What I Got
by Sublime
Album: Sublime
Released: 1996
Genre: Ska / Rock
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
BeginnerRhythm
BeginnerLead
BeginnerBass
BeginnerMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding D major:
D major has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The Bright, laid-back major tonality with a reggae/ska-influenced rhythmic feel mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Pro Tip: Power chords (5ths) work exceptionally well in this key for rock/metal, as they avoid the major/minor quality and focus on raw power.
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in D major
D major
Notes: D - E - F# - G - A - B - C# - D
Application: The two-chord framework sits squarely in D major with no chromatic alterations
Fretboard Pattern
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
An incredibly simple two-chord alternation between D and G that loops for the entire song. The I-IV movement creates a relaxed, swaying feel that perfectly suits the laid-back ska vibe.
Theory Insight:
This progression creates a specific harmonic movement that defines the song's emotional character. Understanding the relationship between these chords helps in improvisation and songwriting.
Chord Shapes Used:
D
G
Harmonic Functions:
- D (I):Tonic chord providing the major-key home base with a warm, sunny character
- G (IV):Subdominant chord creating gentle movement away from and back to the tonic
Key Techniques
Two-Chord Strum Pattern
BeginnerThe laid-back D-G strumming pattern that drives the entire song, featuring a relaxed ska/reggae-influenced rhythm at a mellow 94 BPM
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
D - G (repeating for entire song)
Tips:
- • This song should feel effortless - do not tense up
- • The laid-back tempo means you have plenty of time for chord changes
- • Add light palm muting between strums for the ska rhythm feel
- • Emphasize the off-beat upstrokes for authentic ska/reggae style
Ska Upstroke Technique
BeginnerEmphasizing upstrokes on the off-beats to create the characteristic ska/reggae rhythmic feel that gives the song its relaxed, swaying groove
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
D - G with ska upstroke emphasis
Tips:
- • Keep your wrist loose and relaxed for the upstrokes
- • The muted downstrokes act as a percussive click
- • Listen to the original recording to internalize the feel
- • This technique transfers directly to playing other ska and reggae songs
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of D major. Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Intro
0:00-0:18Chord Voicing Exercise
The song opens with the laid-back D-G acoustic guitar pattern establishing the mellow, sunny vibe
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Start with a relaxed D chord strum
- • Alternate to G every two bars
- • Set the laid-back, groovy feel from the very first strum
Verse
0:18-1:06Chord Voicing Exercise
The verse continues the D-G pattern with Bradley Nowell's relaxed vocal rap over the top
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Identical chord pattern to the intro
- • Keep the strumming steady and relaxed under the vocal
- • The simplicity of two chords lets you focus on rhythm and feel
Chorus
1:06-1:38Chord Voicing Exercise
the signature chorus section with slightly more energy but the same two-chord foundation
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Same two chords with slightly increased strumming intensity
- • The vocal melody carries the distinction between verse and chorus
- • Add a bit more volume and confidence for the chorus
Acoustic Breakdown / Outro
2:10-2:53Chord Voicing Exercise
The acoustic-focused section and final choruses riding the D-G groove to the end of the song
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • The acoustic strum continues with full warmth
- • Final choruses repeat with building feel-good energy
- • The song fades out on the repeating D-G pattern
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Recommended:
Pickup Type:
Neck or middle pickup for warm, clean tone. Acoustic guitar preferred for practice.
Alternatives:
- • Fender Telecaster
- • Any steel-string acoustic guitar
- • Any solid-body electric guitar with clean tone
- • Classical guitar for a mellower sound
Amplifier
Recommended:
Settings:
Gain: 2-3 (clean, no distortion)
Treble: 5-6 (warm brightness)
Middle: 5 (balanced midrange)
Bass: 5 (warm and round)
Presence: 5 (natural, not harsh)
Alternatives:
- • Fender Deluxe Reverb
- • Roland JC-120
- • Acoustic guitar amp
- • No amp needed for acoustic practice
Effects
Distortion:
None - clean tone throughout
Reverb:
Light spring reverb for warmth
Other:
No effects needed. The song is all about the clean, simple acoustic-style tone.
Learning Path
Time Estimate: 1-3 days with daily practice
- • Learn the open D and G chord shapes
- • Practice switching between D and G smoothly
- • Strum quarter notes alternating D and G at slow tempo
- • Congratulations - you can basically play the entire song
Time Estimate: 1-2 weeks for confident performance
- • Learn the ska-influenced strumming pattern with off-beat upstrokes
- • Practice the pattern at 94 BPM with a metronome
- • Play through the entire song structure, adding dynamics
- • Practice singing while strumming the two-chord pattern
Time Estimate: 2-3 weeks for polished performance
- • Perfect the laid-back ska rhythm feel with muted percussive strums
- • Add hammer-ons and pull-offs on the D and G chords for embellishment
- • Sing the full vocal part while maintaining the groove
- • Learn the acoustic breakdown section with fingerpicking variation
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Overcomplicating it - this really is just two chords for the entire song
- • Playing too fast - the 94 BPM tempo should feel lazy and relaxed
- • Missing the ska off-beat feel - listen closely to the rhythm
- • Strumming too aggressively - this song has a gentle, warm character
Practice Routine
- • Warm up with D to G chord switches for 2 minutes
- • Practice the strumming pattern on D alone for 2 minutes
- • Switch to G and practice the same pattern for 2 minutes
- • Alternate D and G with the strumming pattern for 3 minutes at 94 BPM
- • Play through the full song from start to finish
Focus Areas
- • Smooth D to G chord transition
- • Relaxed, laid-back strumming feel
- • Ska/reggae upstroke rhythm
- • Dynamic control and groove consistency
Metronome Work
- • This song is already slow at 94 BPM - start at 70 BPM if needed
- • Focus on placing upstrokes precisely on the 'and' beats
- • Practice with the metronome on beats 2 and 4 for a reggae feel
- • Once comfortable at 94 BPM, the song should feel almost too easy