Playing "500 Miles" (The Proclaimers) on Guitar
"I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers is a lively, energetic song best known for its catchy chorus and driving rhythm. The original track features a punchy, folk-rock sound, which you can emulate on guitar by focusing on consistent strumming and steady tempo.
Chords and Progression
The main chords used are D, D5, G5, G, A, Bm, and Em7. D5 and G5 are power chords (only two or three strings), which makes them easier for beginners. D5: (xx023x), G5: (3200xx).
Most verses alternate between D (or D5) and G5/A. The chorus and bridge primarily use D5, G5, and A.
Strumming Pattern
Use a consistent, driving strum: Down Down Up Up Down Up or simply Down Down Down Down for beginners. The song is played at a brisk tempo (about 132 bpm), so focus on keeping your rhythm even.
Chord Transitions
Practice switching between D/D5 and G5/A, as these are the most frequent changes. For G5 and D5, only strum the indicated strings and mute the rest with your fingers or palm.
Tips and Techniques
- Keep your right hand moving, even if you miss a chord change, to maintain the song’s energy.
- Mute unused strings to avoid unwanted noise.
- Sing along to help with timing.
- Play along with the recording to internalize the rhythm and chord changes.
With practice, this song is very approachable for beginners and great for sing-alongs!
IntroD 1 2 3 4D 2 2 3 4D 3 2 3 4D 4 2 3 4
Verse 1When ID wake up, yeah, ID know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonnaG5 be the man whoA wakes up next toD you.
When ID go out, yeah, ID know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonnaG be the man whoA goes along withD you.
If ID get drunk, well ID know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonnaG be the man whoA gets drunk next toD you.
And if ID haver, yeah, ID know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonnaG be the man who'sA havering toD you.
ChorusButD5 I would walk fiveD5 hund-red miles, and
G5 I would walk fiveA hund-red more
Just toD be the man who walked a thousandG miles
to fall downA at your door.D5
Verse 2When I'mD working, yeah, ID know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonnaG be the man who'sA working hard forD you.
And when theD5 money, comes inD5 for the work I do
I'll pass al-G5 most everyA penny on toD5 you.
When ID5 come home, oh ID5 know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonnaG5 be the man whoA comes back home toD5 you.
And if ID5 grow old, well, ID5 know I'm gonna be,
I'm gonnaG5 be the man who'sA growing old withD5 you.
ChorusButD5 I would walk fiveD5 hundred-red miles, and
G5 I would walk fiveA hundred-red more
Just toD5 be the man who walked a thousandG5 miles
to fall downA at your door.D5
Bridge 1Da Da DaD5 Da Da Da DaD5 Da Da Da Da-G5 Da-Da-La Da-Da-LaA Da-Da-La LaD5 La
Da Da DaD5 Da Da Da DaD5 Da Da Da Da-G5 Da-Da-La Da-Da-LaA Da-Da-La LaD5 La
Verse 3When I'mD5 lonely, well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonnaG5 be the man who'sA lonely withoutD5 you
And when I'mD5 dreaming, well I know I'm gonna dream
I'm gonnaG5 Dream about theA time when I'm withD5 you
When ID5 go out(When I go out), well I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonnaG5 be the man whoA goes along withD5 you
And when ID5 come home(When I come home), yes I know I'm gonna be
I'm gonnaG5 be the man whoA comes back home withBm you
I'm gonnaEm7 be the man who'sA coming home withD5 you
ChorusButD5 I would walk fiveD5 hund-red miles, and
G5 I would walk fiveA hundred-red more,
Just toD5 be the man who walked a thousandG5 miles to
fall downA at your doorD5
Bridge 2Da Da DaD5 Da Da Da DaD5 Da Da Da Da-G5 Da-Da-La Da-Da-LaA Da-Da-La LaD5 La
Da Da DaD5 Da Da Da DaD5 Da Da Da Da-G5 Da-Da-La Da-Da-LaA Da-Da-La LaD5 La
ChorusButD5 I would walk fiveD5 hund-red miles, and
G5 I would walk fiveA hundred-red more,
Just toD5 be the man who walked a thousandG5 miles to
fall downD atA yourD door____D
