BeginnerpopKey: D79 BPM4/4

How to Practice Thinking Out Loud

Ed Sheeran's 'Thinking Out Loud' is the most-streamed wedding-first-dance song of the 2010s. The smooth groove, the simple chord changes, and the confident vocal make it a staple for cover bands and acoustic acts alike.

Song Details

Key
D
Tempo
79 BPM
Time
4/4
Style
boom-chuck

Structure

VerseD | D/F# | G | A | D | D/F# | G | A
ChorusEm | A | D | D | Em | A | D | D

What to Focus On

Smooth strumming with a slight swing feel. Chord changes through D major with diatonic borrowings. Confident, soulful singing on the chorus.

Practice Tips

  1. 1

    The rhythm has a swing feel — practice the strum pattern slowly to internalize it.

  2. 2

    The chord progression cycles through D major. Master it once and the rest is dynamics.

  3. 3

    The vocal sits comfortably in most ranges. Sing it confidently.

Why This Song

It's the modern wedding-dance standard — every cover band has it in their book.

Practice Thinking Out Loud Daily

Repertoire uses spaced repetition to keep your songs sharp. Add this song to your collection and the system schedules your practice automatically.

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