As It Was by Harry Styles Acoustic Guitar - Digital Sheet Music

Guitar - Level 3 - Digital Download

SKU: A0.1817026

By Harry Styles. By Harry Styles. Arranged by Dr. Tom Zlabinger / Telematic Studios / Dr. Tom's Charts. This edition: pdf, streaming. Pop. Chords/Lyrics. 6 pages. Dr. Tom's Charts / Telematic Studios #1377173. Published by Dr. Tom's Charts / Telematic Studios (A0.1817026).

"As It Was" is Harry Styles' bittersweet pop anthem from his 2022 album Harry's House, featuring an irresistibly catchy synth hook and introspective lyrics that propelled it to become one of the biggest hits of the decade. "As It Was" is an essential choice for intermediate bands looking to tackle contemporary pop with infectious energy, tight rhythmic interplay, and modern production sensibilities. The guitar work focuses on clean, rhythmic eighth-note strumming and subtle melodic embellishments that complement rather than compete with the synth lines, teaching musicians how to blend organic and electronic textures while maintaining forward momentum. The bass line is punchy and driving, providing a solid foundation with syncopated rhythms and well-placed fills that lock with the drum groove, demanding precision timing and dynamic restraint to keep the pocket tight without overpowering the mix. For singers, "As It Was" provides an excellent opportunity to work on conversational phrasing, navigating the leap from intimate verses to the soaring "answer the phone" hook, and delivering emotional authenticity in a polished pop context. The song's melancholic yet danceable vibe and relatable themes of change and nostalgia make it an instant crowd favorite that showcases a band's ability to capture modern pop's balance of vulnerability and infectious groove, proving they can keep audiences singing along while connecting on a deeper emotional level.


A NOTE ABOUT DR. TOMS CHARTS
DR. TOMS CHARTS help musicians make more music together. Inspired by the Nashville Number System and the classic Rise Up Singing, these charts emphasize song form with lyrics overlaid on top of evenly spaced chords. These musical roadmaps let you focus on what you love: vocal delivery, groove, harmonies, feel, and more! You can even experiment with different styles and meters.

In the HYBRID chart, the first chord of each line aligns with the first word or syllable on the downbeat, highlighting pickups and delayed entries. Subsequent chords may not align exactly with every word, but once the singer nails the entry, everything locks in! This format might look unfamiliar at first, but evenly spaced chords improve groove and accuracy. The harmonic rhythm guides the melody! For singers, the LYRICS ONLY chart provides all the words with rehearsal cues (intros, verses, bridges, solos).

Keep on jammin!
Dr. Tom


WHO IS DR. TOM?
Dr. Tom Zlabinger is a bass player, guitar player, and singer who has been jamming since high school. He is an Associate Professor of Music at York College / CUNY, where he has taught popular music performance since 2003. He holds a B.A. in music from Grinnell College, an M.A. in jazz performance from Queens College / CUNY, and a Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the Graduate Center / CUNY. Dr. Tom has published on jams, live online performance, and the role of musicians across various media franchises. He is passionate about innovations that make music making more accessible to musicians of all levels and backgrounds. In 2022, he founded Telematic Studios® to help musicians connect through online voice lessons, clear and legal charts, and live online performance.