Mastering "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" Chords: A Complete Guide For Guitarists

Josue Kshlerin 18 May 2025

Learning how to play "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" by Shawn Mendes on guitar can be a game-changer for musicians of all levels. If you're looking to add this chart-topping hit to your repertoire, you're in the right place. This guide will walk you through every chord, strumming pattern, and technique you need to master the song. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, this step-by-step breakdown will help you sound like a pro in no time.

Let's face it, playing guitar isn't just about strumming chords; it's about connecting with the music and telling a story through your fingers. "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" is one of those songs that captures raw emotion and energy, making it a perfect choice for guitarists who want to level up their skills. So grab your guitar, take a deep breath, and let's dive into the world of chords, progressions, and melodies.

This article isn't just another tutorial; it's a comprehensive resource designed to help you not only play the song but also understand the theory behind it. From basic chord shapes to advanced techniques, we'll cover everything you need to know. So, let's get started and turn those strings into magic!

Why "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" is a Must-Learn Song

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty of mastering the chords, let's talk about why "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" is such a great song to learn. Released in 2017, this track quickly climbed the charts and became a fan favorite for its catchy melody and heartfelt lyrics. The song's structure is simple yet powerful, making it accessible for guitarists at all levels.

For beginners, the song offers a perfect opportunity to practice basic chord progressions and strumming patterns. Intermediate players can focus on refining their technique and adding dynamics to their playing. And for advanced guitarists, the song allows for creative interpretation and personalization. No matter where you are in your guitar journey, this song has something to offer.

Key Features of the Song

Simple yet impactful chord progressions
Catchy and memorable melody
Opportunities for improvisation and personalization
A great way to build confidence and improve skills

Understanding the Song's Structure

Before we dive into the chords, it's important to understand the structure of "There's Nothing Holding Me Back." The song follows a typical pop structure, which includes verses, choruses, and a bridge. Each section has its own unique chord progression, so let's break it down step by step.

The song is written in the key of A major, which makes it relatively easy to play on guitar. The tempo is around 120 BPM, giving you plenty of time to switch between chords smoothly. As you practice, pay attention to the dynamics and phrasing to make your playing sound more authentic.

Breaking Down the Chord Progressions

Let's take a closer look at the chord progressions for each section of the song:

Verse: A - F#m - D - E
Chorus: A - F#m - D - E
Bridge: F#m - D - A - E

Notice how the verse and chorus share the same progression? This repetition helps create a sense of familiarity and makes the song easier to learn. The bridge, on the other hand, introduces a slight variation to keep things interesting.

Mastering the Chords

Now that you know the chord progressions, let's focus on mastering each chord. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced guitarist, practicing these chords will help you build strength and dexterity in your fingers.

Basic Chord Shapes

Here are the basic chord shapes for "There's Nothing Holding Me Back":

A major: Place your index finger on the second string at the second fret, your middle finger on the fourth string at the second fret, and your ring finger on the third string at the second fret. Strum all six strings.
F# minor: Place your index finger on the second string at the second fret, your middle finger on the third string at the second fret, and your ring finger on the first string at the second fret. Strum the top four strings.
D major: Place your index finger on the third string at the second fret, your middle finger on the first string at the second fret, and your ring finger on the second string at the third fret. Strum the top four strings.
E major: Place your index finger on the third string at the first fret, your middle finger on the fifth string at the second fret, and your ring finger on the fourth string at the second fret. Strum all six strings.

Tips for Smooth Chord Transitions

Switching between chords smoothly is one of the biggest challenges for guitarists. Here are a few tips to help you improve:

Practice each chord in isolation until you can play it cleanly.
Use a metronome to keep your timing consistent.
Focus on moving your fingers efficiently and avoiding unnecessary movements.
Start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Strumming Patterns

Once you've mastered the chords, it's time to focus on the strumming patterns. The right strumming pattern can make a huge difference in how the song sounds. For "There's Nothing Holding Me Back," you'll want to use a simple down-up pattern to keep things steady and rhythmic.

Basic Strumming Pattern

Here's a basic strumming pattern you can use:

Down - Up - Down - Up - Down - Up

As you practice, pay attention to the dynamics of your strumming. Use a slightly harder downstroke for emphasis and a softer upstroke for a lighter touch. This will help you create a more dynamic and engaging sound.

Adding Dynamics and Expression

Playing the right chords and strumming patterns is important, but adding dynamics and expression can take your playing to the next level. Dynamics refer to the volume and intensity of your playing, while expression involves adding personal flair to the music.

Tips for Adding Dynamics

Vary your strumming intensity to create contrast between different sections of the song.
Use palm muting to add texture and depth to your sound.
Experiment with different picking techniques, such as fingerpicking or hybrid picking, to create unique sounds.

Tips for Adding Expression

Pay attention to the lyrics and try to convey the emotion behind them through your playing.
Add embellishments like hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to make the song more interesting.
Experiment with different tempos and rhythms to find what feels most natural for you.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learning a new song can be challenging, and it's easy to fall into bad habits. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when mastering "There's Nothing Holding Me Back":

Rushing through the chords without paying attention to accuracy.
Ignoring the dynamics and expression of the song.
Not practicing consistently and giving up too soon.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Take your time and focus on building good habits from the start. With dedication and perseverance, you'll be able to play the song flawlessly in no time.

Advanced Techniques

For those looking to take their playing to the next level, here are a few advanced techniques you can incorporate into "There's Nothing Holding Me Back":

Barre Chords

If you're comfortable with basic chords, try experimenting with barre chords. Barre chords allow you to play the same chord shapes in different positions on the fretboard, giving you more flexibility and versatility in your playing.

Alternate Tunings

Experimenting with alternate tunings can completely change the sound of the song. For example, tuning your guitar to drop D can give the song a deeper, richer sound. Just be sure to adjust your chord shapes accordingly.

Conclusion

Mastering "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" chords is a rewarding experience for guitarists of all levels. By breaking down the song into manageable sections and focusing on technique, you can improve your skills and sound like a pro. Remember to practice consistently, pay attention to dynamics and expression, and have fun with the music.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your guitar and start practicing today. And don't forget to share your progress with the world. Whether it's posting a video on social media or performing live for friends and family, showing off your hard work is the best way to keep improving. Happy strumming!

Why "There's Nothing Holding Me Back" is a Must-Learn Song
Understanding the Song's Structure
Breaking Down the Chord Progressions
Mastering the Chords
Basic Chord Shapes
Tips for Smooth Chord Transitions
Strumming Patterns
Basic Strumming Pattern
Adding Dynamics and Expression
Tips for Adding Dynamics
Tips for Adding Expression
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Advanced Techniques
Barre Chords
Alternate Tunings
Conclusion

Mastering "There's Nothing Holding Me Back Chords" A Complete Guide

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