G
D7
D
Bm
C
Em
Am7
Against The Wind
Bob Seger
Original Version
Bob Seger's "Against The Wind" is a classic rock ballad known for its gentle, reflective mood. The original features acoustic guitar throughout, so it's well-suited for beginners learning strumming and chord transitions.
Chords and Structure
The song uses open chords: G, D, D7, Bm, C, Em, Am7. Only Bm might challenge beginners, as it requires a barre. Practice Bm separately to build finger strength.
Strumming Pattern
Aim for a relaxed, steady strumming pattern. A common pattern is:
Down–down–up–up–down–up
This works well for the tempo and feel. Keep your strums soft and even, using your wrist, not your entire arm.
Chord Transitions
Focus on smooth changes between G, D, and C, as these repeat often. For D7, keep your index finger anchored when shifting from D.
When moving to Bm, practice transitioning from G or C by sliding your index finger into the barre position quickly.
Techniques
For the interludes and outro, let chords ring out naturally. Don’t rush the changes—listen to the recording for timing clues.
During verses, keep strumming light to match the narrative style. For the chorus, strum slightly louder to emphasize the lift in melody.
If Am7 is new, it’s an easy shape—just remove your ring finger from C major.
*Practice slowly, focus on clean chord changes, and enjoy the song’s laid-back groove!
Intro
G D7 D7 G
D G D7 D7 G D7 G
Verse 1G It seems like yesterday,Bm but it was long ago.C Janey was lovely she was theG queen of my nights,
D There in the darkness with theC radio, playing lowD and,G
And the secrets that we shared,Bm the mountains that we moved.C Caught like a wildfireG out of control,
Til there wasC nothing left to burn and nothingD left to prove.
And I reEm memberD what she said toG me. How sheEm swore that itC never wouldG end.
I reEm member how sheD held me,C oh so tight. Wish I didn't know now what ID didn't know then.
ChorusG Against theBm wind.C We were runnin' against theG wind.
We wereC young andBm strong we wereAm7 runnin' aD gainst theG wind.
InterludeG D7 D7 G
D G D7 D7 G D7 G
Verse 2G And the years rolled slowly past,Bm I found myself alone.
C Surrounded by strangers IG thought were my friends,
ID found myself further and furtherC from my home and I,D
G Guess I lost my way.Bm There were oh so many roads. I wasC living to run andG running to live,
NeverC worried about paying or even howD much I owed.
MovingEm eight miles aD minute for months at aG time. BreakingEm all of theC rules that wouldG bend.
I beEm gan toD find myselfC searchin'. Searchin' for shelter aD gain and again.
ChorusG Against theBm wind.C A little somethin' against theG wind.
IC found myBm self seekingAm7 shelter aD gainst theG wind.
SoloG G G G Bm Bm C G D C
G G Bm Bm C G C D D
BridgeWell thoseEm driftersD days are past meG now. I've gotEm so muchC more to think aG bout.
Em DeadlinesD andC commitments. What to leave in,D what to leave out.
ChorusG Against theBm wind.C I'm still runnin' against theG wind.
I'mC olderBm now and stillAm7 runnin', aD gainst theG wind.
Well I'mC olderBm now and I'm stillD7 running, against theC wind. Against theG wind.
OutroAgainst theC wind(still runnin'). Against theG wind(I'm still runnin' against the wind).
Against theC wind(I'm still runnin'). Against theG wind(I'm still runnin' against the wind).
Against theC wind(still runnin'). Against theG wind(runnin' against the wind, runnin' against the wind).
Against theC wind(see the young man run). Against theG wind(watch the young man run).
Against theC wind(watch the young man runnin'). Against theG wind(he'll be runnin' against the wind).
Against theC wind(let the cowboys ride). Against theG wind(Ohhhh).
Against theC wind(let the cowboys ride). Against theG wind(they'll be ridin' against the wind).
Against theC wind(against the wind). Against theG wind(ridin' against the wind).
Against theC wind. Against theG wind.(Ride ride ride ride ride ride).