Learn Sombr’s Undressed on Guitar: Step-by-Step Beginner Tutorial

When a new indie-pop hit like “Undressed” by Sombr goes viral, most guitarists scramble for decent tutorials—but they rarely find more than a quick chord list. That ends here. This beginner-friendly guide walks through exactly how to play “Undressed” on guitar, in standard tuning, using the authentic Am–G–F–C progression that’s become a signature of Sombr’s songwriting. With simple, practical steps and real musical advice, you’ll nail the groove, even if you just picked up a guitar. No guesswork. No skipped basics. Just the concrete roadmap to confidently strum along with the original track—timing, chords, bridge, and a few of Sombr’s melodic tricks included. Grab your guitar and tune up. Here’s what actually works.

What You Need to Play Sombr Undressed on Guitar

Before even thinking about diving into the chords, get your setup sorted. “Undressed” sticks to the essentials: standard tuning (EADGBE), no capo, and a sound that highlights clean tonality. Use any standard acoustic or electric guitar—Sombr recorded his with an entry-level Fender, but any comfortable guitar works. The right tools and setup matter way more than expensive gear here.

Tuning and Intonation for 'Undressed'

If the guitar’s out of tune, the whole vibe falls flat. Tune strings EADGBE using a digital clip-on tuner before you start. For best results, check intonation at the 12th fret—if the fretted note isn’t the same as the harmonic, a quick adjustment at the bridge helps. Play each chord, listen for unwanted pitch drift, and retune as needed.

Essential Tools: Metronome and Tuner

Tonal accuracy is only half the battle. Set up a metronome app or hardware unit. Beginners should start at 60–80 bpm—don’t rush. The final target is 116 bpm, matching the original track’s groove. Practicing slowly at first builds muscle memory and confidence. A few extra tools make learning “Undressed” easier:

• Reliable tuner (Snark, Boss TU-3, or phone app)
• Metronome (physical, smartphone, or web-based)
• Guitar picks (lighter picks for strumming, medium for control)
• Optional: comfortable strap for playing standing up

According to a MusicRadar interview with Sombr, immediacy and groove rule the songwriting process—so lock in those basics before trying to match his feel.

Sombr Undressed Guitar Tutorial: Chords and Progression

“Undressed” is refreshingly direct in its harmony. The entire intro, verses, and chorus ride through a repeating Am–G–F–C progression in C major. No weird shapes, no capo, just four beginner-friendly chords. Here’s what each sounds like:

Chord Shapes and Fingering Tips

• Am (A minor): Index on 1st fret B string, middle on 2nd fret D, ring on 2nd fret G.
• G major: Middle finger 3rd fret low E, index 2nd fret A, ring 3rd fret high E.
• F major: Barre 1st fret (B & high E) with index, middle 2nd fret G, ring 3rd fret D. (Mini barre or three-finger versions make this easier for beginners.)
• C major: Index 1st fret B, middle 2nd fret D, ring 3rd fret A.

Chord diagrams help here. Beginners benefit from visual layouts—check the full progression and chord shapes at GuitarTabsExplorer and ChordsEasy for clean step-by-step views. Practice holding each chord until every string rings clear—no buzz, no dead notes.

Practice the Progression Slowly

Start at a snail’s pace—60 to 80 bpm—using a metronome. Count four beats per chord, letting the changes sink in. The trick is: slow equals smooth. Rushing introduces sloppy transitions. Once the Am–G–F–C loop feels automatic, try doubling the tempo to 100, then up to 116 bpm to lock in with the song. Most teachers recommend at least 3–5 repetitions per session at slow speed before increasing.

• First, practice Am to G
• Next, G to F (use a simplified F until your hands are comfortable)
• Finally, F to C, then loop

Authoritative sources like GuitarTabsExplorer confirm the Am–G–F–C cycle across every main section. So once one loop is down, you’re 90% there.

Strumming Patterns for Sombr Undressed: Keeping the Groove

Now comes the part that gives “Undressed” its bounce: the strumming. Sombr’s playing isn’t complicated, but nailing the feel is everything. Grab a medium pick, sit comfortably, and get ready to strum in time.

Basic Strumming Pattern for Beginners

The foundation: a down–down–up–up–down (D–D–U–U–D) pattern that fits both verses and chorus. Try this as a starting point for one full bar on each chord:

• Count "1-2-AND-AND-4" out loud as you strum
• Strum down on beats 1 and 2, up on the “AND” of 2 and “AND” of 3, then down on 4

It’s tempting to rush those upstrokes—don’t. Let the hand move steadily, almost like a drum loop. For a second option, MyChords suggests a D–U, D–U, D–U, D–U pattern (all eighth notes). Either pattern works; pick the one that’s comfortable first.

Building Up to Full Tempo

The magic tempo? 116 bpm—precisely what the original recording uses, confirmed by ChordU. Start slow, using the metronome. Play the strumming pattern for each chord four times, focusing on evenness and dynamic control. Don’t worry about getting loud—aim for steady volume and a balanced sound. Once it feels natural at 80 bpm, bump up to 100, then to 116 bpm without sacrificing accuracy.

Expert tip: try lightly accenting beats 2 and 4. This mimics the groove Sombr built around his drum track—keeping the rhythm tight and danceable. Most players find recording their strumming reveals timing issues that go unnoticed when just listening in real time.

Adding Melodic Embellishments and Bridge Variations

While “Undressed” works great with just chords and basic strumming, Sombr’s style shines through in subtle fills and creative bridge work. This section helps bring the arrangement—and your playing—to life without adding excess difficulty. Here’s how to mix things up, verse by verse.

Easy Embellishments for the Verse and Chorus

Melodic fills add color between chord changes. Try this classic move: on the high E string, play 8th fret, 10th fret, then back to 8. This line echoes the song’s intro melody. It fits cleanly over Am and C chords. For a smoother feel, add a gentle hammer-on from 8 to 10. Intermediate players can slide from fret 8 to 10 and back.

• Add single-note fills between chord strums
• Try simple pull-offs or hammer-ons for variety
• Keep embellishments sparse—one or two per chord is enough

This melodic approach is true to Sombr’s process: original takes were often improvised, laid down quickly, and only lightly polished later (MusicRadar).

Improvising the Bridge Like Sombr

The bridge breaks from the Am–G–F–C pattern, running: Dm–E–Am. Sombr used this section to ramp up emotion, so bring the dynamics down a notch—softer strums, lighter touch, and careful listening. Try starting the bridge with fingerstyle technique: pluck the root note (D string for Dm) with your thumb, then finish the chord gently. Creativity counts here; playing around with chord voicings and subtle arpeggios captures the track’s raw, authentic feel. Don’t be afraid to experiment—if it sounds good, it’s probably right.

Troubleshooting Common Issues When Learning 'Undressed'

Even with a step-by-step guide, “Undressed” can throw curveballs—especially for beginners. Don’t get discouraged if the F chord stops you or if the groove slips out of time now and then. Here’s how to get back on track.

Simplifying Difficult Chords

The full F barre is tough early on. Try a mini barre instead—barre only the B and high E strings with your index finger, add middle on 2nd fret G, ring on 3rd fret D. No shame in avoiding full bars until your hands strengthen. For even more simplicity, the three-finger F (index 1st fret B, middle 2nd fret G, ring 3rd fret D) is a real solution—just avoid the lowest strings. Use whichever lets every note ring clean with minimal buzz.

Improving Timing and Consistency

Struggling to change chords in time? Break each transition into two-chord drills: switch from Am to G, over and over, until it feels automatic. If rhythm gets sloppy, drop back to metronome at 60 bpm and count each beat out loud. Practice the trickiest section (often F to C) in isolation before rejoining the full progression.

• Focus on slow, clean changes—speed comes later
• Check for string buzz; adjust finger placement if necessary
• Record yourself and listen for trouble spots
• Use a metronome—don’t rely on internal time alone

Most players find confidence in repetition. A dozen slow, intentional reps do more than a hundred rushed, messy takes. Consistency is what leads to real progress.

Playing Along with Sombr’s Original Recording

Learning each piece in isolation is just step one. Playing with the full track brings it all together. Getting in-sync with Sombr’s original bedroom recordings turns basic practice into real music.

Syncing Up with the Song

Start by listening closely to the original. Focus on the kick drum and snare for timing cues. Aim to match chord changes exactly—if the song moves to F on bar three, get there on beat, not half-a-beat late. Setting the metronome to 116 bpm makes it simple to rehearse in the right tempo before playing along.

As you grow comfortable, try layering your own guitar on top of the recording. Use a basic phone recorder or DAW—hearing your playing next to Sombr’s reveals areas to tighten up and helps lock in timing.

Using Backing Tracks and Apps

Don’t have a band? No problem. Backing track makers online and slow-down apps (Anytune, Transcribe!) make it easy to loop tricky spots or drop the tempo. Play along with a minus-guitar track, then slowly bring the speed up to full. Tracking progress with recordings shows how quickly your timing, changes, and expression improve—one of the most underrated learning tools.

Conclusion

“Undressed” by Sombr has all the elements of a great beginner guitar song: simple, emotional, and rewarding. With standard tuning, accessible chords, and a groove-driven feel, anyone can sound authentic—no advanced gear required. The real magic shows up when players layer in personal embellishments, dynamic contrast, and a hint of improvisation. Keep the basics tight, experiment with melodic ideas, and don’t forget to record progress along the way. That’s how a viral indie-pop song becomes yours. Questions or success stories? Drop them in the comments—the right answer or fresh tip could help the next player on their journey.