Playing "Attention" by Malcolm Todd requires more than just knowing where to put your fingers on the fretboard. To truly capture the essence of this alternative R&B track, you need to master the balance between smooth jazz transitions and a percussive, funky strumming pattern. This song relies on a catchy four-chord loop that carries the listener through its infectious grooves.

For those looking for a quick start, the most common way to play "Attention" on guitar is using a Capo on the 3rd fret with the following chord shapes: Em7 – A7 – D – B7. If you prefer playing in the original key without a capo, the chords are Gm7 – C7 – F – D7.

Choosing Your Preferred Key and Transposition

Before diving into the fingerings, decide which version suits your instrument and skill level best.

The Capo 3 Version (Beginner-Friendly)

This is the version most guitarists prefer because it uses open-chord-like shapes that allow for more resonance and easier transitions. By placing the capo on the third fret, you are effectively shifting the key of G up to the key of B-flat (or playing relative to the capo in a way that matches Malcolm Todd's studio recording).

  • Chords: Em7, A7, D, B7
  • Vibe: Brighter, easier to pull off percussive "slaps" on the strings.

The No-Capo Version (Original Key of F)

If you are playing on a piano, or if you are an intermediate guitarist comfortable with barre chords, this is the way to go.

  • Chords: Gm7, C7, F, D7
  • Vibe: Warmer, deeper, and allows for soulful sliding between barre shapes.

Detailed Chord Shapes and Fingerings

Capo 3rd Fret Shapes

  1. Em7 (020000 or 022033) In the context of "Attention," the simpler 020000 shape works well, but for that modern indie-pop sound, try adding your ring and pinky fingers to the 3rd fret of the B and high E strings (relative to the capo). This adds a "shimmer" that matches Malcolm’s production style.
  2. A7 (x02020) A standard dominant 7th chord. It provides a bluesy transition that bridges the gap between the minor feel of the start and the resolution that follows.
  3. D (xx0232) A bright, standard D major. Make sure your high E string rings out clearly here, as it provides the melodic lift needed before the final tension chord.
  4. B7 (x21202) This is the "magic" chord of the song. The B7 introduces a harmonic tension called a "secondary dominant" that creates an urgent need to resolve back to the Em7. When you play this, emphasize the 1st fret on the D string (the D# note) to really feel that jazz influence.

No-Capo (Barre Chord) Shapes

  1. Gm7 (353333) Barre the entire 3rd fret with your index finger. Use your ring finger on the 5th fret of the A string. This is a foundational R&B shape.
  2. C7 (x35353) A classic funky C7 barre shape. Alternatively, play it as an open shape x32310 if you want a folkier rendition.
  3. F (133211) The standard F major barre chord. To make it sound more like the record, you can play it as an Fmaj7 (x87555) higher up the neck for a more sophisticated "chill" vibe.
  4. D7 (x57575) The final turnaround chord. In the key of F, this D7 acts as the bridge back to Gm7.

Master the Strumming Pattern and Rhythm

The secret to Malcolm Todd’s sound isn't the chords themselves—it's the rhythm. The song sits at approximately 107 BPM and features a heavy emphasis on "the pocket."

The "Chucking" Technique

To get that "Attention" vibe, you need to incorporate percussive mutes. In our tests with this specific track, we found that a simple "Down-Up-Slap" approach works best.

  • Pattern: Down - (Mute) - Up - (Mute) - Up - Down - Up
  • The Mute/Slap: On the 2nd and 4th beats, bring the palm of your strumming hand down onto the strings at the same time as you strum. This creates a snare-drum-like "thwack" that gives the song its drive.

Adding the Groove (Swing Feel)

Don't play the 8th notes perfectly straight. There is a slight "laziness" or swing to the rhythm. Think of it as a "heartbeat" rhythm—da-dum, da-dum. If you listen closely to the bassline in the track, the guitar often locks in with the kick drum.

Pro Tip: Try muting the strings with your fretting hand (slightly lifting your fingers off the fretboard without losing contact with the strings) between chord changes. This prevents the notes from bleeding into each other, keeping the sound "tight" and professional.

Achieving the Malcolm Todd Tone

In my experience analyzing bedroom pop and alternative R&B productions, the guitar tone in "Attention" is characterized by a "Clean but Spanky" feel.

  1. Pickup Selection: If you are playing an electric guitar (like a Stratocaster or Telecaster), use the middle pickup or the bridge/middle combination (position 2 or 4). This gives you the "quack" and clarity needed for the funky sections.
  2. Compression: Use a compressor pedal if you have one. Set the attack fast and the sustain moderate. This levels out your strumming so that the quiet "ghost notes" are audible and the loud slaps don't peak too harshly.
  3. EQ Settings:
    • Treble: 7/10 (to bring out the pick attack).
    • Mids: 5/10.
    • Bass: 4/10 (keep it thin so it doesn't clash with the actual bass guitar).
  4. Reverb: Use a very "small" reverb, like a Room or Plate setting. Avoid long, cinematic halls; you want the listener to feel like they are in a small bedroom with the artist.

Detailed Song Structure and Lyrics Map

The beauty of "Attention" is its consistency. The loop almost never changes, allowing the vocals to take center stage.

Chorus (The Hook)

The song usually opens with the hook. This is where you want your strumming to be the most confident.

(Chord Loop: Em7 - A7 - D - B7)

  • "Oh, turn me on"
  • "I just want you to know"
  • "I couldn't go without you"
  • "'Cause I need your attention all the time"

Verse 1

Drop the volume slightly here. You might even want to switch to a single down-strum per chord to create space for the lyrics.

(Chord Loop: Em7 - A7 - D - B7)

  • "Waiting here alone"
  • "Don't want to go home"
  • "But I, I think we'd make a pair if you'd see me at all"
  • "My heart is pumping, I'm made for loving"

Pre-Chorus

Build the energy back up. Start introducing more "Up" strums to increase the rhythmic density.

(Chord Loop: Em7 - A7 - D - B7)

  • "Your head is in the clouds"
  • "My room is in the back"
  • "I need attention now"
  • "Come here and just take it all"

The Bridge

In many Malcolm Todd tracks, the bridge is where the instrumentation might strip back. You can try a "Fingerstyle" approach here—plucking the bass note with your thumb and the top three strings with your index, middle, and ring fingers simultaneously.

  • "Over here... look at me..."
  • "I'm a man... can't you see?"

Musical Theory: Why This Progression Works

If you’ve ever wondered why these four chords feel so "right," it's because they follow a classic harmonic movement found in jazz and neo-soul.

  1. The Minor ii-V (Gm7 to C7): In the key of F, the move from Gm7 to C7 is a "ii-V" progression. This is the most common transition in jazz because it creates a smooth path to the "I" chord (F).
  2. The Resolution (F): The F major chord provides a moment of rest and stability.
  3. The Secondary Dominant (D7): This is the genius part. Instead of staying on F or moving to a diatonic chord, Malcolm uses a D7. D7 is the "V" chord of Gm7. By playing D7, he "points" the listener's ear back to the beginning of the loop (Gm7). This creates a "circular" feeling, which is why the song feels like it could go on forever without getting boring.

Practice Tips for Beginners

If you are struggling with the B7 or the barre chords, follow these steps to improve:

  • Step 1: The Left-Hand Dead Lift. Form the Em7 shape, squeeze, then let go and hover your hand an inch above the strings. Do this 10 times. Repeat for each chord. This builds muscle memory.
  • Step 2: The "One-Finger" Method. If barre chords are too hard, play only the top three strings of the Gm7, C7, and F chords. Focus entirely on the rhythm of your right hand. Once the rhythm is perfect, start adding back the bass notes.
  • Step 3: Slow Motion. Use a metronome and set it to 60 BPM (much slower than the original). Don't speed up until you can change between all four chords without a single pause or "buzzing" string.

Summary

"Attention" by Malcolm Todd is a masterclass in modern bedroom pop songwriting. By mastering the Em7 – A7 – D – B7 (Capo 3) loop and focusing on a percussive, funky strumming style, you can recreate the soulful atmosphere of the original track. Remember to keep your tone clean, your rhythm "spanky," and your transitions smooth. Whether you are playing for yourself in your room or performing for an audience, the key to this song is the "groove"—if your foot is tapping, you're doing it right.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the BPM of Attention by Malcolm Todd?

The song is played at approximately 107 to 108 BPM. It has a standard 4/4 time signature with a slight rhythmic swing.

Can I play this on a Ukulele?

Yes! Use the same logic. For Ukulele (Standard Tuning), the chords for the original key would be Gm7, C7, F, and D7. These are all relatively simple shapes on the Uke, making it a great song for beginners.

Why does my B7 chord sound "off"?

The B7 contains a sharp note (D#) that isn't in the natural minor scale. This is intentional. It creates "harmonic tension." Make sure you aren't accidentally muting the strings with your other fingers; every note in that B7 shape is vital for that "jazzy" turnaround.

Is there a specific guitar Malcolm Todd uses?

While Malcolm uses various guitars, his sound is most easily achieved using a Fender Stratocaster or a similar single-coil guitar. The "clucky" mid-range of those pickups is essential for the R&B/Indie-pop aesthetic found in the "Sweet Boy" EP.

What are the lyrics to the chorus?

The chorus lyrics are: "Oh, turn me on / I just want you to know / I couldn't go without you / 'Cause I need your attention all the time / And it's fine as long as i have your eyes on me."