Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
If I Only Had The Nerve We're Off To See The Wizard Bert Lahr

 About the Song
This classic from The Wizard of Oz is playful, upbeat, and features clear chord progressions that make it accessible for beginners. The original has a light, bouncy feel, which is helpful to keep in mind as you play.

Chords & Transitions
Chords used: G, Cmaj7, C, D7, Em, D, A7. These are all beginner-friendly, though Cmaj7 might be new. To play Cmaj7, use the same shape as C but remove your index finger to leave the B string open.

Practice smooth transitions between G, C, and D7, as these are the most common moves. Take special care moving into and out of Cmaj7.

Strumming Pattern
Use a steady, light down-up strumming pattern. A suggested pattern is: down, down-up, up-down-up. Keep it bouncy to match the song’s cheerful mood. For the “Ohhhhhhh we’re off to see the wizard” section, you can accent the down strums for emphasis.

Tips & Techniques
Pause briefly at chord changes to keep timing steady if you’re a beginner. Play slowly at first, then gradually increase speed. Listen to the original to match the playful rhythm. For extra flair, mute the strings slightly with your palm for a percussive effect during transitions.

Summary
Focus on smooth chord changes and a light, swinging strum. Keep it fun and playful, just like the song itself.

EADGBEXX D7
EADGBE G
EADGBEX Cmaj7
EADGBE C
EADGBE Em
EADGBEXX D
EADGBEX A7
Verse 1
D7 Yeah it'sG sad believe me Missy, when you'reCmaj7 born to be aC sissy, withG out the vim and verve
G ButC I could show my prowess be aD7 lion not a mou-ess if IG onlyC had theG nerveD7
Verse 2
I'm aG fraid there's no denyin', I'mCmaj7 just a dandeC lion, aG fate I don't deserve
G I'd beC brave as a blizzard I'd beD7 gentle as a lizard
I'd beC clever as aD7 gizzard, if theC Wizard is a wizard who will serveG
Bridge
Then I'mCmaj7 sure to get aG brain,Cmaj7 aG heart,Cmaj7 aG home,Cmaj7 theG nerve
Chorus
D7 Ohhhhhhh we'reG off to see the wizard, theEm wonderfulD7 Wizard ofG Oz
WeEm hear he is aD whiz of aA7 wiz ifD7 ever a wiz thereD was
IfC ever oh ever aG wiz there was theC Wizard of Oz isEm one beG cause
Because because beD cause beC cause beD7 cause. BeA7 cause of the wonderful things heD7 does
We'reG off to see the wizard, theEm wonderfulD7 Wizard ofG Oz