The intro sets the emotional tone immediately. While the chords remain diatonic, the voicing is critical.
Instead of playing a standard Am triad (A-C-E), the piano and guitar often present an Am7 or Am9 (A-C-E-G or A-C-E-B). This adds a layer of wistful jazz color. The G in Am7 acts as a gentle suspension, while the B in Am9 introduces a dreamlike dissonance that resolves into the F major chord.
Since this is a slow ballad, avoid aggressive strumming.
To master "Ai Qing De Jie Guo," focus less on complex strumming and more on the emotional weight of the F to Fm change. That single change is the "soul" of the song's chord work.
"Ai Ching Te Ku Se" (爱情的故事 - Ai Qing De Gu Shi), famously performed by Fang Ji Wei (方季惟), is a classic Mandopop ballad from the 1990s known for its melancholic melody and storytelling lyrics. Mastering the "chord work" for this song involves understanding its standard key, typical progressions, and the specific voicings that capture its nostalgic emotional tone. Core Musical Profile Original Artist: Fang Ji Wei (方季惟). ai ching te ku se chord work
Common Key: Often performed in C# Major for female vocals, though many guitarists transpose it to C Major or G Major for easier playability. Genre: Mandopop Ballad / Karaoke Classic. Essential Chord Work & Progressions
For beginners and intermediate players, the chord work generally follows a standard diatonic structure common in 90s Asian pop. Based on popular arrangements found on Scribd and Ultimate Guitar, the foundation often relies on these movements: The Verse Progression (Key of C): C — Am — Dm — G
This is a classic "I-vi-ii-V" progression that provides the steady, sentimental backdrop for the narrative lyrics. The Chorus Build-up:
Typically uses F and G major chords to create tension before returning to the home key (C). Key Modulations: The intro sets the emotional tone immediately
Advanced "chord work" in this song often involves a half-step or whole-step modulation during the final chorus (e.g., shifting from C Major to D Major) to increase emotional intensity. Guitar and Piano Learning Resources
Guitar Chords: You can find detailed fretboard charts and strumming patterns on Ultimate Guitar, which often lists simplified versions using a capo on the 3rd fret to match the original recording.
Lead Sheets & Notations: Digital songbooks on Scribd offer "Not Balok" (musical notation) and lyric-synced chords for pianists.
Karaoke/Backing Tracks: For those practicing vocal accompaniment, YouTube Karaoke Channels provide versions in different keys specifically for male or female voices. Practice Tips for Authenticity Bassline Motion: The movement from C (Do) down
Arpeggiated Picking: Instead of heavy strumming, use fingerstyle arpeggios (P-I-M-A) during the verses to mimic the original's delicate piano and synth arrangement.
7th Chords: To add a more "lounge" or "classic pop" feel, substitute standard major chords with Major 7ths (e.g., use Cmaj7 instead of C). Se Fo Cen Te Ai Wo Chords by Jeff Chang (張信哲)
The song is built primarily around a four-chord loop, which serves as the foundation for the verses.
The Core Loop (The "Pop Canon"):
| C | G | Am | F |
Harmony in “Ai Ching” is not static. The chord work evolves across the song’s arc: