This article provides a detailed look at the chords used in the popular Bollywood song “Is This Love”. While the original source of the song’s composition may be debated, its beautiful melody and chord progressions have resonated with audiences. We’ll break down the intro, verse, and interludes, offering a comprehensive guide for anyone looking to learn or play this timeless tune.
Decoding the “Is This Love” Chord Progression
The song “Is This Love” features a captivating blend of major and minor chords, creating a dynamic and emotive soundscape. Let’s dive into the specific sections:
Intro (Arpeggiated)
The intro sets a melancholic yet hopeful tone, using a gentle arpeggiated pattern:
Em... Cmaj7... Am... B7... Em... D... C... Bm... Am... D... G... G... G... G... G... G... G... G...
This sequence establishes the song’s key and prepares the listener for the main melody. Notice the movement between the relative minor (Em) and major (G) chords, which adds a layer of complexity to the harmony.
Verse Chords
The verse utilizes a straightforward chord progression that’s easy to follow and play:
G-------------Bm-----------G7------------E7------
--Am---------Am(maj7)-------Am7-D-----G-----
--G7---------G7-----------C-----------Am----
--G------------Am--D----------C----GThis repeating pattern provides a solid foundation for the vocals and allows the melody to shine. The use of the dominant 7th chords (G7 and E7) creates a tension that resolves nicely back to the tonic (G) and subdominant (Am) chords.
Interlude #1 Chords
The first interlude introduces a slight variation to the verse progression, adding a passing chord (Bm/F#) for a richer harmonic texture:
|G---|Bm/F#---|G7/F---|E7---|
|Am---|Am(maj7)---|Am7-D-|G---|
|G7---|G7---|C---|Am---|
|G---|Am-D-|G---| This subtle change keeps the song interesting without straying too far from the established harmonic framework. The inclusion of the Am(maj7) adds a sophisticated touch.
Interlude #2 Chords
The second interlude features a simple, repetitive G chord:
|G---|G---|G---|G---|
This provides a moment of harmonic stability and allows the listener to absorb the emotional weight of the preceding sections. The repeated G chord also acts as a springboard back into the verse or chorus.
Mastering “Is This Love” on Guitar
The song is particularly well-suited for acoustic guitar. The chord shapes are relatively easy to learn, and the strumming patterns can be adapted to various skill levels.
Experiment with different strumming rhythms and fingerpicking patterns to find what sounds best to you. Remember to listen closely to the original recording to capture the nuances of the song’s dynamics and phrasing.
Conclusion: The Enduring Appeal of “Is This Love”
“Is This Love” remains a beloved song in the Bollywood repertoire. Its simple yet effective chord progressions, combined with its heartfelt lyrics, create a timeless piece of music that continues to resonate with listeners. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or just starting, learning the “Is This Love” chords is a rewarding experience that opens the door to exploring the beauty of Bollywood music.
