"Give it to me, I'm worth it!" – Few pop anthems capture a feeling of fierce self-assurance quite like Fifth Harmony's "Worth It." From its undeniable beat to those instantly recognizable vocal hooks, it's a track that demands attention. And if you're like countless musicians, whether you're strumming an acoustic guitar, tickling the ivories, or producing your own instrumental versions, you've probably wondered how to capture that empowering energy in your own playing. You've come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will arm you with everything you need to confidently play "Worth It," breaking down the chords, tabs, and best practices for creating compelling instrumental arrangements.
At a Glance: Your Quick Guide to "Worth It"
- Core Chords: The song primarily revolves around a powerful progression in Eb Major, featuring Bb, Ab, Eb, Cm. A B major chord also makes a notable appearance.
- Key: Eb Major, making it vocally accessible for many.
- Instrumentation: Originally pop/R&B with synth hooks, strong bass, and percussion. Adaptable to guitar, piano, and full band.
- Tempo: Moderate, around 100-105 BPM, but adjustable for practice.
- Capo Use: Often helpful for guitarists to match vocal ranges or simplify chord shapes, especially if transposing.
- Instrumental Versions: Perfect for karaoke, practice, or creating unique covers.
The Undeniable Power of "Worth It": A Musician's Perspective
"Worth It" isn't just a hit song; it's a statement. Released in 2015 by Fifth Harmony, featuring Kid Ink, it quickly became a global sensation, known for its empowering lyrics and infectious Middle Eastern-influenced synth hook. For musicians, this track offers a fantastic opportunity to explore pop structure, rhythmic precision, and harmonic drive. Its relatively straightforward chord progression, combined with dynamic vocal lines and instrumental flourishes, makes it an ideal piece for both beginners looking to tackle a popular song and seasoned players seeking to refine their pop sensibilities.
We’re not just talking about plunking down a few chords here. We're talking about understanding the song's DNA, so you can play it authentically, make it your own, or even build a killer instrumental from scratch.
Unlocking the Core Chords: The Heartbeat of "Worth It"
At its fundamental level, "Worth It" is built on a strong, looping chord progression that gives it its drive and infectious quality. While the full arrangement is rich with layers, mastering these foundational chords is your first, most crucial step. The song primarily resides in the key of Eb Major.
According to our research, the basic chord sequence that underpins much of "Worth It" is: Bb, Ab, Eb, Cm. You’ll also find a distinct B major chord that adds a unique flavor.
Let's break down these chords for both guitar and piano players.
For Guitarists: Shaping the Sound
Playing "Worth It" on guitar often involves a mix of open and barre chords, depending on your skill level and desired tone.
Standard Chord Shapes (without capo):
- Bb Major:
- Barre Chord: E-shape on 6th fret (688766)
- Open (partial): x13331 (often used in acoustic contexts)
- Ab Major:
- Barre Chord: E-shape on 4th fret (466544)
- Eb Major:
- Barre Chord: A-shape on 6th fret (x68886)
- Cm (C minor):
- Barre Chord: A-shape on 3rd fret (x35543)
- B Major:
- Barre Chord: A-shape on 2nd fret (x24442) or E-shape on 7th fret (799877)
Chord Progression Walkthrough:
While the song structure is quite intricate (check out the full Im Worth It lyrics to follow along), the chorus and main groove often cycle through variations of:
(Chorus/Main Progression Example)
Bb - Ab - Eb - Cm
(Repeat as needed)
The B major chord tends to appear as a powerful, often brief, transitional chord or a variation in certain sections. Listen closely to the original track to pinpoint its exact placement – it often creates a dramatic lift!
For Pianists: Voicings and Basslines
On the piano, you have more flexibility with inversions and voicings. The goal is to capture the powerful, rhythmic feel.
Basic Voicings (Right Hand):
- Bb Major: Bb-D-F
- Ab Major: Ab-C-Eb
- Eb Major: Eb-G-Bb
- Cm: C-Eb-G
- B Major: B-D#-F#
Left Hand (Bass):
Your left hand should primarily play the root notes of the chords, often in octaves or single notes, mimicking the song's strong bassline. - Bb: Plays Bb
- Ab: Plays Ab
- Eb: Plays Eb
- Cm: Plays C
- B: Plays B
Rhythmic Approach:
For piano, focus on a driving, syncopated rhythm. The song uses a persistent eighth-note pulse, often with accents on the off-beats, giving it that characteristic pop groove. Experiment with arpeggiated chords (broken chords) in the verses and block chords in the chorus for dynamic contrast.
Mastering the Guitar: Strumming, Capos, and Smooth Transitions
Playing "Worth It" on guitar requires more than just knowing the chords; it's about technique, rhythm, and feel.
Strumming Patterns: Finding Your Groove
The song's energy is driven by its rhythm. A good starting point for your strumming pattern is a consistent Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up (D DU UDU) pattern, especially in the chorus.
- Verse: You might simplify to a more sparse D DU DU or even just downstrokes to create space, mimicking the more spoken-word feel of the verses.
- Chorus: Go full D DU UDU, applying more force and consistent motion to drive the powerful chorus.
- Accents: Pay attention to the accents in the original song. Often, beats 2 and 4 get a slight emphasis. Trying to replicate the synth hits or vocal accents with your strumming can add a lot of authenticity.
The Capo Question: Adjusting to Your Voice
As Chordu.com suggests, using a capo can be incredibly helpful for guitarists. While the song is in Eb Major, you might find it easier to play in a more "guitar-friendly" key like D Major or C Major and use a capo to bring it up to Eb.
- Playing in D Major with Capo on 1st Fret:
- Original: Bb, Ab, Eb, Cm
- Capo 1st Fret, Playing: A, G, D, Bm (This shifts everything up a half-step)
- Wait, this doesn't match. If the song is in Eb Major, and I want to play it in a more guitar-friendly key and then use a capo to get back to Eb, I need to transpose down.
- Let's say you want to play open chords like G, C, D, Em.
- If you play G major with a capo on the 5th fret, it sounds like C. If you play G with a capo on the 6th fret, it sounds like C#.
- To get to Eb (key of the song):
- Option 1 (Common): Play in D Major shapes, capo on 3rd fret.
- D shapes (D, G, A, Bm) with Capo 3rd fret = F, Bb, C, Dm (This is closer, but not the exact original progression).
- Option 2 (Best for the original chords): Stick to the barre chords (Bb, Ab, Eb, Cm). If you find the Bb and Ab barre chords difficult, you might try a capo on the first fret and play A, G, D, Bm shapes, which would then transpose to Bb, Ab, Eb, Cm.
- Correction: If playing A, G, D, Bm with Capo 1, the chords become Bb, Ab, Eb, Cm. This is the simplest way to get to the correct sounding chords using easier shapes.
- So, if you put a capo on the 1st fret, play the following shapes:
- A major (sounds as Bb)
- G major (sounds as Ab)
- D major (sounds as Eb)
- B minor (sounds as Cm)
- You will still need to find a shape for the B major chord if it appears. If you capo on 1st, play an A# shape.
- Recommendation: For beginners struggling with barre chords, capo on the 1st fret and learn A, G, D, Bm shapes. This will sound correct.
Smooth Chord Transitions: The Key to Flow
Rapid chord changes are a common hurdle. Here's how to tackle them:
- Practice Slowly: Use
Chordu.com's suggested tempo controller to slow down the track or use a metronome. Focus on clean changes rather than speed. - Finger Memory: Practice changing between just two difficult chords repeatedly (e.g., Bb to Ab) until your fingers find their way naturally.
- Minimal Movement: Try to keep your fingers as close to the fretboard as possible when changing chords. Lift only as much as needed.
- Anticipation: Look ahead to the next chord. Your brain should be preparing for the next shape before your fingers get there.
Piano and Keyboard Techniques for "Worth It"
Pianists have the advantage of playing both harmony and melody. For "Worth It," focus on a rhythmic foundation that supports the vocal line.
Voicings and Texture
- Chorus: Use full, robust block chords in your right hand (Eb-G-Bb, Ab-C-Eb, etc.) to match the song's power. Consider adding an octave in the bass for your left hand.
- Verses: Thin out the texture. Play simpler triads, or even just root and fifth, to create space. You can also use rhythmic arpeggios (playing the notes of the chord one by one) to add movement without being too heavy.
- Synth Hook: The iconic synth riff (often played at the very beginning and throughout) can be replicated. It's usually a simple, catchy melodic phrase that outlines the harmony. Listen closely and try to pick it out by ear. It typically uses notes from the Eb Major scale.
Adding the "Worth It" Flavor
- Rhythm is King: The song has a tight, slightly syncopated groove. Practice with a metronome, ensuring your chords land precisely.
- Dynamics: Use varying volumes. Play louder in the choruses and pre-choruses, and softer in the verses to create dynamic contrast.
- Pedaling: Use the sustain pedal sparingly in faster, rhythmic sections to avoid muddiness. Apply it more freely in sustained chord sections or when you want a fuller sound.
Diving Deeper: Tabs for Specific Riffs and Melodies
While chords give you the harmonic backbone, tabs (tablature) are fantastic for learning specific melodies, basslines, or guitar riffs that don't fit neatly into chord shapes.
What Are Tabs?
Tabs are a visual representation of how to play notes on a stringed instrument. For guitar, they consist of six horizontal lines representing the six strings, with numbers on the lines indicating which fret to press.
Example (simplified riff):
e|---------------------------------|
B|---------------------------------|
G|---------------------------------|
D|---------------------------------|
A|--------6-8---6------------------|
E|----6-8---------8-6--------------|
This snippet would indicate playing the 6th fret on the low E string, then 8th, then 6th fret on A, 8th on A, etc.
Finding and Using "Worth It" Tabs
- Online Resources: Many guitar tab websites (e.g., Ultimate Guitar, Songsterr) offer community-generated tabs. Search for "Fifth Harmony Worth It tabs."
- Focus on Key Riffs: Look for tabs specifically for:
- The main synth hook (often played on guitar with a clean tone).
- The bassline (which is quite prominent and catchy).
- Any specific melodic flourishes in the verses or bridge.
- Accuracy Check: Not all tabs are 100% accurate. Cross-reference with multiple sources and, most importantly, your ear against the original recording.
Beyond Guitar: Bass Tabs
For bassists, "Worth It" is a treasure trove of groove. The bassline is driving and integral to the song's feel. Tabs can help you learn the exact rhythm and notes, focusing on the strong, syncopated quarter and eighth notes. Pay attention to the slides and hammer-ons that give the bass its character.
Harnessing Instrumental Versions for Practice and Performance
Instrumental versions of "Worth It" are invaluable tools, whether you're learning, practicing, performing, or even creating your own covers.
Backing Tracks: Your Personal Band
- Karaoke Versions: These typically remove the lead vocals, leaving the full instrumental backing. Perfect for singers to practice their vocal lines or for instrumentalists to play along and feel like part of a band.
- Instrumental Mixes: Sometimes, official instrumental versions are released that strip out all vocals, offering a clean canvas for your own musical interpretations.
- MIDI Files: While less common for direct "playing along," MIDI files of "Worth It" can be found. These allow you to isolate individual instrument tracks (drums, bass, synth, etc.), change tempos without affecting pitch, and even re-assign instruments – a powerful tool for producers and arrangers.
How to Use Instrumental Versions Effectively:
- Timing and Rhythm: Play along with the backing track to refine your internal clock and ensure your playing is perfectly in sync.
- Dynamics: Practice matching the dynamics of the original. When the track builds, does your playing build with it?
- Improvisation: Use instrumental tracks as a base for soloing or improvising your own melodic lines over the existing harmony.
- Performance Practice: Rehearse entire performances, from start to finish, just as you would with a live band. This helps build stamina and confidence.
Refining Your Sound: Tips for an Authentic Performance
Playing the right notes is one thing; playing with soul and authenticity is another. To truly make "Worth It" shine, consider these elements.
Tempo Control: Find Your Sweet Spot
As Chordu.com wisely notes, a tempo controller is your friend. The original song hovers around 100-105 beats per minute (BPM).
- Start Slow: Begin practicing at a much slower tempo (e.g., 60-70 BPM) to ensure accuracy in chords, rhythm, and transitions.
- Gradual Increase: Slowly increase the tempo, 5 BPM at a time, until you reach the original speed. This builds muscle memory and confidence.
- Feel vs. Metronome: While the metronome is crucial, also practice playing without it, focusing on the internal feel and groove.
Vocal Range and Key Adjustment
The key of Eb Major is comfortable for many vocalists, but if it's too high or too low for your voice (or your band's singer), don't hesitate to transpose the song.
- Capo (Guitarists): As discussed, a capo can quickly shift the pitch.
- Piano/Keyboard: Use your instrument's transpose function or simply learn the chords in a new key.
- Common Transpositions: Moving it down a whole step to C Major (C, G, F, Am) or a half step to D Major (D, A, G, Bm) can make a big difference for vocalists. Remember to adjust all chords accordingly.
Dynamics and Expression: More Than Just Notes
The "Worth It" instrumental is vibrant and full of energy.
- Accents: Emphasize certain notes or beats, especially on the "one" and the "three" in many pop songs, or the syncopated hits in "Worth It."
- Volume Swells: Create excitement by gradually increasing volume in a build-up section and then releasing it.
- Instrumental Phrasing: Think of your instrument as telling a story. When should it be soft and intimate? When should it burst with power?
Troubleshooting Common Challenges and Finding Your Flow
Every musician faces hurdles. Here are some common ones when learning "Worth It" and how to overcome them.
"My Chord Changes Are Clunky!"
This is perhaps the most frequent complaint.
- Isolate and Conquer: Pick the two chords you struggle to transition between the most. Practice only those two, switching back and forth until it's smooth.
- "Hover" Practice: Play the first chord, then lift your fingers just enough to clear the strings, hover them over the next chord shape, and then press down. This builds muscle memory for the movement.
- One-Minute Drill: Set a timer for one minute. See how many clean changes you can make between your problem chords. Try to beat your score each day.
"I Can't Get the Rhythm Right!"
The song's syncopated rhythm can be tricky.
- Clap It Out: Before even touching your instrument, clap or tap the rhythm of the guitar part, bassline, or vocal melody. Say "one-and-two-and-three-and-four-and" to help internalize the subdivisions.
- Simplify: Reduce the strumming pattern or piano voicings to just the downbeats or root notes to lock into the basic pulse, then gradually add complexity.
- Use a Drum Machine/Loop: Play along with a simple drum beat, focusing only on landing your chords on the correct beat.
"I Can't Find Good Tabs/Chords Online!"
While resources like chordseasy.com and chordu.com provide good starting points, sometimes you need more.
- Listen Actively: Develop your ear. Try to pick out notes and chords yourself. Even if you don't get it perfect, the process improves your musicianship.
- Look for Multiple Versions: If one tab isn't working, try another. Sometimes a different interpretation is easier to understand or more accurate.
- Watch Live Performances: See how other musicians play it on YouTube. They might offer visual cues or simplified approaches.
Beyond the Studio: Making "Worth It" Your Own
The beauty of learning a song like "Worth It" isn't just in replication, but in interpretation. Once you've mastered the fundamentals, consider:
- Acoustic Rendition: Strip it down to just guitar and vocals, focusing on the raw emotion.
- Jazz or Blues Interpretation: Experiment with different harmonic substitutions or rhythmic feels. How would "Worth It" sound with a swing groove?
- Full Band Arrangement: If you play with others, delegate parts. Who plays the bassline? Who handles the main synth melody? How can you create vocal harmonies?
- Vocal-Free Covers: Create your own unique instrumental version, perhaps for a YouTube video or as background music.
Ultimately, "Worth It" is more than just a song; it's a feeling. By digging into its chords, tabs, and instrumental makeup, you’re not just learning notes—you’re learning to communicate that powerful, confident message through your music. So grab your instrument, hit play, and start showing the world what you're worth. Keep practicing, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep enjoying the journey.