“If you give your heart to a song”—that’s what Fridayy delivers with his 2023 hit “When It Comes To You”. Released on July 21, 2023, this Grammy‑nominated track combines soulful vocals, emotionally charged lyrics, and a stripped-down chord progression that’s perfect for acoustic guitar, piano, or ukulele players. Here’s a complete guide to playing it confidently.
Core Chord Progression & Key Details
Song Key and Tempo Basics
The song is written in C minor, with a tempo around 70 BPM—sometimes listed as 139 BPM depending on swing interpretation. It features a slow, intimate pulse that complements its R&B groove ([turn0search5]; [turn0search1]).
Primary Chords Used
Across verse, chorus, and outro, the main chords are A♭ major, C minor, B♭ major, and F minor. These four chords consistently cycle in patterns that give the song its smooth, emotional flow ([turn0search3]; [turn0search4]).
Suggested Strumming or Fingerstyle Approach
Players often opt for a DU, DU, DU, DU strum pattern at a relaxed pace—or fingerstyle picking mimicking the vocal rhythm. A simple picking motif on the A♭ to C minor change can easily evoke the original intro feel ([turn0search5]).
Verse Structure & Chord Flow
Intro into Verse: A♭ → Fm → Eb → B♭ → Cm
The intro riff, as shown in the tablature, includes a melodic hammer-on/pull-off sequence on the B string over the A♭ chord. This sets the mood. The progression then moves from A♭ to F minor, transitions through E♭ and B♭ before settling on C minor. This sequence is repeated for each verse ([turn0search2]).
Verse Chord Pattern
Typically, the verse follows A♭–Fm–Eb–B♭–Cm–A♭–Cm–B♭–Fm–Eb. The repeated movement between A♭ and C minor establishes harmonic tension, while the B♭ and E♭ chords provide hopeful resolution. The phrasing aligns with Fridayy’s vocal melody and phrasing, especially during lines like “I done gave my heart to you…” ([turn0search5]).
Chorus and Emotional Build
Chord Progression in Chorus
In the chorus, the progression shifts slightly to emphasize emotional dynamics. The pattern flows A♭ → Fm → Gm → Cm → A♭ → Cm → B♭ → Fm before resolving on A♭. The introduction of G minor injects rising emotional energy before returning to the melancholic Cm center ([turn0search2]; [turn0search4]).
Melodic Highlight Over Cm
Fridayy’s melody often lingers on the C minor chord—the lyrical phrase “When it comes to you” aligns with shifts between Cm and A♭ chords. Maintaining a soft touch or occasional arpeggio during Cm reinforces the emotional impact while allowing lyrics to shine.
Outro Sequence
The outro mirrors the verse/chorus chords but often repeats the progression while fading out, leaving the emotional chord cycle to linger. As lyrics repeat “I won’t waste no time when it comes to you,” gentle strumming or fingerstyle combined with dynamic build-to-soft payoff works well.
Playing Tips, Variations & Transposition
Using a Capo or Transposing to Fit Vocal Range
If the original key feels too low or high, use a capo to shift upward or transpose chords. The chord set (A♭, Cm, B♭, Fm) can transpose easily—for example, one semitone down gives G, Em, F, Dm, expanding vocal accessibility ([turn0search4]).
Chord Voicings for Richer Sound
Try playing A♭ major as A♭maj7, C minor as C madd9, B♭ major as B♭sus2, or using Fm7 for smoother transitions. These slight voicing changes maintain harmonic mood while adding depth. Barre-chord variants on the 1st or 3rd fret offer fuller sound.
Fingerstyle Emulations and Tab Practice Techniques
Use the intro tab from E‑Chords.com to replicate the hammer-on/pull-off embellishments (e.g. 1h3 on fret). Integrate that motif during verses for emotional authenticity. As BPM builds, break the progression into phrase segments and loop parts like Bb → Cm transitions for focused practice.
Why This Chord Song Resonates
Minimalist Harmony with Emotional Depth
By cycling through only four chords, the song delivers musical simplicity that supports raw vocal expression. The descending A♭–Cm–B♭ progression is slightly reminiscent of classic pop progressions but with a soulful R&B twist that leaves room for the emotional delivery to shine.
Cultural and Chart Success
The song charted on the Billboard Hot 100 (#97) and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (#29), earning RIAA Platinum certification—showcasing how simple, heartfelt music can resonate widely ([turn0search20]).
Ideal Choice for Beginner to Intermediate Guitarists
Because the chord change frequency and strumming are straightforward, learners can dive in quickly. The emotive phrasing is excellent for practicing expressive dynamics—making the song both accessible and satisfying to perform.
Conclusion
Learning “When It Comes To You” by Fridayy through its main chords—A♭, Fm, B♭, Cm (and occasional Gm)—offers a fulfilling experience for players across levels. The flow between verse and chorus, the emotive chorus lift, and the minimalist yet powerful progression makes it a standout piece of contemporary R&B.
Whether you’re fingerpicking the intro tab, strumming the chords, or reimagining it with voicing variations or capo adjustments, this song remains rooted in emotional authenticity. With guitar, ukulele, or piano adaptations, anyone can bring the gentle intensity of Fridayy’s heartfelt lyrics into their personal repertoire.
FAQs: Playing “When It Comes To You”
1. What chords are used in the song?
The main chords are A♭ major, C minor, B♭ major, F minor, with G minor added in chorus sections ([turn0search3]; [turn0search1]).
2. What key and tempo is the song in?
It’s in C minor, and typically played at around 70 BPM, though tab sources sometimes interpret it as ~139 BPM ([turn0search5]; [turn0search1]).
3. How do I play the intro riff?
Use the hammer-on/pull-off tab sequence over the A♭ chord (like 1h3 on the B string), as shown in E‑Chords tablature. Practice slowly for accuracy ([turn0search2]).
4. Can I transpose the song to fit my voice?
Yes. With a capo or chord transposition, you can shift the chord set downward or upward. For example, moving down a semitone yields G–Em–F–Dm for male singers.
5. Are more advanced chord voicings available?
Absolutely. Options include A♭maj7, Cmadd9, B♭sus2, Fm7 for richer harmonic texture and smoother chord transitions.
