you will be able to play along with the song and capture its unique essence. The combination of the E, A, and B chords creates a powerful and energetic sound that perfectly complements the lyrics and vocals. As you practice and familiarize yourself with these chords, you will also gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and talent of the band members and their ability to create such a timeless piece of music.

Furthermore, learning the chords for Run Around can serve as a valuable lesson in the genre of blues-rock itself. This song showcases the classic elements of blues, such as the use of dominant chords and the 12-bar blues progression. By studying and playing these chords, you will gain a greater understanding of the structure and style of blues music, which can be applied to other songs within the genre. The chords for Run Around provide a solid foundation for exploring and expanding your repertoire of blues-rock songs and will undoubtedly enhance your overall musical skills.

In conclusion, the chords for Blues Traveler's Run Around are an important aspect of this beloved blues-rock song. By mastering these chords, you will not only be able to play along with the song but also gain a deeper understanding of the genre of blues-rock. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced musician, taking the time to learn and practice these chords will undoubtedly enhance your musical journey. So grab your guitar, put on the song, and let the magic of Run Around transport you into the world of blues-rock.

When it comes to the chords for Blues Traveler's popular song Run Around, people often have a few common questions. Here are some of the frequently asked questions along with their corresponding answers:

What are the chords for Run Around by Blues Traveler?

The chords for Run Around are G major, C major, D major, and E minor. The main chord progression throughout the song follows the pattern G - C - G - D. The bridge section uses the chords E minor - C - D.
Are there any variations or additional chords in Run Around?

While the basic chord progression mentioned above forms the backbone of the song, there might be some variations or additional chords used in certain sections or during instrument solos. However, the primary chords listed earlier are sufficient to play and sing along with the song.
What is the strumming pattern for Run Around?

The strumming pattern can vary depending on personal preference and style. However, a commonly used strumming pattern for this song involves a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes. Experiment with different patterns and find the one that suits your playing style and sounds best to you.
Are there any guitar tabs available for Run Around?

Yes, there are numerous guitar tabs available online for Run Around by Blues Traveler. These tabs provide a detailed breakdown of the song's guitar parts, including the chords, riffs, and solos. You can find them on various guitar tab websites or by searching for Run Around guitar tabs in your preferred search engine.
Can I play Run Around on other instruments?

Absolutely! While the chords mentioned earlier are primarily for guitar, you can transpose them to other instruments such as piano or ukulele. The chord progressions and overall structure of the song remain the same, allowing you to play Run Around on different instruments.

Remember to practice regularly and have fun while learning and playing Run Around by Blues Traveler. Happy playing!

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