How to Play 'Pushing It Down and Praying' on Guitar: Complete Chords and Faq
By Chloe Bennett
Q1: What tuning does Lizzy McAlpine use for "Pushing It Down and Praying"?
A1: She uses standard tuning (E-A-D-G-B-E). To match the original studio recording pitch while maintaining easy open voicings, clamp a capo on the 2nd fret and play G-major family chords.
Q2: Can I play this song without a capo?
A2: Yes. Without a capo, the song sits in the key of A major. You will need to play A, D, F#m, and E chords. However, playing without a capo eliminates the droning high-string resonance characteristic of the studio cut unless you use open A-major variations.
Q3: How do I handle the rapid dynamic shift in the final third of the song?
A3: The track relies on extreme contrast. Play the first two verses with light, muted fingerpicking, barely brushing the top strings. When the full arrangement kicks in during the outro, open your strumming arm entirely, striking all six strings with an unmuted, hard down-up attack to mimic the drums.
Q4: Is a pick or bare fingers better for this track?
A4: Bare fingers or a very thin nylon pick (0.60mm or lighter) works best. Bare fingers give you total dynamic control over the intimate verse intros, while allowing you to slap the bridge for percussive timekeeping.
Chloe Bennett explores the intersection of pop culture, streaming entertainment, digital trends, and contemporary lifestyle. Her weekly commentary reaches thousands of culture enthusiasts.
