Contents 
Introduction  3 
 
Tips 
 
Chord Chart Guide  4 
General Tips  6 
Individual Song Tips  7 
 
Songs 
 
Let It Be​ by The Beatles  11 
Hey Jude​ ​by The Beatles  13 
Folsom Prison Blues​ ​by Johnny Cash  15 
Take Me Home, Country Roads​ ​by John Denver  17 
Sweet Caroline​ ​by Neil Diamond  19 
Knockin' on Heaven's Door​ ​by Bob Dylan  20 
Wagon Wheel​ ​by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor  21 
Peaceful Easy Feeling​ ​by The Eagles  23 
Ripple​ ​by The Grateful Dead  25 
Don't Stop Believin'​ ​by Journey  27 
Me and Bobby McGee​ ​by Kris Kristofferson  29 
Redemption Song​ ​by Bob Marley  31 
The Circle Game​ ​by Joni Mitchell  33 
Brown Eyed Girl​ ​by Van Morrison  35 
Puff the Magic Dragon​ by Peter, Paul, and Mary  37 
Free Fallin'​ by Tom Petty 39 
Wish You Were Here​ by Pink Floyd 41 
Angel from Montgomery​ by John Prine 43 
The Joker​ by the Steve Miller Band 45 
Sweet Baby James​ by James Taylor 47 
   

2
 Introduction 
 

No fires necessary 
 
These songs functions just fine indoors. 
 

The camp vibe 

 
For me, camping and music and community have always been intertwined. I went to Yosemite with 
my family as a kid, was a summer camp counselor in college, spent my spare time in my teens 
climbing and hiking with friends, and more recently became part of the guitar camp community. 
Singing with friends around the fire has been a refrain through all these experiences. Even when I 
crammed into a Toyota Corolla with four college classmates on a Spring Break trip Smith Rock, my 
guitar came along, riding on our laps in the backseat. 
 
Whether I play these songs in the desert or in my living room, they fill me with that spirit of sharing 
fun, adventure, and natural beauty with people you love. I hope they do the same for you! 
 

Time-tested 
 
I've been singing many of the songs in this book for almost three decades, and I still dig them. Why 
the lasting appeal? They tend to be easy to play even when smoke is blowing in your eyes, with 
memorable choruses that even shy singers find irresistible, and most of them have a positive, 
hopeful, redeeming message that's family-friendly and amplifies the good vibes. 
 

Music connects us 

 
To me, the campfire singalong is the antithesis of that other activity involving staring at a hypnotic 
glow. When we make music with others, we participate in a ritual older than history, and tap into 
our primal nature. No wonder it feels so right. 
 
So print this book and invite some friends over. You'll have a blast, and you'll make the world a 
better place. 
 
Rob Hampton 
Heartwood Guitar Instruction​ (for guitarists) 
Greatest Gig​ (for music teachers) 
 
   

3
 Want to really rock your 
singalongs? 
 
Heartwood Guitar is the web’s #1 destination for 
folks who strum and sing. 

 
Members get access to… 
● Strum & Sing in 60 Days​, my innovative guitar course 
● 155 strum pattern videos​, showing you how to strum over 300 
songs on the site 
● A members-only forum​ where you can ask me questions directly 
● In-depth song lessons​, including ones for the following songs 
featured in this songbook 
○ “Let it Be” by The Beatles 
○ “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash 
○ “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver 
○ “Wagon Wheel” by Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor 
○ “Wish You Were Here” by Pink Floyd 
 
Each song lesson both b
​ reaks down the song​ for those of you who struggle 
with strumming and singing, and also includes ​a chord/melody 
instrumental section​ for more advanced guitarists. 
 
 

   

4
 Chord Chart Guide 
 
My chord charts are a lot like others you'll find on the internet, except they're mostly error-free 
(fingers crossed!) and have a few innovations I think you'll like: 
 

Chord Guide 
 
This shows you how to fret the chords in the song. I'm sure you've seen diagrams like those before. 
 

Strumming Guide 
 
This is the simplest way I've found to write out strumming patterns. 
 
Example 
B D U D U  ⬅​ The strums. 
1 + 2 + 3 +  ⬅​ The beats. You can tell this song's in 3/4. 
 
Strumming Legend 
D - Down strum 
U - Up strum 
B - Only play bass (lowest-pitched) string 
d - Soft down strum (strum bass strings gently) 
> - Accent 
 
 

Chord Duration 
 
You can assume that each chord is played for one measure (which is usually equal to one strumming 
pattern), unless: 
 
1) There's a note at the top of the chart telling you otherwise. 
2) The number of measures is in parentheses next to the chord. 
 
Example:  
In the following example, all chords are played for one measure (by default), except for the D 
which is played for 2 measures. 
 
G Em C D (
​ 2) 
We forward in this generation triumphantly 
 
 
You might also see ​(½)​, which means play for half of a measure (usually two beats), or something like 
(2 hold)​, which means to strum the chord once and let it ring for two measures. 
 
 

5
Dashing it out 
 
When rhythm gets more complicated, or there's no lyrics to write chord names above, I dash it out. 
 
/ G - D - / Am7 - - - / G - D - / C - - - / 
 
Above is the first four measures of the intro to "Knockin' on Heaven's Door". The slash marks serve 
as bar lines: They show the beginnings and ends of measures. A written chord means "Play this 
chord for one beat". Hyphens are like ditto marks: They mean, "Play that chord for another beat." 
 
You can see in the example above that the song's in 4/4: If you add up the number of chord names 
and hyphens in each measure, you get four beats. You play G for the first two beats of the first 
measure, then D for the last two beats. Next is a whole measure of Am7. The third measure is the 
same as the first--two beats of G and two of D--and finally, a whole measure of C. 
 
 

Starting note 
 
Need a cue to get your voice started on the right note? Before you start your song, play the starting 
note and then match the note with your voice (singing a nonsense sound like "la" works well). This is 
the first melody note of the song--for the dudes anyway. Most women and children will sing a note 
one octave above. 
 
 

6
 General Tips 
 

Gear Checklist for Sing-alongs 

 
● Songbook and Lyric Sheets 
● Guitar 
● Guitar strap (if you want to stand) 
● Capo 
● Tuner 
● Extra strings 
 
If you're indoors: 
● Music Stand (the burley Manhasset ones are best) 
● Light (I love my ​Aria Diva​) 
 
If you're outdoors: 
● Headlamp 
● Collapsible music stand 
● Armless camp chair (if you don't like sitting on logs or rocks)  
 

Songbook Printing 
 
Punch binder holes in both edges of these pages, and organize them in a binder so that two-page 
songs display with the first page visible on the left, and second page on the right. This will avoid the 
hassle of having to flip pages mid-song. Thankfully, none of these charts are three pages long. 
You're welcome! 
 

Finding a Good Singing Key 

 
With the exception of "The Joker," each chart in this book matches the key of the song's most 
well-known "original" recording. The key that YOU play it in, though, should depend on your own 
voice and those of your singing comrades. You can experiment by trial and error, scooting your 
capo up and (if there's room) down the neck, or use the following dead-simple formula used by folks 
who lead church congregations to maximize participation of untrained singers. 
 
On average, untrained adult singers have about a one-octave range. Children's voices are similar to 
women's. 
 
Women's range: C4 to C5 (2nd string, 1st fret to 2nd string, 13th fret) 
Men's range: C3 to C4 (5th string, 3rd fret to 2nd string, 1st fret) 
 
The men's range is exactly one octave below the women's. How convenient! So to key a song for 
singalongs, find the lowest and highest notes in the melody, and adjust the key to make them fit 
between C and C one octave higher. If the vocal range is greater than one octave, you have to make 
a judgment call based on the emotion of the song and the abilities of your crowd. Don't worry--men 
and women will naturally sing one octave apart without any help from you.   
 
 
7
 Individual Song Tips 
 
Let It Be 
The Beatles 
✷ Video Lesson Available ✷ 
This otherwise straightforward four-chord song is made more challenging by the more complex 
instrumental interludes played before the guitar solo and also at the end. If you are playing them, 
note that the chords [in brackets] are played over a single beat. For example, in this measure... 
 
/ C [G/B Am] G [F Em] /  
 
the chords line up with the beat thus... 
 
C G/B Am G F Em 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +  
 
My video lesson for this song, available to ​members of Heartwood Guitar​, shows you both the nuts 
and bolts, how to use hybrid picking to play the interlude mentioned above, and I also teach you a 
sweet chord/melody instrumental break that sounds good even if you’re playing solo. 
 
Hey Jude 
The Beatles 
It seems like every Beatles song has at least one quirk that makes it more challenging than it 
appears at first glance. In this tune, there's a measure of 2/4 whenever you play the D7 here: 
 
D7​ (½)​ A7 (2, hold last measure) 
Da da da da da da 
 
Just count two beats during the D7, then start over counting measures of 4/4 when you play the A7.   
 
Nailing this tricky section will be worth it when you arrive at the glorious outro. Your friends have 
hearts of stone if they can resist belting the na-na-na's endlessly, into the sunset.... 
 
Folsom Prison Blues 
Johnny Cash 
✷ Video Lesson Available ✷ 
With its easy-to-play trademark bass riffs and raucous energy, this is a great singalong song for a 
rowdy crowd. Who knew singing about hopelessness and regret could be so fun? If you don't have a 
friend to play the solo, consider just singing it while you strum, something like, "Doo doo doot doo 
da-doot doo..." 
   

8
Take Me Home, Country Roads 
John Denver 
✷ Video Lesson Available ✷ 
There are two spots in this song that tend to trip guitarists up. The first is the G 
chord at the end of the second line of the verses. It lasts for two measures, which 
is one more than you would expect, making the total measures in that line five 
instead of the usual four. Not a big deal, but you may occasionally have a few 
overeager singing mates come in early on the next line. 
 
Also, if you're a beginner or just don't like to barre, there is a single, solitary F chord in the bridge. 
Don't let this get in the way of you playing the song. Fmaj7/A, which I call the "Easy F," is a decent 
substitute. 
 
Sweet Caroline 
Neil Diamond 
Don't rush this one--embrace the schmaltz by keeping the tempo slow and majestic. The intro--just 
7 measures of D--really only works if you play or sing the accompanying melody (use a nonsense 
syllable like 'doo'"). Otherwise, shorten it or nix it altogether. 
 
Knockin' on Heaven's Door 
Bob Dylan 
Another slow-tempo song that's easy to rush. If Guns 'N' Roses could play it slow enough (that must 
have taken some restraint), you can too! 
 
Wagon Wheel 
Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor 
✷ Video Lesson Available ✷ 
A Hampton household favorite! Swinging this tune, and keeping it up for the whole song, takes 
some elbow grease: Your strumming arm will be working hard to keep up the jerky motion 
necessary for a crisp, jaunty swing. When I play songs like this solo, I find myself periodically 
checking in with my strumming, making sure I don't fall into a straight feel. 
 
Peaceful Easy Feeling 
The Eagles 
This song, with its gentle feel, fun-to-harmonize melody, the imagery of sleeping in the desert under 
the stars, serves as a nice end-of-the-evening lullaby. If you want to create a mellow vibe, or just 
can't be bothered to make quick chord changes, the following bit... 
 
B7 (1½) A (½) 
 
...can certainly be simplified to just two measures of B7. Also, if you can't barre the F#m chord, you 
can substitute A, which means you'll be playing this in the last line of the chorus: 
 
/ E - - - / A - - - / - - - - / B7 - - - / 
 
Ripple 
Grateful Dead 
If you don't know the challenging chord/melody intro to the song (well worth learning if you're up 
for it!), try whistling or humming it instead. Otherwise, consider shortening it by just playing the last 
four measures.   

9
Don't Stop Believin' 
Journey 
I had to make a tough call on this one. The original key of this song (E) is both 
higher than most mortal men can sing, and requires barre chords. So I transposed 
it to G, which most men will find comfortable without a capo. If you want to bump 
it higher, just slap on a capo. The problem? I'm sure there are many karaoke rock 
stars out there who love singing it in the original key, and to do so using my chart, 
you'll need to capo...9. It may be pretty hard to hold onto that feelin' when your 
guitar sounds like a ukulele. If so, deepest apologies. 
 
Don't want to barre the Bm? Bm7 works as a substitute. 
 
Me and Bobby McGee 
Kris Kristofferson 
The strum pattern captures the steady country feel of Kristofferson's recording, which you can 
embellish further by alternating the bass--play the root of the chord on the "1", and a neighboring 
bass note (usually the 5th of the chord) on the "3". If you're new to this strum pattern, one tricky bit 
is playing the bass note on the 3rd beat, but then doing an up-strum right afterwards--you'll 
probably find that it takes some practice to get your pick below your strings after that bass note so 
that you're ready to strum up.   
 
If you prefer Janis Joplin's more loose, syncopated take on the song, you can use the folk strum 
pattern (see "Brown Eyed Girl" for the diagram). 
 
Redemption Song 
Bob Marley 
Reggae is tough to pull off without a band backing you up, but "Redemption Song" (and likewise "No 
Woman, No Cry") is a rare jewel for those of us who love Bob Marley but play solo. If you want to 
play this the way Bob did, strum with the backs of your fingers, and damp and/or avoid the first 
string. My poor nails can't take the punishment so I strum softly with a pick. 
 
Circle Game 
Joni Mitchell 
A summer camp favorite! Feel free to use the Bm7 I recommend in the notes for "Don't Stop 
Believin'" if you want to avoid the barred Bm. 
 
Brown Eyed Girl 
Van Morrison 
People LOVE singing along with the "Sha-la-la's" in the chorus. Heads up though--they're super 
syncopated! So while your carefree friends sing arm in arm, little will they know (hopefully) that 
you're secretly sweating bullets as you fight to keep that strum pattern steady. Stay on target! Stay 
on target! 
 
Puff the Magic Dragon 
Peter, Paul, and Mary 
Singing this song to my young boys rekindled my love for this old folk song. They're fascinated by 
the rich imagery, and Jackie Paper's mysterious disappearance. A great song to pass down through 
the generations. 
   

10
Free Fallin' 
Tom Petty 
The original recording features at least three acoustic rhythm guitars, all doing something different. 
My arrangement tries to capture the spirit of the song with one guitar. If those three strum patterns 
look intimidating, take heart--you can use the "slow strum" for the whole tune if you like. And you 
can also play it using just three chords--the power chords toward the end of the song just add some 
hard-driving variety. If you do want to tackle the "fast strum," notice that it's not quite as complex 
as it first appears: The pattern in the first measure is identical to the pattern in the second.   
 
Wish You Were Here 
Pink Floyd 
✷ Video Lesson Available ✷ 
With its classic chord/melody intro, this is one of those songs that works great on solo guitar. If you 
don't know it, however, consider singing the melody while you strum the chords instead of skipping 
the instrumental parts altogether. Or better yet, learn it note for note by ​becoming a member! 
 
Angel from Montgomery 
John Prine 
This song has a deceptively tricky time signature change that somehow hasn't kept it from being a 
singalong favorite--the song's just that good.  
 
Here's how to navigate it. The chords with (3/8) next to them are played for a measure of 3/8 (count 
“1 2 3”), and the chord after them (G) is played for a measure of 2/4 (count “1 and 2 and”). Another 
way of looking at it is, the (3/8) chord is shorter than the others by an 8th note. So say this as you 
play--"1 2 3 1 and 2 and"--with each syllable getting the same amount of time.  
  
The Joker 
Steve Miller 
This song was originally recorded in F, a whole step lower than the key you'll be in using my chart. If 
you want to match that key, tune your guitar down a whole step. But this chart should work fine for 
most men, though you may want to sing the "Some people call me Maurice" line an octave lower. 
Women may want to capo up a couple frets so they can hit the low notes. 
 
"The Joker" features a legendarily bizarre word--"'Cause I speak of the pompatus of love." I like to 
sing it like I know exactly what it means.   
 
Sweet Baby James 
James Taylor 
The perfect lullaby to sing around a fire under the stars. Originally recorded in D, I've transposed 
the song to G to avoid the F#m barre chord (at least the Bm can be substituted with a Bm7--see 
notes for "Don't Stop Believin'"). You can still play in the original key by playing Capo 7.  
 
 
I hope these tips help. Have fun! 
 
 

11
Let it Be - Capo 5 
The Beatles 
 
Chord Guide: 

             
Starting Note: G ​ (open 4th string with capo on) 
 
> > > > 
Strum: D d D DUD d D DU > = accent 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
Each chord gets two beats unless otherwise noted. 
 
 
Intro: / G - D - / Em - C - / 
/ G - D - / C - G - / 
 
G D Em C 
When I find myself in times of trouble, Mother Mary comes to me 
G D C G 
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be 
G D Em C 
And in my hour of darkness, she is standing right in front of me 
G D C G 
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be 
 
Chorus: 
Em D C G 
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be 
G D C G 
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be 
 
G D Em C 
And when the broken-hearted people living in the world agree 
G D C G 
There will be an answer, let it be 
G D Em C 
For though they may be parted there is still a chance that they 
will see 
G D C G 
There will be an answer, let it be 
 
Chorus 2: 
Em D C G 
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be 
12
 G D C G 
There will be an answer, let it be 
Em D C G 
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be 
G D C G 
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be 
 
Interlude - full band: 
/ C [G/B Am] G [F Em] / D C G (hold) / 
 
Organ only: 
/ C [G/B Am] G [F Em] / D C G (hold) / 
 
Guitar Solo:   
/ G - D - / Em - C - / G - D - / C - G - / 
/ G - D - / Em - C - / G - D - / C - G - / 
 
Chorus 3: 
Em D C G 
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be 
G D C G 
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be 
 
G D Em C 
And when the night is cloudy, there is still a light that shines 
on me 
G D C G 
Shine until tomorrow, let it be 
G D Em C 
I wake up to the sound of music, Mother Mary comes to me 
G D C G 
Speaking words of wisdom, let it be 
 
Chorus 4: 
Em D C G 
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be 
G D C G 
There will be an answer, let it be 
Em D C G 
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be 
G D C G 
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be 
Em D C G 
Let it be, let it be, let it be, let it be 
G D C G 
Whisper words of wisdom, let it be 
 
Outro:   
/ C [G/B Am] G [F Em] / D C G (hold) /​ ​End   

13
Hey Jude - Capo 3 
The Beatles 
 
Chord Guide: 

               
Starting Note: C ​ (3rd string, 2nd fret with capo on) 
 
Strum: D d D d D d D DU d = soft downstrum 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
 
D A 
Hey, Jude, don't make it bad 
A7 D 
Take a sad song and make it better 
G D 
Remember to let her into your heart 
A D 
Then you can start to make it better  
 
D A 
Hey, Jude, don't be afraid 
A7 D 
You were made to go out and get her 
G D 
The minute you let her under your skin 
A D 
Then you begin to make it better.  
 
D7   
And any time you feel the  
G (½) G/F# (½) ​ ​Em   
pain, hey, Jude, refrain, don't carry the 
A7 , D 
world upon your shoulders 
D7 
Well don't you know that it’s a  
G (½) G/F# (½) Em   
fool who plays it cool by making his 
A7 D 
world a little colder da da 
D7 (½) A7 (2, hold last measure) 
Da da da da da da 
 
 
 

14
 D A 
Hey, Jude, Don't let me down 
A7 D 
You have found her, now go and get her 
G D 
Remember, to let her into your heart 
A D  
Then you can start to make it better. 
D7   
So let it out and let it in,  
G (½) G/F# (½) Em   
hey Jude, begin you're waiting for  
A7 D 
someone to perform with 
D7 
And don't you know that it's just  
G (½) G/F# (½) ​ ​Em   
you hey Jude, you'll do the movement you need  
A7 D 
is on your shoulder da da 
D7​ (
​ ½) A7 (2, hold last measure) 
Da da da da da da 
 
D A 
Hey Jude, don't make it bad 
A7 D 
Take a sad song and make it better 
G D 
Remember to let her into your heart 
A D (2) 
Then you can start to make it better, better, better, better, 
better, better, Ahh 
 
D C G D 
Na na na na-na na na, na-na na na, hey, Jude ​(repeat) 
 
End on last D 
 
 
 

15
Folsom Prison Blues - Capo 1 
Johnny Cash 
 
     
Chord 
Guide 
     
Starting Note: A ​ (3rd string, 1st fret with capo on) 
 
Verse strum:  Solo strum   Solo strum  
  (measures 1-8):  (measures 9-16): 
> >  > >  > > 
B D B D   B D D U D U  B D U U D  
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +    1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +    1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +   
 
 
Intro: / B7 - - - / - - - - /  
/ E - - - / - - - - / 
 
E (8) 
I hear the train a-comin'  
It's rollin' round the bend 
And I ain't seen the sunshine 
Since I don't know when 
A (4) 
I'm stuck in Folsom Prison, 
E (4) 
And time keeps draggin' on 
B7 (4) 
But that train keeps a-rollin' 
E (2) 
On down to San Antone 
 
E (8) 
When I was just a baby 
My Mama told me "Son 
Always be a good boy 
Don't ever play with guns" 
A (4) 
But I shot a man in Reno 
E (4) 
Just to watch him die 
B7 (4) 
When I hear that whistle blowin' 
E (2) 
I hang my head and cry 
 
Solo (instrumental verse) 
 
16
 E (8) 
I bet there's rich folks eatin' 
In a fancy dining car 
They're probably drinkin' coffee  
And smokin' big cigars 
A (4) 
But I know I had it comin' 
E (4) 
I know I can't be free 
B7 (4) 
But those people keep a-movin' 
E (2) 
And that's what tortures me 
 
Solo (instrumental verse) 
 
E (8) 
Well, if they freed me from this prison 
If that railroad train was mine 
I bet I'd move it on a little 
Farther down the line 
A (4) 
Far from Folsom Prison 
E (4) 
That's where I want to stay 
B7 (4) 
And I'd let that lonesome whistle 
E (2) 
Blow my blues away. 
 
/ B7 - - - / - - - - / E - - - / 
 
End on E 
 

--- --- 
Feeling stuck too? 
Members of Heartwood Guitar get instant 
access to a step-by-step video lesson,” 
including how to play the trademark riff at 
the beginning of the song, and how to pull 
off a great-sounding, not-too-hard 
instrumental break on solo acoustic guitar.   

 
   
17
Take Me Home, Country Roads - Capo 2 
John Denver 
 

Chord 
Guide 
           
Starting Note: E ​ (Open 4th string with capo on) 
 
Strum: B D D U D U 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +  
 
 
Intro: / G - - - / x4 
 
G (2) Em (2) 
Almost heaven, West Virginia 
D (2) C G (2) 
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River 
G (2) Em (2) 
Life is old there, older than the trees  
D (2) C G 
Younger than the mountains, blowing like a breeze 
 
Chorus: 
G (2) D (2) 
Country roads, take me home 
Em (2) C (2) 
To the place I belong 
G (2) D (2) 
West Virginia, mountain momma 
C (2) G (2) 
Take me home, country roads 
 
G (2) Em (2) 
All my memories gather 'round her 
D (2) C G (2) 
Miner's lady, stranger to blue water 
G (2) Em (2) 
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky 
D (2) C G  
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrops in my eyes 
 
Chorus 
 
 
 
 

18
Em D G (2) 
I hear her voice, in the morning hours she calls to me 
C G D (2) 
The radio reminds me of my home far away 
Em F   
And drivin' down the road I get a  
C G 
feeling that I should have been home  
D (2) D7 (2, hold 2nd measure) 
yesterday, yesterday 
 
Chorus x2 
 
D (2) G (2) 
Take me home down country roads 
D (2) / G - - - / - - (hold) / 
Take me home down country roads 
 
End 
 
 
 

--- --- 
You belong as a member! 
I have a great 40-minute song lesson video 
for “Country Roads” that’ll teach you how 
to strum it, sing it with flair, and throw in 
the legendary Lester Flatt run at the end. 
Also the only lesson video in existence 
with me sporting a beard.   

 
 
 
   

19
Sweet Caroline - Capo 4 
Neil Diamond  
 
 
Chord 
Guide 
         
Starting Note: E ​ b (5th string, 2nd fret with capo on) 
 
D D U U D U w/swing feel 
Strum: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
Intro: / D - - - / x7 
 
G (2) C (2)   
Where it began, I can’t begin to know it 
G (2) D (2) 
But then I know it’s going strong 
G (2) C (2) 
Was it the spring, and spring became a summer? 
G (2) D (2) 
Who’d have believed you’d come along? 
 
G (2) Em (2) D7 (2) C (2) D (2) 
Hands touching hands Reaching out touching me touching you 
 
Chorus: 
G​ C
​ (3) D (2) 
Sweet Caroline, good times never seemed so good 
G​ C
​ (3) D (2 w/walkdown) 
I’ve been inclined, to believe they never would, but now I’m 
 
G (2) C (2)   
Look at the night, and it don’t seem so lonely 
G (2) D (2) 
We fill it up with only two 
G (2) C (2) 
And when I hurt, hurting runs off my shoulder   
G (2) D (2) 
How can I hurt when holding you? 
 
G (2) Em (2) D7 (2) C (2) D (2) 
Warm touching warm Reaching out touching me touching you 
 
Chorus 
Repeat Intro 
Chorus 
 
End on G 
20
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door 
Bob Dylan 
 
   
Chord 
Guide 
       
Starting Note: B ​ (Open 2nd string) 
 
Strum Guide 
Half-measure chords:  Whole-measure chords: 
D d D DUD d D DU  D d D DU UD D DU 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +  1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
Intro: / G - D - / Am7 - - - / 
/ G - D - / C - - - / 
/ G - D - / Am7 - - - / 
/ G - D - / C - - - / 
 
G​ (½) ​D (​ ½) ​Am7 
Mama, take this badge off of me 
G​ (½) ​D ( ​ ½) ​C 
I can't use it anymore 
G​ (½) ​D (​ ½) ​Am7 
It's getting dark too dark to see 
G​ (½) D
​ ​(½) C
​  
I feel I'm knocking on heaven’s door 
 
Chorus: 
G​ (½) D​ ​(½) A
​ m7 
Knock knock knockin' on heaven's door 
G​ (½) D ​ ​(½) C​  
Knock knock knockin' on heaven's door 
G​ (½) D ​ ​(½) A ​ m7 
Knock knock knockin' on heaven's door 
G​ (½) D ​ ​(½) C ​  
Knock knock knockin' on heaven's door 
 
G​ (½) D
​ ​(½) ​Am7 
Mama put my guns in the ground 
G​ (½) D
​ ​(½) ​C 
I can't shoot them anymore 
G​ (½) ​D ( ​ ½) ​Am7 
That long black cloud is coming down 
G​ (½) ​D ( ​ ½) ​C  
I feel I'm knocking on heaven's door 
 
Chorus​, ​End on G   

21
Wagon Wheel - Capo 2 
Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor, as performed by Old Crow Medicine Show 
 
   
Chord 
Guide 
       
Starting Note: C ​ # (Open 2nd string with capo on) 
 
Strumming Guide 
> > 
d D D U D U w/swing feel 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
 
Intro: / G - - - / D - - - / Em - - - / C - - - / 
/ G - - - / D - - - / C - - - / - - - - / 
 
G D 
Headed down south to the land of the pines 
Em C 
And I'm thumbin' my way into North Caroline 
G D C (1) 
Starin' up the road and pray to God I see headlights 
 
G D 
I made it down the coast in seventeen hours 
Em C 
Pickin' me a bouquet of dogwood flowers 
G D C (1) 
And I'm a-hopin' for Raleigh I can see my baby tonight 
 
Chorus: 
G D 
So rock me mama like a wagon wheel 
Em C 
Rock me mama any way you feel 
G D C (1) 
Hey mama rock me 
G D 
Rock me mama like the wind and the rain 
Em C 
Rock me mama like a southbound train 
G D C (1) 
Hey mama rock me 
 
Repeat Intro 
 

22
 
 
 
G D 
Runnin' from the cold up in New England 
Em C 
I was born to be a fiddler in an old-time stringband 
G D C (1) 
My baby plays the guitar I pick a banjo now 
 
G D 
Oh, the North country winters keep a gettin' me now 
Em C 
Lost my money playin' poker so I had to up and leave 
G D C (1) 
But I ain't a-turnin' back to livin' that old life no more 
 
Chorus 
 
Repeat Intro 
 
G (hold) D (hold) 
Walkin' due south out of Roanoke 
Em (hold) C (hold) 
I caught a trucker out of Philly, had a nice long toke 
G (hold) D (hold) C (1 hold) 
But he's a headed west from the Cumberland Gap to Johnson City, 
Tennessee 
 
G D 
And I gotta get a move on, before the sun 
Em C 
I hear my baby callin' my name and I know that she's the only one 
G D C (1) 
And if I die in Raleigh, at least I will die free 
 
Chorus 
 
End on G 
 
 

--- --- 
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23
Peaceful Easy Feeling  
The Eagles 
 
 
Chord 
Guide 
         
Starting Note: G​ # (3rd string 1st fret) 
 
> > 
d D D U D U > = accent 
Strum: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
 
Intro: / E - - - / Esus4 - - - / x4 
 
E A E A 
I like the way your sparkling earrings lay 
E A B7 (1½) A (½) 
against your skin, so brown 
E A E A 
and I wanna sleep with you in the desert tonight  
E A B7 (2) 
with a billion stars all around 
 
Chorus: 
A (2) E (2) 
'Cause I gotta peaceful easy feeling  
A (2) F#m B7 
and I know you won't let me down  
E F#m A B7 
'cause I'm al - ready standing on the ground  
 
/ E - - - / Esus4 - - - / x2 
 
E A E A 
And I found out a long time ago  
E A B7 (1½) A (½) 
what a woman can do to your soul  
E A E A 
Ah, but she can't take you anyway  
E A B7 (2) 
You don't already know how to go  
 
Chorus 
 
/ E - - - / Esus4 - - - / x2 
 

24
 
 
 
Instrumental Verse and Chorus: 
 
/ E - - - / A - - - / E - - - / A - - - / 
/ E - - - / A - - - / B7 - - - / - - A - / 
/ E - - - / A - - - / E - - - / A - - - / 
/ E - - - / A - - - / B7 - - - / - - - - / 
 
/ A - - - / - - - - / E - - - / - - - - / 
/ A - - - / - - - - / F#m - - - / B7 - - - / 
/ E - - - / F#m - - - / A - - - / B7 - - - / 
 
E (hold) A (hold) E A 
I get this feeling I may know you  
E A B7 (1½) A (½) 
as a lover and a friend  
E A E A 
but this voice keeps whispering in my other ear, tells me  
E A B7 (2) 
I may never see you again  
 
A (2) E (2) 
'Cause I get a peaceful, easy feeling  
A (2) F#m B7 
and I know you won't let me down  
E F#m A B7 
'cause I'm al - ready standing  
E F#m A B7 
I'm al - ready standing 
E F#m A B7   
Yes, I’m al - ready standing on the ground 
   
/ E - - - / F#m - - - / A - - - / B7 - - - / x3 
 
End on E 
 
 

25
Ripple  
Grateful Dead 
 
   
Chord 
Guide 
       
Starting Note: B ​ (5th string 2nd fret) 
 
Strum: B D U U D U w/swing feel 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
 
Intro: / G - - - / - - - - / C - - - / - - - - / 
/ C - - - / - - - - / - - - - / G - - - / 
/ G - - - / - - - - / C - - - / - - - - / 
/ G - - - / D - - - / C - - - / G - - - / 
 
G (2) C (2) 
If my words did glow with the gold of sunshine 
C (3) G 
and my tunes were played on the harp unstrung 
G (2) C (2) 
would you hear my voice come through the music 
G D C G 
would you hold it near as it were your own 
 
G (2) C (2) 
It's a hand-me-down the thoughts are broken 
C (3) G 
perhaps they're better left unsung 
G (2) C (2) 
I don't know don't really care 
G D C G (2) 
let there be songs to fill the air 
 
Chorus: 
Am (2) D (2) 
Ripple in still water 
G C  
when there is no pebble tossed 
A7 D 
nor wind to blow 
 
G (2) C (2) 
Reach out your hand if your cup be empty 
C (3) G 
if your cup is full may it be again 

26
 G (2) C (2) 
Let it be known there is a fountain 
G D C G 
that was not made by the hands of men 
 
G (2) C (2) 
There is a road no simple highway 
C (3) G 
Between the dawn and the dark of night 
G (2) C (2) 
and if you go no one may follow 
G D C G (2) 
that path is for your steps alone 
 
Chorus 
 
G (2) C (2) 
You who choose to lead must follow 
C (3) G 
but if you fall you fall alone 
G (2) C (2) 
If you should stand then who's to guide you 
G D C G 
If I knew the way I would take you home 
 
Instrumental Verse w/ la-da-da's: 
/ G - - - / - - - - / C - - - / - - - - / 
/ C - - - / - - - - / - - - - / G - - - / 
/ G - - - / - - - - / C - - - / - - - - / 
/ G - - - / D - - - / C - - - / 
 
End on G 
 
 

27
Don’t Stop Believin’ - Capo 9 
Journey 
 
 
Chord 
Guide 
         
Starting Note: G ​ # (Open 2nd string with capo on) 
 
Strum Guide 
Main Strum:  Chorus Riff: 
  D G D G C 
D D U U D U  D D D D D 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +  1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
 
Intro: 
/ G - - - / D - - - / Em - - - / C - - - / 
/ G - - - / D - - - / Bm - - - / C - - - / 
 
G​ ​D​ E ​ m​ C
​    
Just a small town girl living in a lonely world 
G​ D
​ ​ ​Bm​ C
​  
She took the midnight train going anywhere 
G​ D
​ ​ ​Em​ ​C 
Just a city boy born and raised in south Detroit 
G​ ​D​ ​Bm​ ​C 
He took the midnight train going anywhere 
 
/ G - - - / D - - - / Em - - - / C - - - / 
/ G - - - / D - - - / Bm - - - / C - - - / 
 
G​ ​D​ E
​ m​ C
​  
A singer in a smoky room a smell of wine and cheap perfume 
G​ D
​ ​ B
​ m​ C
​  
For a smile they can share the night, it goes on and on and on 
and on 
 
Chorus: 
C (​ 2) G
​ ​(2) 
Strangers waiting up and down the boulevard 
C
​ ​(2) G
​ (
​ 2) 
Their shadows searching in the night 
C ( ​ 2) ​G ( ​ 2) 
Streetlight people living just to find emotion 
C (
​ 2) C​ horus Riff 
Hiding, somewhere in the night 
 

28
/ G - - - / D - - - / Em - - - / C - - - / 
 
 
G​ ​D​ ​Em​ ​C 
Working hard to get my fill everybody wants a thrill 
G​ ​D​ B
​ m​ ​C 
Paying anything to roll the dice, just one more time 
G​ D
​ ​ ​Em​ ​C   
Some will win some will lose some were born to sing the 
blues 
G​ D​ ​ ​Bm​ ​C 
Oh the movie never ends it goes on and on and on and on 
 
Chorus 
 
Solo: 
/ G - - - / D - - - / Em - - - / C - - - / 
/ G - - - / D - - - / Bm - - - / C - - - / 
 
G D
​ ​ ​Em​ ​C   
Don't stop believing hold on to the feeling 
G​ ​D​ ​Bm C 
Streetlight people 
 
G D​ ​ ​Em​ ​C   
Don't stop believing hold on to the feeling 
G​ ​D​ ​Bm C 
Streetlight people 
 
G D ​ ​ ​Em​ ​C   
Don't stop believing hold on to the feeling 
G​ ​D​ ​Chorus Riff 
Streetlight people 
 
End 
 
 

29
Me and Bobby McGee - Capo 2 
Kris Kristofferson 
 
Chord Guide: 

               
Starting Note: E ​ (open 4th string with capo on) 
 
> > 
Strum: B   D U B U D U > = accent 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
Intro: / G - - - / x2 
 
G (6) 
Busted flat in Baton Rouge headin' for the trains 
​D7 (2) 
Feelin' nearly faded as my jeans 
D7 (6) 
Bobby thumbed a diesel down just before it rained 
​G (2) 
Took us all the way to New Orleans 
 
G (5) 
Took my harpoon out of my dirty red bandana 
​G7 C (2) 
And was blowin' sad while Bobby sang the blues 
C (2) 
With them windshield wipers slappin' time and 
G (2) 
Bobby clappin' hands we finally 
D7 (2) G G7 
Sang up every song that driver knew 
  
Chorus: 
C (2) G (2) 
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose 
D7 (2) G G7 
And nothin' ain't worth nothin' but it's free 
C (2) G (2) 
Feelin' good was easy Lord when Bobby sang the blues 
D7 (6) 
And feeling good was good enough for me 
G (2) 
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee 
  
 
30
 
 
Modulate up 1 step: 
/ A - - - / - - - - / 
 
A (6) 
From the coal mines of Kentucky to the California sun 
E7 (2) 
Bobby shared the secrets of my soul 
E7 (6)  
Standin' right beside me through everythin' I done 
A (2) 
And every night she kept me from the cold 
 
A (5) 
Then somewhere near Salinas, I let her slip away 
A7 D (2) 
lookin' for the home I hope she'll find 
D (2) A (2) 
Well I'd trade all my tomorrows for a single yesterday 
E7 (2) A (2) 
Holdin' Bobby's body next to mine 
  
Chorus 2: 
D (2) A (2) 
Freedom's just another word for nothin' left to lose 
E7 (2) A A7 
nothin' left is all she left for me 
D (2) A (2) 
Feelin' good was easy Lord when Bobby sang the blues 
E7 (6) 
Buddy that was good enough for me 
A (2) 
Good enough for me and my Bobby McGee 
 
Outro: 
A (6) 
La da-da da-da da da, la da da da da 
E7 (2) 
La da-da, me and Bobby McGee 
E7 (6)  
La da-da da-da da da, la da da da da 
A  
La da-da, me and Bobby McGee 
 
End on A 
 
 

31
Redempton Song 
Bob Marley 
 
Chord Guide: 

             
Starting Note: E ​ (open 1st string) 
 
Half-Measure Strum:  Full-Measure Strum: 
< <  < < 
D D D D  D D D D D D D D 
1 + 2 +   1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
 
Intro: / G - - - / C - - - / G - - - / D - G - / x2 
 
G Em 
Old pirates yes they rob I 
C ( ​ ½) C/B ​(½)​ Am  
sold I to the merchant ships 
G Em   
Minutes after they took I 
C (
​ ½) C/B ​(½)​ Am 
from the bottomless pit 
G Em   
But my hand was made strong 
C ( ​ ½) C/B (​ ½)​ Am 
by the hand of the Almighty 
G Em C D ​(2) 
We forward in this generation triumphantly 
 
Chorus: 
G   
Won't you help to sing 
C (​ ½) ​D (​ ½)​ G 
these songs of freedom 
C ​(½) D​ ​(½)​ Em   
'Cause all I ever have 
C ( ​ ½) D ​ ​(½)​ G C ​(½) D
​ ​(½)   
redemption songs 
 
Verse 2: 
G Em 
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery 
C (​ ½) C/B ​(½)​ Am 
none but ourselves can free our minds 

32
 G Em 
Have no fear for atomic energy 
C ​(½) C
​ /B ​(½)​ D 
'cause none of them can stop the time 
G Em 
How long shall they kill our prophets 
C ​(½)​ C/B ​(½)​ Am 
While we stand aside and look 
G Em 
Some say it's just a part of it 
C ​(½) C
​ /B ​(½)​ D (​ 2) 
we've got to fulfill the book 
 
Chorus 2: 
G   
Won't you help to sing 
C (
​ ½) ​D (​ ½)​ G 
these songs of freedom 
C ​(½) D
​ ​(½)​ Em   
'Cause all I ever have 
C (​ ½) D ​ ​(½)​ G  
Redemption songs   
C ( ​ ½) D ​ ​(½)​ G  
Redemption songs   
C ( ​ ½) D ​ ​(½)​ G C (​ ½) ​D (​ ½)   
Redemption songs. 
 
Instrumental: 
/ Em - - - / C - D - / x4 
 
Repeat Verse 2 
 
Chorus 3: 
G   
Won't you help to sing 
C ( ​ ½) ​D ( ​ ½)​ G 
these songs of freedom? 
C ​(½) D​ ​(½)​ Em   
'Cause all I ever have 
C ( ​ ½) D ​ ​(½)​ G C ​(½) ​D ( ​ ½)​ Em   
Redemption songs all I ever have 
C ( ​ ½) D ​ ​(½)​ Em C ​(½) D​ ​(½)​ G   
Redemption songs these songs of freedom 
C ( ​ ½) ​D (​ ½)​ G 
songs of freedom 
 
/ C - C/B - / Am - - - / - - - - / Am6 - - - / - - - (hold)/ 
 
End 

33
The Circle Game - Capo 4 
Joni Mitchell 
 
Chord Guide: 

             
Starting Note: E ​ b (5th string, 2nd fret with capo on) 
 
Strum Guide 
Half-measure chords:  Whole-measure chords: 
D D U D D U  D D U U D U  
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +  1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
 
Intro: / G/B - Am7 / G/B - Am7 / G/B - Am7 / 
/ G - C/G - / G - - - / 
 
G C G (2) 
Yesterday a child came out to wonder 
G C D7 (2) 
Caught a dragonfly inside a jar 
G C Bm (2) 
Fearful when the sky is full of thunder 
C Am7 (1/2) G (1/2) C/G (1/2) G 
And tearful at the falling of a star.   
 
Chorus: 
G Am7 (1/2) G (1/2) 
And the seasons, they go 'round and 'round 
G Am7 (1/2) G (1/2) 
And the painted ponies go up and down 
C (2) G (2) 
We're captive on the carousel of time 
C (2)   
We can't return, we can only look  
Bm C 
behind from where we came 
G Am7 (1/2)   
And go 'round and 'round and 'round in the circle  
G (1/2) C/G (1/2) G 
game  
 
 
 
 
 

34
 
G C G (2) 
Then the child moved ten times round the seasons 
G C D7 (2) 
Skated over ten clear frozen streams 
G C Bm (2) 
Words like "when you're older" must appease him 
C Am7 (1/2) G (1/2) C/G (1/2) G 
And promises of someday make his dreams 
 
Chorus 
 
G C G (2) 
Sixteen springs and sixteen summers gone now 
G C D7 (2) 
Cartwheels turn to car wheels through the town 
G C Bm (2) 
And they tell him, "Take your time, it won't be long now 
C Am7 (1/2) G (1/2) C/G (1/2) G 
'Til you drag your feet to slow the circle down" 
 
Chorus 
 
G C G (2) 
So the years spin by and now the boy is twenty 
G C D7 (2) 
Though his dreams have lost some grandeur coming true 
G C Bm (2) 
There'll be new dreams, maybe better dreams, and plenty 
C Am7 (1/2) G (1/2) C/G (1/2) G 
Before the last revolving year is through 
 
Chorus 
 
G Am7  
And go 'round and 'round and 'round in the circle  
G (1/2) C/G (1/2) G (1/2) C/G (1/2)   
game  
 
End on last G 
 
 

35
Brown Eyed Girl 
Van Morrison  
 
   
Chord 
Guide 
       
Starting Note: D ​ (2nd string, 3rd fret) 
 
Strum: D D U U D U 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
 
Intro: / G - - - / C - - - / G - - - / D - - - / (x2) 
 
G C G D 
Hey, where did we go days when the rain came 
G C G D 
Down in the hollow playing a new game 
G C G D  
Laughing, and a running hey hey skipping and a jumping  
G C G D   
in the misty morning fog with our hearts a thumpin' and  
C D G Em C D G D 
you my brown eyed girl You, my brown eyed girl 
  
G C G D 
Whatever happened to Tuesday and so slow 
G C G D 
Going down to the old mine with a transistor radio 
G C G D 
Standing in the sunlight laughing hiding ‘hind a rainbow's wall 
G C G D 
Slipping and a sliding hey hey All along the waterfall with 
C D G Em C D G   
you my brown eyed girl You, my brown eyed girl 
  
Chorus: 
D (3) 
Do you remember when we used to sing 
G C G D 
Sha la la la la la la la la la la la te da Just like that 
G C G D G D 
Sha la la la la la la la la la la la te da la te da 
  
 
 

36
G C G D 
So hard to find my way Now that I'm on my own  
G C G D 
I saw you just the other day my how you have grown 
G C G D 
Cast my memory back there Lord Sometimes I'm overcome 
thinkin' 'bout it 
G C G D 
Makin' love in the green grass behind the stadium with 
C D G Em C D G   
you my brown eyed girl You my brown eyed girl 
 
Second Chorus: 
D (3) 
Do you remember when we used to sing 
G C G D 
Sha la la la la la la la la la la la te da Just like that 
G C G D   
Sha la 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 la te da   
G C G D   
Sha la la la la la la la la la la la te da   
G D  
la te da 
 
End on G 
 
 

37
Puff, the Magic Dragon - Capo 2 
Peter, Paul, and Mary 
 

Chord 
Guide 
           
Starting Note: A ​ (Open 3rd string with capo on) 
 
Strum Guide 
Half-measure chords:  Whole-measure chords: 
D D U D D U  D D U U D U  
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +  1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
Intro: / G - - - / Bm - - - / C - - - / G - - - / 
/ C - - - / G – Em - / Am – D - / G – D - / 
 
G Bm C G 
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea  
C G ​(½)​ Em ( ​ ½)​ Am D 
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee 
G Bm C G 
Little Jackie Paper loved that rascal Puff  
C G ​(½)​ Em ​(½) 
And brought him strings and sealing wax and  
Am (
​ ½)​ D ​(½)​ G ​(½)​ D​ (½) 
other fancy stuff oh  
 
Chorus: 
G Bm C G  
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea  
C G ​(½)​ Em ( ​ ½)​ Am D 
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee 
G Bm C G 
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea  
C G ​(½)​ Em ( ​ ½) 
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a  
Am (​ ½)​ D ​(½)​ G ​(½)​ D​ (½) 
land called Hona - lee  
 
G Bm C G 
Together they would travel on boat with billowed sail 
C G (
​ ½)​ Em (​ ½)​ Am D 
Jackie kept a lookout perched on Puff's gigantic tail 
G Bm C G 
Noble kings and princes would bow whene'er they came  
C G (
​ ½)​ Em ​(½) 
Pirate ships would lower their flags when  

38
Am (
​ ½)​ D (
​ ½)​ G ​(½)​ D​ (½) 
Puff roared out his name oh  
 
Chorus 
 
G Bm C G 
A dragon lives forever but not so little boys  
C G ( ​ ½)​ Em ​(½)​ Am D 
Painted wings and giants's rings make way for other toys 
G Bm C G 
One grey night it happened Jackie Paper came no more  
C G ( ​ ½)​ Em ( ​ ½) 
And Puff that mighty dragon he   
Am (​ ½)​ D (​ ½)​ G ​(½)​ D​ (½) 
ceased his fearless roar. 
 
G Bm C G 
His head was bent in sorrow green scales fell like rain  
C G ( ​ ½)​ Em ​(½)​ Am D 
Puff no longer went to play along the cherry lane 
G Bm C G 
Without his lifelong friend Puff could not be brave  
C G ​(½)​ Em ( ​ ½) 
So Puff that mighty dragon sadly   
Am ( ​ ½)​ D ( ​ ½)​ G ​(½)​ D​ (½) 
slipped into his cave oh  
 
Final Chorus: 
G Bm C G  
Puff the magic dragon lived by the sea  
C G ​(½)​ Em ( ​ ½)​ Am D 
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Honalee 
G Bm C G 
Puff, the magic dragon lived by the sea  
C G ​(½)​ Em ( ​ ½) 
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a  
Am D G 
land called Honalee  
 
End on G 
 
 

39
Free Falling - Capo 3 
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers 
 

Chord 
Guide 
           
Starting Note: F​ (open 4th string with capo on) 
 
Strum Guide 
Slow strum  Fast strum 
D Dsus4 D Asus4  D Dsus4 D Asus4 
D D D D D   D DUD D DUD D DUD DUD D DUD D DU  
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +  1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
Power chord strum   
D5 G5 D5 A5 
D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D D  
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
Note: Play this progression throughout except for Interlude II 
/ D - (Dsus4) - / - (D) (Asus4) - / 
 
 
Intro: Progression x2 (w/slow strum) 
 
Verse 1 (slow strum): 
She's a good girl, loves her mama  
Loves Jesus and America too  
She's a good girl, crazy 'bout Elvis  
Loves horses and her boyfriend too  
 
Progression x1 (w/fast strum) 
 
Verse 2 (fast strum): 
It's a long day living in Reseda  
There's a freeway runnin' through the yard  
And I'm a bad boy cause I don't even miss her  
I'm a bad boy for breakin' her heart  
 
Chorus (fast strum): 
And I'm free, free fallin'  
Yeah I'm free, free fallin'  
 
Verse 3 (slow strum): 
All the vampires walkin' through the valley  
Move west down Ventura Boulevard  
And all the bad boys are standing in the shadows  
All the good girls are home with broken hearts  

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Chorus  
 
Interlude (fast strum): 
/ D - (Dsus4) - / - (D) (Asus4) - / 
 
/ D - (Dsus4) - / - (D) (Asus4) - / 
Free fallin', I'm-a free fallin', I'm-a 
 
/ D - (Dsus4) - / - (D) (Asus4) - / 
 
/ D - (Dsus4) - / - (D) (Asus4) - / 
Free fallin', I'm-a free fallin', I'm-a 
 
Verse 4 (slow strum): 
I wanna glide down over Mulholland  
I wanna write her name in the sky  
Gonna free fall out into nothin'  
Gonna leave this world for a while  
 
Chorus 
 
Interlude II (power chord strum): 
/ D5 - (G5) - / - (D5) (A5) - / 
 
/ D5 - (G5) - / - (D5) (A5) - / 
Yeah, I'm   
/ D5 - (G5) - / - (D5) (A5) - / 
free, free fallin'   
/ D5 - (G5) - / - (D5) (A5) - / 
Yeah, I'm   
/ D5 - (G5) - / - (D5) (A5) - / 
free, free fallin'   
/ D5 - (G5) - / - (D5) (A5) - / 
 
End on D 
 
 

41
Wish You Were Here 
Pink Floyd 
 

Chord 
Guide 
           
Starting Note: C​ (2nd string, 1st fret) 
 
Strum: D d DU UD d DU U 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 
 
 
Intro: / Em7 - - - / G - - - / Em7 - - - / G - - - / 
/ Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / 
/ G - - - / - - - - /  
 
Solo: / Em7 - - - / G - - - / Em7 - - - / G - - - / 
/ Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / 
/ G - - - / 
 
C D/F# 
So so you think you can tell 
Am G 
Heaven from Hell blue skies from pain 
D/F# C 
Can you tell a green field from a cold steel rail 
Am G 
a smile from a veil Do you think you can tell  
 
C
​ D/F# 
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts 
Am G 
Hot ashes for trees hot air for a cool breeze 
D/F# C 
cold comfort for change and did you exchange 
Am G 
a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage 
 
Solo 2: / Em7 - - - / G - - - / Em7 - - - / G - - - / 
/ Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / 
/ G - - - / 
 
C D/F# 
How I wish how I wish you were here We're just 
Am G 
two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year 
D/F# C  
Running over the same old ground have we found 
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 A
​ m G  
The same old fears Wish you were here 
 
Outro: / Em7 - - - / G - - - / Em7 - - - / G - - - / 
/ Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / 
/ G - - - / - - - - / 
 
/ Em7 - - - / G - - - / Em7 - - - / G - - - / 
/ Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / Em7 - - - / A7sus4 - - - / 
 
 
End on G 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

--- --- 
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Angel From Montgomery 
John Prine 
 
   
Chord 
Guide 
       
Starting Note: B ​ (Open 2nd string) 
 
Strum Guide 
Main Strum:   Skip 8​th​ Note Strum: 
  ∆​ ​∆ 
D D DUD D DU  D D D D DU ​∆​ = Chord change 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +  1 2 3 1 + 2 + 
 
Note: Each chord gets two beats unless otherwise noted. 
 
 
Intro: / G – C - / x4 
 
G C G C 
I am an old woman named after my mother 
G C D (3/8) G 
My old man is another child that's grown old. 
G C G C 
If dreams were lightning and thunder was desire 
G C D (3/8) G 
This old house would've burnt down a long time ago 
 
Chorus: 
G F C G 
Make me an angel that flies from Montgomery 
G F C (3/8) G  
Make me a poster of an old rodeo 
G F C G 
Just give me one thing that I can hold on to 
G C D (3/8) G (2) 
To believe in this living is just a hard way to go 
 
G C G C 
When I was a young girl I had me a cowboy 
G C D (3/8) G 
He weren’t much to look at just a free ramblin' man 
G C G C 
But that was a long time and no matter how I try 
G C D (3/8) G 
These dreams go by like a broken-down dam 
 

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Chorus 
 
G C G C 
There's flies in the kitchen I can hear ‘em there buzzin' 
G C D (3/8) G 
and I ain't done nothin' since I woke up today 
G C G C 
How the hell can a person go to work in the mornin’ 
G C D (3/8) G 
and come home in the evenin' and have nothin' to say 
 
Chorus 
 
G C (hold) D (hold)  
To believe in this living is just a hard way to go 
 
End on G 
 
 

45
The Joker 
Steve Miller Band 
 
   
Chord 
Guide 
       
Starting Note: B ​ (Open 2nd string) 
 
Strum: B B D DUB B D DU 
1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +   
 
Note: Each chord gets 2 beats unless otherwise noted. 
 
 
Intro: / G - C - / D - C - / x2 
 
G C D C   
Some people call me the space cowboy yeah 
G C D C   
Some call me the gangster of love 
G C D C 
Some people call me Maurice 
G C D C   
'Cause I speak of the pompatus of love 
 
G C D C   
People talk about me baby 
G C D C   
Say I'm doin' you wrong doin' you wrong 
G C D C   
Well don't you worry baby don't worry 
G C D C   
'Cause I'm right here right here right here right here at home 
 
Chorus: 
G C D C   
'Cause I'm a picker I'm a grinner I'm a lover and I'm a sinner 
G C D C   
I play my music in the sun 
G C D C   
I'm a joker I'm a smoker I'm a midnight toker 
G C D (1) Dsus4 (1) 
I sure don't want to hurt no one 
 
Instrumental Verse: 
/ G - C - / D - C - / x4 
 

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G C D C   
You're the cutest thing that I ever did see 
G C D C   
I really love your peaches, want to shake your tree 
G C D C   
Lovey-dovey lovey-dovey lovey-dovey all the time 
G C D C   
Ooo-eee baby I'll sure show you a good time 
 
Chorus  
 
G C D C   
You're the cutest thing that I ever did see 
G C D C   
I really love your peaches, want to shake your tree 
G C D C   
Lovey-dovey lovey-dovey lovey-dovey all the time 
G C D C   
C'mon baby I'll sure show you a good time 
 
Chorus 
 
End on G 
 
 

47
Sweet Baby James - Capo 7 
James Taylor 
 

Chord             
Guide     

       
Starting Note: D ​ (6th string, 3rd with capo on) 
 
Strumming Guide 
B D U D U   
1 + 2 + 3 + w/swing feel 
 
Intro: / C - C/B / Am - - / D7sus4 - - / - - - / 
 
G D C Bm (2) 
There is a young cowboy, he lives on the range 
Em C G Bm (2) 
His horse and his cattle are his only companions 
Em C G Bm 
He works in the saddle and he sleeps in the canyons 
C G Am (3) D (2) 
Waiting for Summer, his pastures to change 
 
C (2) D G 
And as the moon rises he sits by his fire 
Em C G D 
Thinking about women and glasses of beer 
C (2) D G 
And closing his eyes as the dogies retire 
Em C G (2) 
He sings out a song which is soft but it's clear 
A7sus4 A7 D7sus4 (2) D (2) 
As if maybe someone could hear 
 
Chorus: 
G C D G 
Goodnight you moonlight la - dies 
Em C G (2) 
Rockabye sweet baby James 
Em C G (2) 
Deep greens and blues are the colors I choose 
Am (2) D (2) 
Won't you let me go down in my dreams 
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 C D G (2) 
And rockabye sweet baby James 
 
G D C Bm (2) 
Now the first of December was covered with snow 
Em C G Bm (2) 
And so was the turnpike from Stockbridge to Boston 
Em C G Bm 
The Berkshires seemed dreamlike on account of that frosting 
C G Am (3) D (2) 
With ten miles behind me and ten thousand more to go 
 
C (2) D G 
There's a song that they sing when they take to the highway 
Em C G D  
A song that they sing when they take to the sea 
C (2) D G 
A song that they sing of their home in the sky 
Em C G (2) 
Maybe you can believe it if it helps you to sleep 
A7sus4 A7 D7sus4 (2) D (2) 
But singing works just fine for me 
 
Chorus, hold last measure of G 
 
End 
 
   

49
 
About Me  
 
Hi, I'm Rob Hampton, former burned-out high school English teacher then briefly Seattle's 
worst handyman... 
 
...and since 2003, owner of Heartwood Guitar Instruction. I've introduced hundreds of 
private students to the guitar, from 4-year-olds to CEO's of Fortune 500 companies. And 
over 23 million guitarists have learned to play on heartwoodguitar.com. 
 
I love helping everyday people have extraordinary experiences making music. 
 
In my spare time, I like to rock climb, play with my three little boys, and Google "Winds of 
Winter release date." 
 

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