Part 9: Learning Songs

We now know three chords: G major, C major, and D major. Let's see if we can put them to use in a song. At first, switching chords will take far too long to be able to play any songs properly. Don't give up, though! With a bit of practice, you'll be playing away, sounding great (this tutorial on switching chords quickly might also be of some help). In our next lesson, we'll start learning about strumming, so you can come back to these songs, and be able to play them better.

Here are a few of the songs you can play with G major, C major, and D major chords:

Leaving on a Jet Plane - performed by John DenverNOTES: when playing the G and C chord, strum them 4 times each, but when playing the D chord, strum it 8 timesMP3: iTunes download
(the strumming pattern is different in the mp3, but it should nonetheless give you an idea of how the song sounds)

The Gambler - performed by Kenny RogersNOTES: these aren't the exact chords for the song, but they'll do for now. Try strumming each chord one time, letting them ring. MP3: iTunes download
(the mp3 of The Gambler is in a different key than the guitar tab, but again, it will give you an idea of how the song sounds)

Brown Eyed Girl - performed by Van MorrisonNOTES: There is one chord in this song that we don't know yet, but it's only used briefly. Skip it for now. Try strumming each chord four times. MP3: iTunes download