Now And Forever Chords: Your Ultimate Guide

Nov 2, 2025 by SLV Team 44 views

Hey everyone! Are you ready to dive into the beautiful world of music and learn how to play the iconic "Now and Forever" chords? This song, originally by Richard Marx, is a classic for a reason. Its heartfelt lyrics and simple, yet effective, chord progression make it a favorite for guitarists, pianists, and ukulele players of all skill levels. Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this guide is designed to help you master the Now and Forever chords and strum along to this timeless tune. We'll break down the chords, offer tips for playing them on different instruments, and even provide some variations to spice things up. So grab your instrument, and let's get started!

Decoding the Now and Forever Chords: The Basics

Alright, guys, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the Now and Forever chords. The beauty of this song lies in its accessibility. The main chord progression is relatively straightforward, making it perfect for beginners. The core of the song revolves around a handful of easy-to-play chords. While there may be slight variations in arrangements, depending on the specific version or instrument, the fundamental chords remain consistent. We'll focus on the most common and accessible versions, ensuring that anyone can pick up their instrument and start playing.

The primary Now and Forever chords typically include G major, C major, D major, and Em (E minor). These are some of the most fundamental chords in music, and once you learn them, you'll find them in countless other songs. The G major chord is usually the starting point, providing a warm and inviting foundation for the song. Next comes C major, offering a sense of stability and resolution. D major then adds a touch of brightness and forward motion, and finally, Em provides a hint of melancholy and emotional depth. The arrangement of these four chords varies slightly through the song. The sequence of chords creates a beautiful and moving experience. You can switch between each chord to create the song.

For those of you new to chord diagrams, don't worry! We'll include diagrams and detailed instructions later in the article. But for now, just know that these four chords are the building blocks of "Now and Forever." Practicing these chords individually is a great way to build muscle memory and get comfortable with the finger placements. The trick is consistency, and the more time you spend practicing, the easier it will become. Don't be afraid to slow down and focus on making clean, clear sounds. Once you are comfortable with these chords, you can move on to other areas to improve your skills.

Guitar Chords for Now and Forever: A Step-by-Step Guide

Alright guitar enthusiasts, let's get those Now and Forever chords strumming! Playing "Now and Forever" on the guitar is a fantastic experience, and the song's structure is perfectly suited for the instrument. The core chords we discussed earlier – G, C, D, and Em – are all highly guitar-friendly.

Here’s a breakdown of the chords and how to play them:

G Major: Place your index finger on the second fret of the A string (5th string). Your middle finger goes on the third fret of the E string (6th string). Ring finger goes on the third fret of the high E string (1st string). Strum all six strings.
C Major: Place your index finger on the first fret of the B string (2nd string). Your middle finger goes on the second fret of the D string (4th string). Ring finger goes on the third fret of the A string (5th string). Strum all six strings.
D Major: Place your index finger on the second fret of the G string (3rd string). Your middle finger goes on the second fret of the high E string (1st string). Ring finger goes on the third fret of the B string (2nd string). Strum all six strings.
Em (E minor): Place your middle finger on the second fret of the A string (5th string). Your ring finger goes on the second fret of the D string (4th string). Strum all six strings.

That's it, guys! Four chords, and you're ready to play the Now and Forever chords on guitar. The strumming pattern is relatively straightforward, allowing you to focus on transitioning smoothly between the chords. Typically, you'll start with the G chord and transition through the C, D, and Em chords in a repeating pattern. The exact strumming pattern can be modified to match the style you prefer. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and transitioning smoothly between the chords. Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you play, the easier it will become. Don't worry if you mess up at first; it's all part of the learning process. The key is to keep practicing and have fun! You’ll be serenading your friends and family with Now and Forever in no time!

Guitar Chord Variations and Tips

Want to spice up your guitar playing of the Now and Forever chords? Here are a few variations and tips to add some flair:

Alternate Strumming Patterns: Experiment with different strumming patterns. Try down-down-up-up-down-up or a simple down-down-up.
Fingerpicking: If you're feeling adventurous, try fingerpicking the chords instead of strumming. This adds a delicate touch to the song. Pick the individual strings to create a beautiful melody.
Adding a Capo: Place a capo on the second fret to raise the pitch and make it easier to sing along if the original key is too high for your voice. When you use a capo, the chord shapes remain the same, but the song's overall pitch shifts upward.
Practice Chord Transitions: The key to mastering this song is smooth chord transitions. Practice moving between the chords slowly and deliberately. Once you get the hang of it, gradually increase the speed.
Listen to the Original: Listen closely to the original recording to get a feel for the song's rhythm and phrasing. This can help you refine your playing.

Piano Chords for Now and Forever: Keys to Success

Alright piano players, let's get those keys clicking with the Now and Forever chords! Playing "Now and Forever" on the piano is a beautiful experience. The piano's rich sound and ability to sustain notes make it a perfect instrument for this emotional ballad.

Here’s a breakdown of the chords and how to play them:

G Major: G - B - D. Play G with your thumb, B with your middle finger, and D with your pinky.
C Major: C - E - G. Play C with your thumb, E with your middle finger, and G with your pinky.
D Major: D - F# - A. Play D with your thumb, F# with your middle finger, and A with your pinky.
Em (E minor): E - G - B. Play E with your thumb, G with your middle finger, and B with your pinky.

The piano chords for Now and Forever are very similar to the guitar chords, making the transition relatively easy if you play both instruments. Start by finding the root notes of each chord. Once you’re comfortable with the basic chords, you can add more complex voicings by adding octaves or embellishments. Remember to use your sustain pedal to create a full, flowing sound. Keep your wrist relaxed, and use the weight of your arm to create a consistent sound. Listen to the song and try to match the rhythm. Piano provides the opportunity to play the song.

Piano Chord Variations and Tips

Want to add more color to your piano playing of the Now and Forever chords? Here are a few tips and variations:

Inversions: Experiment with chord inversions to add a different flavor. For example, instead of playing G-B-D, you could play B-D-G. Inversions can create more melodic lines and are perfect for a beautiful experience.
Adding Octaves: Play the chords in octaves for a fuller sound. This is particularly effective for the left hand.
Arpeggiation: Break up the chords and play them as arpeggios. This adds a flowing, delicate feel to the song.
Use the Sustain Pedal: The sustain pedal is your best friend when playing piano. Use it to connect the chords and create a beautiful, flowing sound.
Listen to Piano Covers: Listen to piano covers of "Now and Forever" to get inspiration and ideas for your playing. You can learn unique ways of playing the chords from others.

Ukulele Chords for Now and Forever: Strum It Up!

Ukulele lovers, let's get strumming with the Now and Forever chords! The ukulele's cheerful sound is perfect for this song, bringing a light and breezy vibe. Luckily, the ukulele-friendly chords of "Now and Forever" make it accessible for beginners.

Here’s how to play the chords on the ukulele:

G Major: 0232. Place your finger on the second fret of the C string and the third fret of the E string, and the second fret of the A string. Strum all four strings.
C Major: 0003. Strum all four strings.
D Major: 2220. Place your finger on the second fret of the G string, the second fret of the C string, and the second fret of the E string.
Em (E minor): 0002. Place your finger on the second fret of the G string.

The ukulele chords for "Now and Forever" are even simpler than the guitar versions, making it an excellent choice for beginner ukulele players. The strumming pattern is very similar to the guitar, so if you're familiar with that, you should be able to pick up the ukulele pretty easily. Keep the rhythm. If you make sure that you practice slowly to create the best outcome, you can make it happen. The more you work at the chords, the easier the song will be for you.

Ukulele Chord Variations and Tips

Want to make your ukulele playing of the Now and Forever chords even better? Try these variations and tips:

Strumming Patterns: Experiment with different strumming patterns. Try down-down-up-up-down-up, or a simple down-down-up.
Fingerpicking: Try fingerpicking the chords instead of strumming. This can add a gentle touch to the song.
Adding a Capo: Use a capo to change the key. The chords stay the same, but the overall pitch of the song changes.
Practice Transitions: Focus on smooth chord transitions. This will make your playing sound much more professional.
Sing Along: The ukulele is perfect for singing along with. Practice singing the lyrics while playing the chords. You can create the experience of performing the music.

Tips for Learning and Practicing the Now and Forever Chords

Alright everyone, now that you know the Now and Forever chords, here are some general tips to help you master the song on any instrument:

Start Slow: When learning any new song, start slowly. Focus on getting the chord changes correct before speeding up. Practice slowly to ensure accuracy and build muscle memory.
Use a Metronome: A metronome is your best friend when it comes to keeping time. It helps you maintain a steady rhythm and develop good timing.
Practice Regularly: Consistency is key! Even 15-30 minutes of practice each day can make a big difference.
Listen to the Song: Listen to the original recording and pay close attention to the chord changes, rhythm, and melody. This will help you understand the song better.
Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. This helps you identify areas that need improvement and track your progress.
Be Patient: Learning takes time. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. Just keep practicing and have fun! The more you focus, the better you will become.

Conclusion: Play Now and Forever

And there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to the Now and Forever chords for guitar, piano, and ukulele. We hope this guide helps you learn and enjoy playing this beautiful song. Remember to be patient, practice regularly, and most importantly, have fun! Whether you are playing this song for yourself or for someone else, the beauty of the song will shine through.

So grab your instrument, and start playing! If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Happy playing, and enjoy the music!