Strumming School

December 11, 2022Front Porch StrummingAs well as the melody, a couple of lines were taken from Clayton’s “Who’s Gonna Buy You Ribbons When I’m Gone?”, which was recorded in 1960, two years before Dylan wrote: “Don’t Think Twice”. Lines taken word-for-word or slightly altered from the Clayton song are, “T’ain’t no use to sit and wonder why, darlin’,” and, “So I’m walkin’ down that long, lonesome road.” On the first release of the song, instead of “So I’m walkin’ down that long, lonesome road babe, where I’m bound, I can’t tell” Dylan sings “So long, honey babe, where I’m bound, I can’t tell”. The lyrics were changed when Dylan performed live versions of the song and on cover versions recorded by other artists. don’t think twice it’s alright Verse 1C G Am It ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe F C G It don't matter, anyhow C G Am An' it ain't no use to sit and wonder why, babe D7 G G7 If you don't know by now C C7 When your rooster crows at the break of dawn F D7 Look out your window and I'll be gone C G Am F You're the reason I'm trav'lin' on C G C G Don't think twice, it's all rightVerse 2C G Am It ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe F C G That light I never knowed C G Am An' it ain't no use in turnin' on your light, babe D7 G G7 I'm on the dark side of the road C C7 Still I wish there was somethin' you would do or say F D7 To try and make me change my mind and stay C G Am F We never did too much talkin' anyway C G C G So don't think twice, it's all rightVerse 3C G Am It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal F C G Like you never did before C G Am It ain't no use in callin' out my name, gal D7 G G7 I can't hear you any more C C7 I'm a-thinkin' and a-wond'rin' all the way down the road F D7 I once loved a woman, a child I'm told C G Am F I give her my heart but she wanted my soul C G C G But don't think twice, it's all rightVerse 4C G Am So loooooong, honey babe F C G Where I'm bound,I can't tell C G Am But goodbye's too good a word,babe D7 G So I'll just say fare thee well C C7 I ain't sayin' you treated me unkind F D7 You could have done better but I don't mind C G Am F You just kinda wasted my precious time C G C But don't think twice,it's all rightIt has been argued that the guitar on the original version of the song, which features fast fingerstyle, was played by Bruce Langhorne, but since it’s been pretty much proven that it was Dylan himself. Here’s a fascinating read on courtroom proceedings where the Langhorne vs. Dylan debate was discussed. Eyolf Østrem lays down a solid case that proves that “It Wasn’t Bruce”.Related posts: Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison Redemption Song by Bob Marley Hey You by Pink Floyd A Day In The Life by The Beatles [...]

A Day In The Life by The Beatles

December 1, 2022Front Porch StrummingA Day In The Life Chords And Lyrics: A Day In The Life |G Bm| Em Em7|C |C |G Bm Em Em7 I read the news today oh boyC C/B Asus2 About a lucky man who made the grade G Bm Em Em7 And though the news was rather sad C F Em Em7 Well I just had to laugh C F Em C D I saw the photographRelated posts: Redemption Song by Bob Marley Blowin’ In The Wind by Bob Dylan Before You Accuse Me Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones [...]

All You Need Is Love by The Beatles

November 14, 2022Front Porch StrummingChords and lyrics reference file: all_you_needRelated posts: The Weight by The Band I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Get Back by The Beatles Before You Accuse Me [...]

Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones

November 14, 2022Front Porch StrummingReference file: paint-it-black-chordsRelated posts: The Weight by The Band I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Get Back by The Beatles Before You Accuse Me [...]

Hey You by Pink Floyd

November 14, 2022Front Porch StrummingChords and lyrics reference PDF: Hey YouRelated posts: The Weight by The Band I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Get Back by The Beatles Before You Accuse Me [...]

Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison

August 29, 2022Front Porch StrummingIntro Lick Song FactsTempo: It’s about 140 beats per minute. That’s very brisk Time Signature: Standard 4/4 time- each measure gets 4 beats Key Signature: It’s in G Chords: There are only 4 different chords in this song: G, C, D, and EmBrown-Eyed-Girl Intro There’s a quick 4 measure lead guitar part that begins the song. As it turns out, it’s the hardest part of the song to play, so if you get through these first measures, you should be good to go.A little slower…Playing It… Measure 1 introduces the main lead theme. Use your 1st finger on the 7th fret on the high E and your 2nd finger to fret the 8th fret on the B string. For the next series of notes using your 1st and 3rd fingers to fret until the end of the measure where we’ll end the measure with the same two notes, we started the measure with. Again, we’ll switch back to using our 1st and 2nd fingers. One thing to keep in mind is the rests that appear between the 2nd and 3rd note pairings and the 3rd and 4th note pairings. In measure 2, we’ll take the whole pattern that was found in measure 1 and just move everything up 5 frets. Measure 3 is the same as measure 1. Measure 4 begins with a hybrid pick. Use your pick to get the note on the 7th fret of the G and use your middle finger on your picking hand to simultaneously pluck the note on the 5th fret of the high E. Using the hybrid picking technique allows us to skip the unwanted B string. Close out the measure by using your 3rd finger on the 7th fret of the B, your 4th finger for the 8th fret note, and finally your 1st finger for the very last note. Overall it’s a little bit tough to play cleanly up to speed, so put in some practice time until you get it down. It sets the whole tone for the rest of the song; playful and nostalgic. Strumming Pattern and Progressions Verses The verses all use the same chord progression as does the “sha, la, la” sections of the song. It’s just G, C, G, D. Each chord lasts 4 beats (or one measure).The best way to strum the main rhythm is a down, down, up, up, down pattern. To play the rhythm start by counting 1, &, 2, &, 3, &, 4, &. The downbeat is on 1, 2, 3, 4. The upbeat is on the &s. When strumming it, we’ll play on the downbeats with a down-stroke and the upbeats with an upstroke. That’s a down strum on beat 1, another down strum on beat 2, then up on &So, if you take a look the first verse below you’ll see that the progression is played through a total of 4 times. If you broke the lyrics down you’d find 4 sentences, so the progression lasts the length of the sentence and then repeats for the next sentences/lines.G C Hey where did we go, G D Days when the rains came G C Down in the hollow, G D Playin' a new game, G C Laughing and a running hey, hey G D Skipping and a jumping G C In the misty morning fog with G D C D Our hearts a thumpin' and youChorus As previously stated, the same G, C, G, D progression is used for much of the song. The only change is during the choruses where you’ll sing “my brown eyed girl”. You can use the same exact strumming pattern as before. While starting the phrase in D, we’ll switch to the G chord on “girl”, a transition to Em (no vocals over the Em). Then C, D, and G for the last line, “you my brown eyed girl”:(D) G Em My brown eyed girl, C D G You my brown eyed girl.Sha, la, la We also have a “sha, la, la” refrain that appears twice in the song. You’ll use the same exact progression and strum pattern that you used in the verse. VocalsBrown-Eyed-Girl (Chords And Lyrics) Verse 1G C Hey where did we go, G D Days when the rains came G C Down in the hollow, G D Playin' a new game, G C Laughing and a running hey, hey G D Skipping and a jumping G C In the misty morning fog with G D C D Our hearts a thumpin' and youChorusD G Em My brown eyed girl, C D G You my brown eyed girl.Verse 2G C Whatever happened G D To Tuesday and so slow G C Going down the old mine G D With a transistor radio G C Standing in the sunlight laughing, G D Hiding behind a rainbow's wall, G C Slipping and sliding G D C D All along the water fall, with youRefrainD G Do you remember when we used to sing, G C G D Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da G C G D Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da G La te daVerse 3G C So hard to find my way, G D Now that I'm all on my own. G C I saw you just the other day, G D My how you have grown, G C Cast my memory back there, Lord G D Sometime I'm overcome thinking 'bout G C Making love in the green grass G D C D Behind the stadium with you Related posts: The Weight by The Band I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Get Back by The Beatles Who’ll Stop The Rain by CCR [...]

Redemption Song by Bob Marley

September 2, 2022Front Porch Strumming / Acoustic Guitar SecretsIntro This song might be from Bob Marley, but it’s not a reggae song as you might believe. It’s just a rock type ballad. It’s in the key of G and uses only simple open chords. Introduction The intro is kind of like adding a little phrase that’s built around a G chord.Watch The Fret Hand:Watch The Picking Hand:Verse StrummingThe verses of the song have a chord progression of G, Em, C, G/B, Am. Not sure how to play a G/B? Imagine playing the G chord without using the low E string. In effect, the B on the 2nd fret of the A string acts as our lowest note. This chord is used in many songs as a transition chord between the C and Am chords (and vice versa). For example, C, G/B, Am, or Am, G/B, C. Chords And LyricsVerse 1G Em Em7 Old Pirates, yes, they rob I. C G/B Am Sold I to the merchant ships G Em C G/B Am minutes after they took I from the bottomless pit. G Em Em7 But my hand was made strong C G/B Am By the hand of the Almighty. G Em C D We forward in this generation triumphantly.ChorusG C D G Won't you help to sing these songs of freedom? C D Em C D G C Cause all I ever had, redemption songs, D G C D redemption songs.Verse 2G Em Em7 Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery, C G/B Am None but ourselves can free our minds. G Em Have no fear for atomic energy, C G/B D Cause none of them can stop the time. G Em Em7 How long shall they kill our prophets C G/B Am While we stand aside and look? G Em Ooh, some say it's just a part of it. C G/B D We've got to fulfill the book.Putting It Together Step 1 Start out by just strumming the chord once for every measure when the chord changes. Stick with just the basic chords if you wish (avoid the chord variations). This will allow you to focus more on the vocals. Watch out for those keywords where the chords change. Most likely, you notice the change when you hear the song on the radio. Try not to stop if you come to a part you find tricky, even if you mess up. Just keep on going along with the beat. Speaking of the beat, don’t worry too much about the tempo that you are playing at this point. Just try to stay in time Step 2 Once you can make it through the song, as outlined in step one, try adding the full strumming pattern. Also, at this point, you may want to start adding the chord variations. Step 3 Perform the full song in front of somebody. Don’t be scared, just do it! Use your cheat sheet with the chords and lyrics if you need to. Better yet, do it my memory.Related posts: Four Barre Chords Every Acoustic Player Must Know Open String Thing Are Strumming Patterns For The Birds? A Day In The Life by The Beatles [...]

Blowin’ In The Wind by Bob Dylan

September 6, 2022Front Porch StrummingBlowin in the wind PDF blowin in the wind TXTRelated posts: Redemption Song by Bob Marley I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Before You Accuse Me All You Need Is Love by The Beatles [...]

I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan

September 9, 2022Front Porch StrummingThe Chord Progression The chord progression for “I Shall Be Released” is quite different than most songs. It doesn’t use the IV or V chord at all. The progression of I, ii, iii, ii, I is repeated throughout the song. The song in the key of A, so the chord progression sounds as A, Bm, C#m, Bm, A. To play it just like the original recording you’ll play in the key of G with a capo on the 2nd fret. The use of the capo transposes it so that it sounds in the key of A. Verse 1G Am They say everything can be replaced Bm Am G Yet every distance is not near G Am So I remember every face Bm Am G Of every man who put me here.ChorusG Am I see my light come shining Bm Am G From the west unto the east. G Any day now, Am Any day now, Bm Am G I shall be releasedVerse 2A Bm They say every man needs protection. C#m Bm A E7 They say every man must fall. A Bm Yet I swear I see my reflection, C#m Bm A E7 Somewhere so high above the wall.Verse 3A Bm Well yonder stands a man in this lonely crowd, C#m Bm A E7 A man who swears he not to blame. A Bm All day long I hear him cry shouting loud, C#m Bm A E7 Calling out that he's been framed.Related posts: The Weight by The Band Hotel California by The Eagles Get Back by The Beatles Who’ll Stop The Rain by CCR [...]

Twist And Shout

September 17, 2022Front Porch StrummingLet’s take a look at the chords and lyrics in this strumming version of Twist And Shout. Twist And Shout Chords And Lyrics PDFRelated posts: The Weight by The Band I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Get Back by The Beatles Who’ll Stop The Rain by CCR [...]

Get Back by The Beatles

September 20, 2022Front Porch StrummingChords And Lyrics PDF: Get Back Basic Verse Strumming Pattern Related posts: The Weight by The Band Hotel California by The Eagles I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Who’ll Stop The Rain by CCR [...]

Already Gone by The Eagles

September 26, 2022Front Porch StrummingIn this lesson, we’ll take the chords and lyrics and figure out how to perform it. Eagles — Already Gone (Complete Chords And Lyrics TXT)Related posts: The Weight by The Band I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Get Back by The Beatles Who’ll Stop The Rain by CCR [...]

The Weight by The Band

September 27, 2022Front Porch StrummingThe Weight Chords And Lyrics Text FileA C#m D A I pulled in to Nazareth, I was feeling about half past dead. A C#m D A I just need some place where I can lay my head. A C#m D A "Hey, Mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed?" A C#m D A He just grinned, shook my hand, "No" was all he said.A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. A A/G# D Take a load for free. A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. D Dsus4 D A And...And...And.you put the load right on me.A/G# |F#m7 E |DA C#m D A I picked up my bag. I went looking for a place to hide. A C#m D A When I saw Carmen and the devil walking side by side. A C#m D A I said, "Hey, Carmen, come on. Let's go downtown." A C#m D A She said, "I got to go, but my friend can stick around."A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. A A/G# D Take a load for free. A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. D Dsus4 D A And...And...And.you put the load right on me.A C#m D A Go down, Miss Moses, there's nothing you can say. A C#m D A It's just old Luke, and Luke's waiting on the judgement day. A C#m D A "Well, Luke, my friend, what about young Anna Lee?" A C#m D A He said, "Do me a favor, son, won't you stay and keep Anna Lee company."A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. A A/G# D Take a load for free. A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. D Dsus4 D A And...And...And.you put the load right on me.A C#m D A Crazy Chester followed me and he caught me in the fog. A C#m D A He said, "I will fix your rack, if you'll take Jack my dog." A C#m D A I said, "Wait a minute, Chester. You know I'm a peaceful man." A C#m D A He said, "That's okay, boy. Won't you feed him when you can?"A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. A A/G# D Take a load for free. A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. D Dsus4 D A And...And...And.you put the load right on me.A C#m D A Get your Canonball now, to take me down the line. A C#m D A My bag is sinking low, and I do believe it's time A C#m D A To get back to Miss Fanny. You know she's the only one A C#m D A Who sent me here with her regards for everyone.A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. A A/G# D Take a load for free. A A/G# D Take a load off, Fanny. D Dsus4 D A And...And...And.you put the load right on me.Related posts: Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison Blowin’ In The Wind by Bob Dylan Strummer’s Corner: Breathe by Pink Floyd Twist And Shout [...]

Who’ll Stop The Rain by CCR

September 30, 2022Front Porch StrummingWho’ll Stop The Rain by Creedence Clearwater RevivalRelated posts: The Weight by The Band Hotel California by The Eagles I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Get Back by The Beatles [...]

Before You Accuse Me

October 22, 2022Front Porch Strumming / Blues GuitarBefore You Accuse MeE A E Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself A E Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself B7 You say I´m spending my money on other women A E B7 You takin´ money from from someone else.E A E I called your mama, 'bout three or four nights ago A E I called your mama, 'bout three or four nights ago B7 A E7 B7 Well you´re mamma said son: “Don't you call my daughter no more!"E A E Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself A E Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself B7 You say I´m spending my money on other women A E B7 You takin´ money from from someone else.Solo 12 barsE A E Come back home baby, try my love one more time A E come back home baby, try my love one more time B7 A E B7 You know when things don´t go to suit you I think I´ll lose my mind.Solo 12 barsE A E Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself A E Before you accuse me, take a look at yourself B7 You say I´m spending my money on other women A E B7 You takin´ money from from someone else.Related posts: The Weight by The Band Blues Box Practice Sessions Standard Blues Progression Using 7th Chords Blues Vibrato [...]

Hotel California by The Eagles

August 23, 2022Front Porch StrummingHotel California Chords and lyrics text fileBm F#7 On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair A E Warm smell of colitas rising up through the air G D Up ahead in the distance, I saw a shimmering light Em My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim F# I had to stop for the nightBm F#7 There she stood in the doorway; I heard the mission bell A And I was thinking to myself E This could be heaven or this could be hell G D Then she lit up a candle, and she showed me the way Em There were voices down the corridor, F# I thought I heard them say...G D Welcome to the Hotel California. F#7 Bm Such a lovely place (such a lovely place), such a lovely face G D There's Plenty of room at the Hotel California Em F# Anytime of year,(anytime of year) You can find it here...Bm F#7 Her mind is Tiffany twisted, She got the Mercedes bends A E She got a lot of pretty pretty boys that she calls friends G D How they danced in the courtyard, sweet summer sweat Em F# Some dance to remember, some dance to forgetBm F#7 So I called up the captain; Please bring me my wine (he said) A E We haven't had that spirit here since 1969 G D and still those voices are calling from far away Em Wake you up in the middle of the night F# Just to hear them sayG D Welcome to the Hotel California. F#7 Bm Such a lovely place (such a lovely place), such a lovely face G D They livin' it up at the Hotel California Em F# What a nice surprise (what a nice surprise), bring your alibisBm F#7 Mirrors on the ceiling; the pink champagne on ice (and she said) A E We are all just prisoners here, of our own device G D and in the master's chambers, They gathered for the feast Em They stab it with their steely knives but they F# just can't kill the beastBm F#7 Last thing I remember, I was running for the door A E I had to find the passage back to the place I was before G D "Relax" said the night man; we are programmed to receive Em You can check out anytime you like F# But you can never leave...Related posts: The Weight by The Band I Shall Be Released by Bob Dylan Get Back by The Beatles Who’ll Stop The Rain by CCR [...]

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