How to Play Matchbox 20’s "Push"

Playing Matchbox 20's "Push" on guitar is a fulfilling experience that offers a mix of rhythmic strumming and emotional depth. To tackle this song effectively, you need to grasp several elements including chords, strumming patterns, and the overall feel of the song. This guide will walk you through each of these aspects in detail, ensuring you capture the essence of the track.

1. Understanding the Song
"Push" by Matchbox 20, released in 1996, is a classic rock song characterized by its catchy melody and emotive lyrics. The song is built around a relatively simple chord progression but requires attention to dynamics and emotional delivery.

2. Chords and Progression
The chord progression for "Push" is straightforward but crucial for capturing the song's feel. The primary chords used are:

• Verse Chords:

  • G
  • Cadd9
  • Em7
  • D

• Chorus Chords:

  • C
  • G
  • Am
  • F

To play these chords accurately:

• G Major: 320003
• Cadd9: x32033
• Em7: 022033
• D Major: xx0232
• C Major: x32010
• Am: x02210
• F Major: 133211

3. Strumming Patterns
The strumming pattern for "Push" is integral to its sound. You can follow a basic down-down-up-up-down-up pattern to start with, but listen closely to the track to adjust according to the song’s rhythm and mood.

Example Pattern:

• D (down)
• D (down)
• U (up)
• U (up)
• D (down)
• U (up)

4. Playing the Intro and Verse
The intro of "Push" sets the tone for the rest of the song. It starts with a clean guitar sound and a straightforward chord progression. Play the intro softly and build up intensity as you progress into the verse. Here’s a simple way to approach the intro:

1. Start with the G Major chord and strum lightly.
2. Move to Cadd9, ensuring each chord transition is smooth.
3. Follow with Em7 and D Major, keeping a consistent rhythm.

5. Mastering the Chorus
The chorus is the most dynamic part of the song. Emphasize the strumming to match the energy of the lyrics. Use the chord progression:

• C Major
• G Major
• Am
• F Major

6. Adding Emotion and Dynamics
"Push" is as much about emotional delivery as it is about technical proficiency. Pay attention to the song's dynamics:

• Soft Verses: Play gently and focus on the lyrical content.
• Powerful Chorus: Increase your strumming intensity to convey the emotional peak of the song.

7. Practice Tips
To become proficient at playing "Push":

• Break Down the Song: Practice each section (intro, verse, chorus) separately before piecing them together.
• Play Along with the Track: This helps you sync with the rhythm and feel of the song.
• Record Yourself: This allows you to listen back and identify areas for improvement.

8. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Chord Transitions: If transitioning between chords feels challenging, slow down and practice each transition individually.
• Strumming Pattern: If the strumming pattern feels off, start with a slower tempo and gradually increase speed.

9. Conclusion
Playing "Push" by Matchbox 20 is a rewarding endeavor that combines technical skill with emotional expression. By mastering the chords, strumming patterns, and dynamics, you'll capture the essence of this iconic song and enhance your guitar-playing skills.