The song “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People is quite an interesting piece for guitar enthusiasts. The rhythm guitar part of the song maintains a steady groove which can be interpreted as the backbone of the whole track. This repeating chord progression has a catchy nature which is one of the main features that makes this song memorable. With a capo on the first fret, guitarists can easily achieve this vibrant rhythm using only four beginner-friendly chords: F, Am, Em, and G.
But it’s not just about strumming these chords. The skill lies in maintaining the consistent rhythm pattern which gives the song its distinctive groove. A mix of rotating bass and treble notes is also included, which adds a dynamic flavor to the arrangement. The song is a testament to the power of simplicity in guitar playing without relying on complex riffs or virtuosic solos. It’s a great lesson in making effective music with a minimalist approach using just an acoustic guitar.