Billie Eilish’s song What Was I Made For? from the Barbie movie soundtrack has touched hearts worldwide with its soft, emotional tone. If you’re a guitar player looking to learn this beautiful track, you’re in the right place. This article dives into the chords for the song’s first verse, specifically repeating, followed by Am, Em, Fmaj7. We’ll break it down step-by-step, making it easy for beginners and seasoned players. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some Google-friendly terms like “Billie Eilish chords,” “easy guitar songs,” and “What Was I Made For guitar tutorial” to help you find this guide online.
By the end, you’ll know how to play the chords, understand their structure, and even pick up some tips to make your performance sound just like Billie’s. Let’s get started! what was i made for chords
Table of Contents
Understanding the Song: What Was I Made For?
Before we jump into the chords, let’s talk about the song itself. Released in 2023, What Was I Made For? was co-written by Billie Eilish and her brother FINNEAS for the Barbie movie. It’s a slow, reflective ballad that asks big questions about purpose and identity. The simple yet powerful melody pairs perfectly with its minimalistic guitar chords, making it an excellent pick for anyone learning to play.
The verse we’re focusing on—“I used to float, now I just fall…”—sets the tone with its dreamy, melancholic vibe. The chords C, Em, Fmaj7, and Am effortlessly carry this feeling. Whether strumming for fun or performing for friends, these chords are your ticket to capturing that Billie Eilish magic.
Breaking Down the Chords for Verse 1
Let’s look at the chords one by one. Don’t worry if you’re new to guitar—these are beginner-friendly and easy to learn. We’ll also explain how to play them so you can start strumming immediately.
Chord 1: C Major (C)
- Fingers: Place your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 5th string (A string), middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string), and index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string).
- Strings to play: Strum from the 5th string down, skipping the 6th string.
- Sound: Bright and open, like a fresh start.
The C chord kicks off the verse with a clean, hopeful tone. It’s one of the most common chords in guitar music, so it’s a great one to master early.
Chord 2: E Minor (Em)
- Fingers: Put your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 5th string (A string) and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Strings to play: Strum all six strings.
- Sound: Dark and moody, adding depth to the song.
The Em chord comes next, bringing a touch of sadness that fits the lyrics perfectly. It’s super simple—just two fingers—and flows smoothly from C.
Chord 3: F Major 7 (Fmaj7)
- Fingers: Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string), middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string), and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the 4th string (D string).
- Strings to play: Strum from the 4th string down.
- Sound: Soft and dreamy, with a hint of tension.
Fmaj7 is where the song gets its unique flavour. It’s a little trickier than C or Em, but you’ll get it with practice. This chord adds a floaty, ethereal feel to lines like “I used to float, now I just fall.”
Chord 4: A Minor (Am)
- Fingers: Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the 4th string (D string), ring finger on the 2nd fret of the 3rd string (G string), and index finger on the 1st fret of the 2nd string (B string).
- Strings to play: Strum from the 5th string down.
- Sound: Gentle and sombre, tying the progression together.
The Am chord appears later in the verse “What I was made for.” It’s another easy one that complements the others beautifully.
How to Play the Verse 1 Chord Progression
Now that you know the chords, let’s put them together. Here’s the progression for Verse 1:
- C – Em – Fmaj7 (repeats three times for the lines “I used to float…,” “I used to know…,” and “What I was made for”)
- Am – Em – Fmaj7 (for the final line, “What was I…”)
Step-by-Step Playing Guide
- Start with C. Strum it four times slowly—down, down, down, down. Feel the rhythm.
- Switch to Em. It’s the same strumming pattern. Keep your hand relaxed.
- Move to Fmaj7. This one might feel stretchy at first, but don’t rush—practice the transition.
- Repeat this C – Em – Fmaj7 pattern for the first three lines.
- For the last line, shift to Am, then Em, and end on Fmaj7.
Strumming Tip
Please keep it simple with a steady downstroke pattern. Billie’s version is soft and understated, so don’t overdo it. Aim for a calm, flowing vibe.
Why These Chords Work So Well
You might wonder why C, Em, Fmaj7, and Am sound so good together. It’s all about music theory—don’t worry, we’ll keep it basic!
- C is the “home” chord in the key of C Major, giving a sense of stability.
- Em is the minor chord that adds an emotional twist.
- Fmaj7 brings a jazzy, floaty feel with its extra note (the 7th).
- Am ties it all together with a soft, reflective tone.
Together, they create a balance of light and shadow—perfect for a song about searching for meaning. If you’re into “easy guitar chords for emotional songs,” this progression is a goldmine.
Practice Tips for Beginners
Learning new chords can feel overwhelming, but you’ll nail it with a bit of practice. Here are some tips:
- Go Slow: Start by switching between C and Em until it’s smooth. Then add Fmaj7.
- Use a Metronome: Set it to 60 beats per minute and strum along. Speed up as you get comfy.
- Finger Placement: Keep your fingers close to the frets for a clear sound.
- Sing Along: Humming the lyrics helps you match the chords to the melody.
Before you know it, you’ll play “What Was I Made For?” like a pro!
Adding Emotion to Your Performance
Billie Eilish’s music is all about feeling. To make your version stand out, try these tricks:
- Dynamics: Play softer on “I used to float” and louder on “Now I just fall” to mirror the lyrics.
- Pauses: Let the Fmaj7 ring out a little longer at the end of each line for drama.
- Capo Option: If your voice doesn’t match Billie’s range, try a capo on the 1st or 2nd fret.
These small touches can turn a simple chord progression into something genuinely moving.
Similar Songs to Try
Once you’ve mastered these chords, they pop up in many other songs. Here are a few with similar vibes:
- “Everything I Wanted” by Billie Eilish – Uses C and Am with a haunting twist.
- “Let It Be” by The Beatles – Features C and F in a classic progression.
- “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen – Includes C and Am for an emotional punch.
These are great for practising your “Billie Eilish guitar chords” skills!
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Facts About the Song
Did you know What Was I Made For? won a Grammy in 2024 for Song of the Year? Billie and FINNEAS wrote it just a few days after watching early Barbie footage. The chords’ simplicity reflects their knack for turning basic ideas into something profound. It’s a reminder that you don’t need fancy riffs to make beautiful music—just a few well-placed chords like C, Em, Fmaj7, and Am.
Troubleshooting Common Chord Problems
Sometimes, chords don’t sound right. Here’s how to fix it:
- Buzzing Strings: Press harder or move your fingers closer to the fret.
- Muted Notes: Check if your palm is touching other strings.
- Slow Transitions: Practice switching between C and Fmaj7—the trickiest jump.
Patience is key. Even pros started somewhere!
References for Credibility
To keep this article trustworthy (and Google-friendly), here’s where the info comes from:
- Chord Structures: Based on standard guitar tablature from Ultimate Guitar (ultimate-guitar.com).
- Song Background: Billie Eilish interviews with Rolling Stone, 2023.
- Music Theory: Basic principles from The Guitar Handbook by Ralph Denyer.
Final Thoughts: Play It Your Way
Learning the chords for What Was I Made For?—C, Em, Fmaj7, Am—is more than a guitar lesson. It’s a chance to connect with a song that speaks to many. Whether you’re a beginner hunting for “easy guitar songs” or a fan of Billie Eilish looking to play her hits, this guide has you covered.
So grab your guitar, strum those chords, and let the music flow. What were you made for? It’s to play this song and make it your own. Happy strumming!