If you’re searching for the “what was i made for chords”, you’re likely looking to master Billie Eilish’s emotional hit from the Barbie movie soundtrack. This song, with its soft and introspective melody, has become a favorite for many guitarists, pianists, and ukulele players. Whether you are just starting your musical journey or already an experienced player, this guide will help you play the song step by step with confidence.
This article provides you with simplified chord diagrams, strumming patterns, tips to improve chord transitions, and even alternative suggestions to expand your practice. Let’s dive in!
About the Song: “What Was I Made For?”
Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” is one of the standout songs from the Barbie movie soundtrack. With its minimalist instrumentation, delicate vocals, and poignant lyrics, the song carries an emotional weight that resonates with listeners.
The arrangement relies on a simple chord progression, making it perfect for beginners and intermediates to learn. Despite its simplicity, the song allows players to connect deeply with the music, making it both rewarding and enjoyable to perform.
Chords You Need to Know
The beauty of “What Was I Made For?” lies in its simplicity. The song uses just four basic chords that are repeated throughout the song. Here are the chords you’ll need:
- C
- G
- Am
- F
These chords are common in many popular songs, so learning them will be helpful for other music as well.
Chord Diagrams
If you are not familiar with the shapes, here’s a quick guide to each chord:
| Chord | Diagram |
|---|---|
| C | x32010 |
| G | 320003 |
| Am | x02210 |
| F | 133211 |
Tip: If you find the F chord challenging, start with the easier version (xx3211), which avoids the full bar shape.
Full Chord Progression and Playing Style
The song follows a repetitive chord progression that is easy to memorize and play. Here’s a breakdown of the sections:
Chord Progression
The same progression repeats through most of the song:
- Verse: C – G – Am – F
- Chorus: C – G – Am – F
- Bridge: C – G – Am – F
This progression remains consistent, so once you get comfortable with these four chords, you’ll be able to play the entire song without difficulty.
Strumming Patterns
For beginners, start with a simple strumming pattern like:
- Down, Down, Down, Down (1 strum per beat)
If you want to add more dynamics, try this common pattern:
- Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
This pattern creates a more flowing rhythm that complements the gentle feel of the song.
Example for Verse:
- C: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
- G: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
- Am: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
- F: Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
Start slow and focus on switching between chords cleanly. As you gain confidence, you can speed up the transitions and explore variations.
Tips to Improve Your Playing
Here are some actionable tips to help you master “What Was I Made For?”:
- Practice Chord Changes: Smooth transitions between C, G, Am, and F are key. Practice each switch individually before playing the full progression.
- Simplify the F Chord: If you’re a beginner, use the simplified F (xx3211). Over time, work on building the full barre chord.
- Count the Beats: The song follows a steady 4/4 rhythm. Count “1-2-3-4” as you strum to stay in time.
- Start Slow: Begin at a slower tempo and gradually increase the speed as you feel comfortable.
- Capo for Easier Singing: Billie Eilish’s voice is naturally soft and high. Place a capo on the 2nd fret to adjust the key and match her vocal range more comfortably.
- Add Emotion: Once you know the chords, focus on playing softly and smoothly to match the song’s introspective tone.
Comparison: Key Features of the Chords
Here’s a breakdown of the chords, their difficulty, and how you can simplify them if needed:
| Chord | Difficulty | Common Use | Simplified Version |
| C | Easy | Folk, Pop | – |
| G | Medium | Versatile | 320033 |
| Am | Easy | Ballads, Acoustic | – |
| F | Challenging | Pop, Rock | xx3211 |
This chart can help you identify which chords might need extra practice and how to simplify them as you learn.
Why This Song Is Beginner-Friendly
Here are a few reasons why “What Was I Made For?” is an excellent choice for beginners:
- Simple Chords: The song uses only four easy-to-learn chords.
- Slow Tempo: The ballad’s slower pace allows beginners to focus on chord changes without rushing.
- Repetitive Progression: The same chord sequence is repeated throughout the song, reducing complexity.
- Emotional Impact: The song’s raw and beautiful melody makes it fulfilling to play, even with minimal skills.
Practice Songs with Similar Chords
Once you master “What Was I Made For?”, try these songs with similar chord progressions to expand your repertoire:
| Song Title | Chords | Artist |
| “Let Her Go” | C – G – Am – F | Passenger |
| “Someone You Loved” | C – G – Am – F | Lewis Capaldi |
| “Perfect” | G – Em – C – D | Ed Sheeran |
| “Stay With Me” | Am – F – C – G | Sam Smith |
These songs share similar progressions, making them a great follow-up to build on the skills you’ve learned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I do if I struggle with chord changes?
A: Start by isolating two chords at a time. Practice switching between them slowly until it becomes natural.
Q: Is this song suitable for piano?
A: Yes! The chord progression (C – G – Am – F) translates easily to piano. Start with basic triads for each chord.
Q: Can I play this song on the ukulele?
A: Absolutely. The chords for ukulele are the same (C, G, Am, F), and they are even easier to play on the smaller fretboard.
Q: How do I make the song sound more dynamic?
A: Experiment with fingerpicking or add light variations to your strumming pattern.
Final Thoughts:
Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” is a moving and introspective song that is both easy to learn and rewarding to play. With just four chords (C, G, Am, and F), even beginner guitarists can bring this beautiful ballad to life.
Start by learning the chord shapes and practicing the transitions. Focus on playing slowly and smoothly to match the song’s emotional tone. As you become more confident, experiment with strumming patterns and dynamics to make the performance your own.
Whether you play guitar, piano, or ukulele, this song is a perfect addition to your repertoire. Take your time, enjoy the process, and let the music inspire you.
