How to Play Dermot Kennedy’s “Kiss Me” on Acoustic Guitar
Why This Song Works So Well on an Acoustic
Dermot Kennedy’s “Kiss Me” has that intimate, almost whispered vibe that instantly feels right when you strip it back to a simple guitar. The melody sits nicely between folk‑pop and soulful ballad, and the chord progression is forgiving enough for beginners yet offers enough nuance to keep seasoned players interested.
What You’ll Need
- A standard‑tuned acoustic guitar (E‑A‑D‑G‑B‑E)
- A capo – most players place it on the 3rd fret, but we’ll cover alternatives
- A basic chord‑shape knowledge (open and barre chords)
- A sense of rhythm – the song’s groove is relaxed but steady
Capo Placement and Key Options
Original recordings are in D♭ major, which can be a hassle on an acoustic. By slipping a capo on the 3rd fret and using simple open‑chord shapes, you’ll be playing in F major, a much friendlier key. If you prefer the original pitch, move the capo to the 4th fret and use the same chord shapes; the tonal shift is subtle but noticeable.
The Core Chord Progression
The verses and chorus share the same four‑chord loop, making it easy to memorize:
- F (x33211)
- Am (x02210)
- Dm (xx0231)
- Bb (x13331)
With the capo on the 3rd fret these become C, Em, Am, and G respectively, so you can play the open versions you probably already know.
Strumming Pattern
A relaxed down‑up‑down‑up works, but to capture the song’s subtle syncopation try this:
- Down (bass note) – pause – down‑up – pause – up – down‑up
Focus on letting the down strokes carry the groove while the up strokes add texture. A metronome set around 72 BPM helps keep the feel consistent.
Putting It All Together: Verse
Start with a gentle brush on the F chord, letting the strings ring. Switch to Am on the second beat, then move to Dm as the lyric “kiss me like …” begins. The Bb resolves nicely back to F, giving a subtle tension that mirrors the song’s lyrical yearning.
Chorus Nuances
When the chorus hits, you can brighten the sound by adding a quick hammer‑on on the high‑E string of the F chord (the 1st fret to the 3rd). It’s a tiny flourish, but it lifts the emotional weight without overwhelming the simple arrangement.
Adding a Touch of Fingerpicking
If you’re comfortable with fingerstyle, replace the strum with a Travis‑style pattern:
- Thumb plucks the bass note (6th string on F, 5th on Am, 4th on Dm, 6th on Bb)
- Index, middle, ring fingers roll across the G‑B‑e strings in a gentle arpeggio
This re‑creates the song’s intimate studio vibe and works especially well during the bridge.
Common Pitfalls and How to Fix Them
- Barre tension: If the Bb feels cramped, shift to an A‑shape barre at the 1st fret with the capo still on 3rd – it’s effectively a G shape and easier on the hand.
- Rushing the tempo: The song breathes. Count “1‑and‑2‑and” slowly when you’re first learning, then gradually speed up.
- Muted strings: Lightly roll your fingers off the strings after each chord change; that tiny amount of silence lets the chords breathe.
Putting Your Version on the Shelf
Once you’ve nailed the basic chords and strum, experiment. Swap the capo to the 2nd fret for a brighter tonality, or try a capo‑free version using barre chords (B♭, C♭, etc.) for a richer, more piano‑like feel. The song’s structure is forgiving, so feel free to make it your own.
Enjoy the process, and let “Kiss Me” become a go‑to piece in your acoustic repertoire.
