From the moment the opening notes of “Stay” by Rihanna fill the room, you can’t help but recognize the melodic simplicity that this beautiful ballad communicates. The guitar accompaniment, while subdued compared to the bolder, bass-heavy sounds Rihanna is associated with, is able to take what can be perceived as an extremely simple chord progression, and mold it into an almost haunting melody.

While most of the song relies on the piano, the guitar chords give a deeper texture to the harmonies. They underscore Rihanna’s vocals and work in concert with the piano to create a fuller sound. It’s certainly worth exploring for guitarists, both beginners and the more seasoned, because it’s a great example of how something as uncomplicated as a few notes on a guitar can equally convey raw emotion when played right.