"The Times They Are A Changin'" by Bob Dylan
Chords
The song primarily uses the chords G, Em, D, C, and Am. Make sure you're comfortable transitioning between these chords. Familiarize yourself with D7 as it's a less common chord that appears in this song.
Strumming Pattern
"The Times They Are A Changin'" is a folk song, and a common strumming pattern for this genre is a simple down-up-down-up pattern (D - U - D - U). This pattern is repeated over each chord, maintaining a steady rhythm throughout the song.
Chord Transitions
The transition from G to Em, which happens frequently, can be tricky for beginners. Practice this transition slowly, ensuring that each note in the chord rings out clearly.
Song Structure
Each verse follows the same chord progression: G - Em - D - G, G - Em - C - D, G - Em - C - G, G - Am - D, D7 - C - D, and G - C - D - G. This pattern is consistent throughout the song, making it easier to memorize.
Techniques
Bob Dylan often uses a harmonica in his performances. If you'd like to emulate his style, you could consider learning to play the harmonica parts or even just the intro on guitar.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Take it slow and steady and you'll get there. Enjoy playing "The Times They Are A Changin'"!
IntroG
Verse 1ComeG gather 'roundEm people, wherD ever youG roam
And adG mit that theEm waters aC round you haveD grown
And acG cept it thatEm soon you'll beC drenched to theG bone
If yourG time toAm you is worthD saving
Then you'd better startD7 swimming or you'llC sink like aD stone
For theG times theyC are aD changG in'
Verse 2ComeG writers andEm critics whoD prophesize with yourG pen
AndG keep your eyesEm wide the chanceC won't come aD gain
AndG don't speak tooEm soon for theC wheel's still inG spin
And there'sG no tellingAm who that it'sD namin'
Oh the loserD7 now will beC later toD win
For theG times theyC are aD changG in'
Verse 3ComeG senators,Em congressmenD please heed theG call
Don'tG stand in theEm doorway don'tC block up theD hall
ForG he that getsEm hurt will beC he who hasG stalled
TheG battleAm outsideD ragin'
Will soon shake yourD7 windows andC rattle yourD walls
For theG times theyC are aD changG in'
Verse 4ComeG mothers andEm fathersD throughout theG land
AndG don't criticEm ize what youC can't underD stand
YourG sons and yourEm daughters are beC yond your comG mand
YourG old road isAm rapidlyD agin'
Please get out of theD7 new one if youC can't lend yourD hand
For theG times theyC are aD changG in'
Verse 5TheG line it isEm drawn, theD curse it isG cast
TheG slow oneEm now willC later beD fast
As theG presentEm now, willC later be theG past
TheG order isAm rapidlyD fading
And the first oneD7 now willC later beD last
For theG times, theyC are aD changG in'
