"Dive" by Ed Sheeran is a soulful ballad from his album ÷ (Divide). Many fans love its emotional depth and relatively simple chord progression. If you are a guitarist looking to play and sing this beautiful song, you've come to the right place! This article provides the lyrics and chord arrangements for "Dive", along with some helpful tips to make your performance shine. So grab your guitar, and let's dive in!

Understanding the Chords and Song Structure

Before diving into the lyrics and chords, it's essential to grasp the song's structure and the chord progression. "Dive" primarily uses a few core chords, making it accessible for intermediate guitarists. The song follows a verse-chorus structure, with a bridge that adds emotional intensity. The primary chords used in "Dive" are:

• Em (E minor): This is the root chord, providing a melancholic foundation to the song.
• C (C major): Offers a brighter contrast to the Em, creating a dynamic feel.
• G (G major): A staple in many pop songs, the G chord resolves nicely within the progression.
• D (D major): Adds a touch of hope and resolution, complementing the other chords effectively.

Knowing these chords and how they fit together will help you learn the song more efficiently. Spend some time practicing the transitions between these chords to ensure a smooth and seamless performance. Pay attention to the strumming pattern, which typically involves a combination of downstrokes and upstrokes to create a rhythmic feel. Also, listening to the original recording while following the chords will provide invaluable insight into the song's dynamics and nuances.

Ed Sheeran's guitar style often includes percussive elements, such as lightly hitting the strings or body of the guitar to create a rhythmic texture. While this can be challenging to replicate perfectly, incorporating subtle percussive techniques can add depth and authenticity to your performance. Don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. Remember, the goal is to capture the emotional essence of the song while showcasing your unique style and interpretation.

"Dive" Lyrics and Chords

(Verse 1) [Em]Maybe we could [C]be together And [G]wear matching [D]sweaters [Em]That's just a [C]thought, hey [G]Baby, what do you [D]say?

(Verse 2) [Em]Maybe we could [C]waste away Together [G]every single [D]day [Em]That's just a [C]thought, hey [G]Baby, what do you [D]say?

(Chorus) [Em]I don't [C]mind if you [G]dive in the [D]deep end [Em]Baby, [C]I'm holding my [G]breath [D]Who knows what you'll [Em]find? [C]Maybe the [G]treasure, that [D]you've been searching for [Em]Or maybe you'll [C]drown in the [G]deep [D]

(Verse 3) [Em]Maybe you could [C]be the one To [G]show me how to [D]run [Em]That's just a [C]thought, hey [G]Baby, what do you [D]say?

(Chorus) [Em]I don't [C]mind if you [G]dive in the [D]deep end [Em]Baby, [C]I'm holding my [G]breath [D]Who knows what you'll [Em]find? [C]Maybe the [G]treasure, that [D]you've been searching for [Em]Or maybe you'll [C]drown in the [G]deep [D]

(Bridge) [C]So here I [G]go, can't [D]believe it's happening to [Em]me [C]Some people [G]wait a lifetime for [D]moments like [Em]these [C]So here I [G]go, can't [D]believe it's happening to [Em]me [C]Some people [G]wait a lifetime for [D]moments like [Em]these

(Chorus) [Em]I don't [C]mind if you [G]dive in the [D]deep end [Em]Baby, [C]I'm holding my [G]breath [D]Who knows what you'll [Em]find? [C]Maybe the [G]treasure, that [D]you've been searching for [Em]Or maybe you'll [C]drown in the [G]deep [D]

(Outro) [Em]Dive, [C]dive, [G]dive, [D]dive [Em]Dive, [C]dive, [G]dive, [D]dive

Tips for Playing "Dive" on Guitar

• Strumming Pattern: Experiment with different strumming patterns to find one that suits your style. A simple down-up pattern works well for most of the song. Try adding some variations, such as muting the strings on certain beats, to create a more dynamic feel.
• Fingerpicking: While the song is typically strummed, you can also try fingerpicking the chords. This can add a delicate and intricate texture to your performance. Focus on highlighting the melody notes within the chords.
• Capo: Ed Sheeran often uses a capo to change the key of his songs. Experiment with different capo positions to find a key that suits your vocal range. A capo on the 2nd fret, for instance, might make the song easier to sing for some vocalists.
• Dynamics: Pay attention to the dynamics of the song. Start softly and gradually build intensity as the song progresses. This will help to create an emotional arc that captivates your audience. Use dynamics to emphasize the chorus and bridge sections, making them stand out from the verses.
• Practice: As with any song, practice is key to mastering "Dive". Start slowly and gradually increase the tempo as you become more comfortable with the chords and transitions. Practice with a metronome to improve your timing and consistency. Record yourself playing the song and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

Vocal Delivery and Interpretation

Ed Sheeran's vocal delivery in "Dive" is characterized by its raw emotion and vulnerability. When singing the song, try to connect with the lyrics on a personal level and convey the emotions through your voice. Pay attention to the phrasing and dynamics of the vocal melody, and don't be afraid to add your own personal touches. Consider the story the song tells, of vulnerability and hope in a relationship, and let that inform your performance. Think about the moments of hesitance and the surges of optimism, and reflect these in your vocal inflections.

• Breathing: Proper breathing is essential for singing any song, especially one as emotionally charged as "Dive". Take deep breaths from your diaphragm and support your voice with your core muscles. This will help you to maintain control and avoid straining your vocal cords.
• Enunciation: Enunciate the words clearly, but don't overdo it. The goal is to communicate the lyrics effectively without sounding unnatural. Pay attention to the vowels and consonants, and make sure they are clear and distinct.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the process of learning and performing "Dive". Let your personality shine through, and don't be afraid to make mistakes. Every performance is an opportunity to learn and grow as a musician.

Final Thoughts

Learning to play "Dive" by Ed Sheeran can be a rewarding experience for any guitarist. With its simple chord progression and emotional lyrics, the song is accessible for intermediate players while still offering plenty of opportunities for creativity and expression. By following the tips and guidance provided in this article, you'll be well on your way to mastering "Dive" and sharing its beauty with the world. So grab your guitar, warm up your voice, and get ready to dive into this beautiful song!