Who Did That To You

## 🎸 Song Overview & Key "Who Did That To You" by John Legend is a powerful, soulful track with a driving rhythm and intense emotional energy. The song is in the key of **E minor**, which gives it a moody, dramatic tone. The tempo is mid to fast (around 100–110 BPM), with a syncopated groove that feels urgent and rhythmic. The chord progression leans heavily on **Em**, **C**, and **Bm**, creating a tense, dark atmosphere that matches the song’s vengeful lyrics. The use of the **Bm** chord adds a haunting quality, while the **C** chord provides a jarring contrast that heightens the drama. ## 📐 Chord Progression Analysis The core progression revolves around **Em → C → Em → C → Bm**, repeating throughout the verses and choruses. In E minor, **Em** is the tonic (i), **C** is the relative major (VI), and **Bm** is the dominant (v). This creates a sense of tension and release, as the **VI** chord (C) temporarily shifts the mood before resolving back to **Em** or the darker **Bm**. The movement between **Em** and **C** feels like a call-and-response, while the **Bm** adds a punchy, unresolved ending that keeps the listener hooked. The progression is simple but effective, relying on the contrast between the minor and major chords to evoke emotion. ## 🖐️ Fingering & Technique Tips For **Em**, use the standard shape: 0 (1st fret, 2nd string), 2 (2nd fret, 3rd string), 2 (2nd fret, 4th string), 0 (open 1st string). For **C**, press 3 (2nd fret, 1st string), 2 (2nd fret, 2nd string), 0 (open 3rd string), 1 (1st fret, 4th string). **Bm** is 2 (2nd fret, 2nd string), 4 (4th fret, 3rd string), 4 (4th fret, 2nd string), 2 (2nd fret, 4th string). If barre chords are tough, try simplified **Em** (0-0-2-0-0-0) or **C** with a partial barre on the 3rd fret. The transition from **Em** to **C** can be tricky—practice switching slowly, lifting your fingers just before the next chord. ## 🥁 Strumming Pattern & Rhythm Use a **down-up-down-up** pattern with a steady, aggressive rhythm. In verses, strum lightly on the off-beats (2nd and 4th beats) to add groove. In choruses, emphasize the **“Who did that to you”** lines with **accents on the downstrokes**. The time signature is **4/4**, with a syncopated feel. Dynamics should build in the chorus—play louder on the **Bm** chords in the final lines to mirror the song’s intensity. ## 🎵 Song Structure Walkthrough The song follows a **Verse → Chorus → Verse → Chorus → Bridge → Chorus** structure. The **verse** uses the **Em–C–Bm** progression, while the **chorus** repeats the same chords but with faster strumming. The **bridge** (e.g., “Now he’ll keep on running…”) uses the same progression but adds a call-and-response feel. Transitions between sections rely on subtle changes in strumming speed and dynamics. Pay attention to the **“You better call the police”** lines—they’re a great spot to practice rhythmic precision. ## 💡 Pro Practice Tip Focus on **matching the rhythm of the lyrics** with your strumming. For example, in the line “**Who did that to you**,” strum each word on a separate beat (1–2–3–4) to lock in with the vocal phrasing. This will help you internalize the song’s groove and make your playing feel more natural.