for the guitar and piano

Beautiful

This song is taken from Christina Aguilera's second studio album, "Stripped" (RCA, 2002) and on it's release as a single reached number one on the UK charts and number two on the US Billboards. The song resonates with anyone who has felt ostracized by hurtful comments or found themselves victims of prejudice. The song speaks of a beauty that can not be taken away, "no matter what they say".

"Beautiful" is the work of songwriter/producer Linda Perry. Perry has either written or produced (or both!) for some of the most famous female singers of this generation, including Pink, Gwen Stefani, Sugababes, Britney Spears and Kelly Osbourne. Originally, Perry did not want Aguilera to have this song. (Perry had previously refused to let the song go to Pink, intending to use the song herself to launch a comeback career as a singer). However, she was eventually persuaded to let Aguilera release "Beautiful" after a demo recording that Aguilera made convinced her that she was the right person to sing this song. The recording was made in one take and was later used unedited for the final mix in "Beautiful".

Musically, the song employs a descending bassline (Eb-Db-C-B), which underpins the introduction and verse sections. For the keyboard player, these notes will need to played in the left hand whilst the chords are played in the right. The chords in this ballad are less common than most. However, it is worth noting the patterns that they make in the hand. Eb and Ab chords are the same shape (black-white-black), as are the minor chords Fm and Cm (white-black-white). Add these to the B chord and bingo! You are ready to play "Beautiful"! If you are learning this on the guitar, I would suggest you avoid playing this in Eb, as every chord will need barring. Consider playing the song in D major, with capo one on. This would make the chords of the intro (and verse) D, D7/C, Bm and Bb. A little bit easier.