Learn 'Amar Y Vivir' By Los Angeles Negros: Chords & Guide

Oct 29, 2025 by Jhon Lennon 59 views

Hey music lovers! Ready to dive into the beautiful world of 'Amar y Vivir' by Los Angeles Negros? This classic tune is a staple for a reason, and in this guide, we'll break down the chords, making it super easy for you to play along. Whether you're a seasoned guitarist or just starting out, this breakdown is designed to help you master this amazing song. Let's get started, guys!

Unveiling the Magic of 'Amar y Vivir': The Core Chords

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the chords! The beauty of 'Amar y Vivir' lies in its relatively simple chord progression, making it a perfect song for beginners to learn and enjoy. We'll be using standard chord symbols, so if you're familiar with those, you're already ahead of the game. If not, don't worry, we'll cover the basics here. The main chords you'll need are:

Am (A minor): This is one of the most common chords, and it's your starting point for the song. Place your fingers on the second fret of the D string, the second fret of the G string, and the first fret of the B string. Strum all the strings except for the low E string.
G major: Another fundamental chord. Place your fingers on the third fret of the low E string, the second fret of the A string, and the third fret of the high E string. Strum all the strings.
C major: A classic! Place your fingers on the first fret of the B string, the second fret of the D string, and the second fret of the A string. Strum all the strings.
F major: A little trickier, but you got this! Place your index finger across the first fret (covering the high E and B strings), the second fret of the G string, and the third fret of the A string. You can strum all the strings, or just the bottom five, to avoid the low E string.

That's it, folks! With these four chords, you've got the foundation for playing 'Amar y Vivir'. It sounds like a lot, but trust me, with a little practice, you'll be strumming along in no time. The chord progression is fairly repetitive, which makes it easy to memorize and internalize. The song's charm lies in its simplicity and the emotion conveyed through the music.

Detailed Chord Diagrams and Finger Placement

For those of you who are visual learners (and let's be honest, that's most of us!), here are some handy chord diagrams to help you out. Remember, practice makes perfect! Don't get discouraged if it doesn't sound perfect the first few times. Keep strumming, and you'll find your rhythm and finger placement improving with each attempt. There are tons of online resources with diagrams, too, so use them to your advantage. It’s a good idea to watch videos of people playing the song to see how they transition between chords. This can give you a better feel for the rhythm and flow of the song. Don't worry about being perfect; the goal is to have fun and enjoy the music. This song is all about expressing emotion, and that comes from the heart, not just perfect chord transitions.

Am (A minor)

E|--0--
B|--1--
G|--2--
D|--2--
A|--0--
E|--x--

G major

E|--3--
B|--0--
G|--0--
D|--0--
A|--2--
E|--3--

C major

E|--x--
B|--1--
G|--0--
D|--2--
A|--3--
E|--x--

F major

E|--1--
B|--1--
G|--2--
D|--3--
A|--3--
E|--1--

Tips for Smooth Chord Transitions

One of the biggest challenges when learning new chords is transitioning smoothly between them. Here are a few tips to help you out:

Practice Slowly: Start by practicing the chord changes at a slow tempo. This will allow you to get your fingers in the right positions without rushing. Gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable.
Anticipate the Changes: As you play, try to anticipate the next chord. Look ahead and get your fingers ready before you need to strum. This will make the transitions smoother.
Use a Metronome: A metronome is a great tool for developing your timing and rhythm. Set it to a slow tempo and practice changing chords in time with the clicks.
Focus on the Common Fingers: Notice which fingers stay in the same position when changing chords. This can make the transitions easier. For example, when switching from Am to C, the index finger stays on the first fret.
Palm Muting: Experiment with palm muting. This technique involves lightly resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge to mute them slightly. It can add a percussive element and help you stay in time.

Unlocking the Strumming Pattern: Rhythmic Guide

Now that you know the chords, let's talk about the strumming pattern. This is what gives 'Amar y Vivir' its distinctive feel. The strumming pattern is relatively straightforward, which contributes to the song's accessibility. The most common strumming pattern used is down, down, up, up, down, up. You can experiment with different variations, but this is a great starting point.

Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up: This is the most basic and arguably the most effective strumming pattern for this song. It's easy to memorize and fits well with the song's rhythm. Count it as 1, 2, & 3, & 4, &.
Emphasis: Try to emphasize the downstrokes to give the song a stronger feel. You can experiment with the volume and intensity of your strumming to find what sounds best to you.
Practice with a Metronome: Again, a metronome is your friend! Use it to practice the strumming pattern and maintain a steady rhythm. Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo.
Listen to the Original: Listen to the original song to get a feel for the rhythm and how the strumming pattern fits with the vocals and other instruments. Try to mimic the feel of the song.

Syncing Chords and Strumming: Putting It All Together

Once you feel comfortable with both the chords and the strumming pattern, the next step is to put them together. This might take a little practice, but don't worry, you'll get there! Start slowly, focusing on making clean chord changes and maintaining a steady strumming rhythm. As you become more proficient, you can gradually increase the tempo.

Start Slow: Begin at a slow tempo and focus on accuracy. Make sure you're changing chords at the right time and that your strumming pattern is consistent.
Count Out Loud: Count the strumming pattern out loud as you play. This will help you stay in time and make sure you're changing chords at the correct beat. For example, count 1, 2, & 3, & 4, & for each measure.
Practice in Sections: Break the song down into smaller sections and practice each section individually. Once you feel comfortable with a section, move on to the next. Gradually put the sections together.
Record Yourself: Record yourself playing the song. This will help you identify areas where you need to improve. Listen back and pay attention to your chord changes, strumming pattern, and timing.
Have Fun: Remember, the most important thing is to have fun! Don't get discouraged if you don't get it perfect right away. Keep practicing, and you'll eventually master the song. There is always going to be a lot to learn in the beginning, it's about patience.

Deep Dive: Lyrics and Song Structure

Now, let's dig a little deeper into the structure of 'Amar y Vivir' and how it all comes together. Understanding the song structure and the lyrics can help you enhance your playing and add more feeling to your performance. The song has a classic verse-chorus structure, which makes it easy to follow.

Verse Structure

The verses typically follow a specific chord progression. Generally, the verses use the Am, G, C, and F chords in a repeating sequence. The lyrics in the verses tell the story and set the mood. Pay attention to how the chords support the lyrical narrative. In general, the verses are where the story unfolds, and the chords provide the emotional backdrop. The structure is repetitive, but the emotional depth comes from the lyrics and the way you play them.

Chorus Structure

The chorus is the heart of the song, where the main theme or message is presented. The chorus often uses the same chord progression as the verses, but with a different lyrical emphasis. In 'Amar y Vivir', the chorus is catchy and memorable, designed to stick in your head. The chorus usually has a higher energy level than the verses, and the chords can be played with a bit more emphasis.

Song Progression: Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Bridge, Chorus

Here’s a general overview of the song's structure:

Verse: Introduces the story and sets the scene. The Am, G, C, and F chords are used in the main progression.
Chorus: The main message of the song, often a catchy melody. The Am, G, C, and F chords are used again.
Verse: Continues the story.
Chorus: Repeats the main message.
Bridge: This section provides a variation, sometimes introducing new melodies or a different chord progression. This will make your song unique and more complex.
Chorus: The song ends with a final repetition of the chorus.

The Importance of Listening to the Original Song

There is no substitute for listening to the original song. Pay attention to how Los Angeles Negros play the chords, their strumming pattern, and the way they sing the lyrics. Try to mimic their style, and let their performance guide yours. Listening to the original can help you understand the nuances of the song and inspire your own interpretation. This process can significantly enhance your ability to play the song accurately and with the intended emotion.

Advanced Techniques: Adding Your Personal Touch

Once you’ve mastered the basic chords and strumming, you can start experimenting with some advanced techniques to add your personal touch. This is where you can truly make the song your own and express your musical personality. Here are a few ideas:

Chord Variations

Minor Variations: Experiment with adding a minor 7th to your chords. For example, instead of Am, you could play Am7. This adds a bit of jazz and sophistication to the chord.
Suspended Chords: Try using suspended chords, like Asus2 or Asus4, to add color and interest to your playing. Suspended chords create a feeling of anticipation and add a unique texture to the song.
Inversions: Learn chord inversions. These are the same chords, but with different notes in the bass. This can make your playing sound more interesting and help you create smoother transitions between chords.

Strumming and Rhythm Variations

Alternate Strumming: Instead of the basic down, down, up, up, down, up, try mixing up the pattern. Experiment with different rhythms and see what sounds best to you. This might involve skipping strums or adding extra strums for emphasis.
Arpeggios: Instead of strumming the chords, try playing the individual notes of the chords one at a time (arpeggio). This can create a more delicate and intricate sound.
Dynamics: Play with dynamics (volume). Use softer strumming for the verses and louder strumming for the chorus. This adds more expression to your playing and can emphasize the emotional impact of the song.

Incorporating Melodies

Guitar Solos: If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a simple guitar solo. You can either improvise or learn a solo from the original song. This can add a lot of flair to your performance.
Fill Licks: Learn some simple fill licks to play between vocal phrases. These are short, instrumental phrases that can add interest and excitement to the song.
Vocal Harmonies: If you're singing with someone, try adding vocal harmonies. This can create a richer and fuller sound and make the song even more enjoyable.

Conclusion: Embrace the Journey of Learning

So there you have it, guys! A comprehensive guide to learning 'Amar y Vivir' by Los Angeles Negros. Remember, the key to success is practice, patience, and perseverance. Don't be afraid to experiment, make mistakes, and have fun. Music is all about expressing yourself and enjoying the process. This song is a beautiful testament to love and life, and learning to play it is a rewarding experience.

Keep practicing, keep listening, and most importantly, keep enjoying the music. With a little time and effort, you'll be strumming along to this classic tune with ease and confidence. Happy playing! And remember, every musician, no matter how skilled, started somewhere. Keep practicing and enjoying the journey. Good luck, and have fun playing 'Amar y Vivir'. You've got this!