A
G
D
F
Eighth of November
Big & Rich
About the Original
"Eighth of November" by Big & Rich is a country ballad with a strong narrative and a steady, heartfelt rhythm. The original version uses acoustic guitar to support its storytelling, making it accessible for both beginners and intermediate players.
Chords and Progression
The song uses mostly open chords: A, G, D, and occasionally F. These are standard beginner chords:
- A major: Use your index, middle, and ring fingers on the second fret of the D, G, and B strings.
- G major: Use your middle finger (3rd fret low E), index finger (2nd fret A), and ring finger (3rd fret high E).
- D major: Index (2nd fret G), middle (2nd fret high E), ring (3rd fret B).
- F major: For beginners, play the easy F (xx3211) instead of the full barre chord.
Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern works well throughout. Keep the strumming relaxed and even, matching the reflective mood. For verses, you can use lighter strums and build up during the chorus.
Chord Transitions
Practice moving between A, G, and D smoothly. Pause on each chord and move your fingers deliberately until you can transition without looking. For the F chord, if the barre is too hard, try the simplified version.
Tips
- Use a capo if needed to match your singing range.
- Emphasize the first down strum of each bar for rhythm.
- Play along with the original to get the feel and timing.
- Start slow, gradually increasing speed as you build confidence.
Intro
A A G D
A A G D
Verse 1Said goodA bye to his Momma, as he left South Dakota, toG fight for the red white andD blue.
He wasA nineteen and green, with a new M-16 justG doin' what he had toD do.
He wasA dropped in the jungle where the choppers would rumble with theG smell of napalm in theD air.
Then theA sergeant said, lookG up ahead.
Like aA dark evil cloud, twelve-hundred came down onG him and twenty-nineD more.
TheyA fought for their lives but most of them died in theG One-Se-ven-ty Third AirD borne.
ChorusOn theA eighth of November the angels were cryin' as theyG carried his brothers aD way.
With theA fire raining down and the hell all around there wereG few men left standin' thatD day.
Saw theF eagle fly, through aG clear blue sky,F Nineteen Sixty-Five the eighth of NoA vember.
A G D
Verse 2NowA he's fifty-eight and his pony tail's grey but theG battle still plays in hisD head.
HeA limps when he walks, but he's strong when he talks, about theG shrapnel they left in hisD leg.
He putsA on a grey suit over his Airborne tattoo, and heG ties it on one time aD year.
And reA members the fallen, as he orders a tall one andG swallows it down with hisD tears.
ChorusOn theA eighth of November the angels were cryin' as theyG carried his brothers aD way.
With theA fire raining down and the hell all around there wereG few men left standin' thatD day.
Saw theF eagle fly, through aG clear blue sky,F Nineteen Sixty-Five the eighth of NoA vember
G D D A A G D
BridgeSaw theF eagle fly through aG clear blue skyF Nineteen SixtyF Five
Final ChorusOn theA eighth of November the angels were cryin' as theyG carried his brothers aD way.
With theA fire raining down and the hell all around there wereG few men left standin' thatD day.
On theA eighth of November the angels were cryin' as theyG carried his brothers aD way.
With theA fire raining down and the hell all around there wereG few men left standin' thatD day.
Saw theF eagle fly, through aG clear blue sky,F Nineteen Sixty-Five
The eighth of NoA vember.A G D The eighth of NoA vember.A G D
OutroSaid goodA bye to his Momma, as he left South Dakota, toG fight for the red white andD blue.
He wasA nineteen and green, with a new M-16 justG doin' what he had toD do.D