Air Supply's 'Now And Forever' Chords: A Guide For Beginners

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 61 views

Hey music lovers! Ever wanted to learn how to play one of Air Supply's most iconic songs? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the 'Now and Forever' chords! This song is a timeless classic, perfect for serenading your loved ones or just chilling out with your guitar. Don't worry if you're a beginner; I'll break down the chords and teach you how to play them step-by-step. Get ready to strum your heart out and maybe even impress a few folks along the way. We'll be covering everything from the basic chords to the song's structure, so you'll be playing this romantic ballad in no time. It's time to learn those Air Supply Now and Forever chords and make some beautiful music. This song is a great starting point for guitarists of all levels because it uses some common and easy-to-learn chords. We'll explore the song's structure and the specific strumming patterns that give the song its signature sound. So, whether you're a seasoned player or a complete novice, get ready to add this romantic tune to your repertoire! Let's get started, shall we?

This article is designed to be your go-to resource for learning how to play 'Now and Forever' by Air Supply. We'll cover everything you need to know, from the basic chords to the more complex nuances of the song. The chords themselves are relatively simple, making this song an excellent choice for beginner guitarists who want to expand their chord vocabulary and improve their playing skills. But even if you're a more experienced player, you might find some useful tips and insights here to refine your performance. I'll provide you with detailed chord diagrams, explain the song's structure, and suggest some strumming patterns that will help you capture the song's emotional depth. So, grab your guitar, tune it up, and get ready to play this classic hit! Remember that practice is key, and the more you play, the better you'll become. By the end of this guide, you should be able to play along with the song and have a better understanding of how the music works. Let's make some music together and enjoy the journey!

The Basic Chords You Need

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the chords! Fortunately, the Air Supply Now and Forever chords are fairly straightforward, mostly using common chords that are easy to learn. The main chords you'll need are G, C, D, and Em. That's right, just four chords! Once you master these, you'll be well on your way to playing the entire song. I'll include chord diagrams below to help you out. Remember, proper finger placement is key to getting a clear sound. Take your time, and don't get discouraged if it takes a while to get it right. It's totally normal, and everyone struggles in the beginning. Focus on making sure each note rings out clearly before moving on to the next chord. I'll provide a breakdown of how to play each of these chords, and some tips to get you sounding great.

G Major (G): Place your second finger on the 6th string, 2nd fret; third finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret; and first finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings.
C Major (C): Place your third finger on the 5th string, 3rd fret; your second finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret; and your first finger on the 2nd string, 1st fret. Strum the top five strings.
D Major (D): Place your third finger on the 1st string, 3rd fret; second finger on the 3rd string, 2nd fret; and first finger on the 2nd string, 2nd fret. Strum all but the thickest string.
Em (E minor): Place your second finger on the 5th string, 2nd fret and your first finger on the 4th string, 2nd fret. Strum all six strings.

Mastering these chords will open up a whole world of musical possibilities, not just for this song, but for countless others. Learning to transition smoothly between these chords is also a crucial skill, as it will make your playing sound more fluid and professional. Keep practicing, and you'll be amazed at how quickly you improve!

The Song's Structure and Chord Progression

Now that you know the chords, let's look at the song's structure. Understanding the structure will help you follow along and play the song from start to finish. Now and Forever generally follows a simple verse-chorus structure, which makes it easy to learn. The verse usually tells the story, while the chorus is the catchy part that repeats throughout the song. This simple structure is a hallmark of many popular songs, and it makes them easy to remember and play. Breaking down the structure of the song will help you understand how the different parts fit together and how to play them. The song follows this basic pattern: Verse 1, Chorus, Verse 2, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus. The specific chord progression for each section is relatively simple, usually repeating the same pattern throughout the verse and chorus. I will provide a basic outline.

Verse: The verse typically uses the chords G, C, and D. You'll switch between these chords while the vocals tell the story. The order might vary slightly, but it generally follows a pattern like this: G - C - G - D.
Chorus: The chorus brings in the Em chord, and the progression usually becomes: G - D - C - Em. This is the heart of the song, where the melody soars, and the emotion intensifies.
Bridge: The bridge provides a contrast to the verse and chorus. It can introduce a different chord progression or a different feel. In Now and Forever, the bridge might feature a slight variation of the main chords, adding some extra depth and interest. Remember to listen to the song and pay attention to how the chords change during the bridge.

Understanding the song's structure is important because it helps you to anticipate the chord changes and play along more confidently. You'll know when the chorus is coming and be ready to switch to the appropriate chords. It also helps you understand the emotional journey of the song, as the music often reflects the lyrics and the overall theme. Practice transitioning between these different sections, and you'll be able to play the entire song smoothly and accurately!

Strumming Patterns and Tips for Playing

Alright, guys, let's talk about strumming patterns. This is where you bring the song to life! The right strumming pattern can make all the difference in capturing the song's feel and emotional depth. Air Supply's music is known for its romantic and emotional melodies, and the strumming pattern is key to expressing that. Strumming isn't just about going up and down; it's about creating a rhythm that matches the song's tempo and feel. Different patterns can create different moods, and experimenting with them is a great way to personalize your playing. I'll provide a few strumming patterns you can use, but feel free to experiment and find what works best for you. Listen carefully to the original recording to get a feel for the rhythm and how the guitar parts fit into the overall sound. Here are a couple of strumming patterns to get you started.

Basic Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up: This is a simple and versatile pattern that works well for many songs. It’s easy to learn and provides a consistent rhythm. Practice this pattern slowly, then gradually increase the speed. This pattern is great for creating a solid foundation for the song.
Down-Up-Down-Up: This pattern is a bit more dynamic and adds a slight variation to the rhythm. It's a classic pattern that can be used for various songs. Focus on keeping a steady beat and making sure each strum is clear and distinct. Experiment with muting the strings to create a percussive effect.

Tips for playing:

Practice Slowly: Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable. Accuracy is more important than speed, especially when you're just starting out.
Use a Metronome: A metronome will help you maintain a steady beat and improve your timing. This is a great tool for developing your rhythmic skills. It helps you keep track of the beat and improve your consistency.
Listen to the Song: Listen to the original recording of