How to Play "Both Sides Now" on Guitar

Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” is a classic folk song first released in the late 1960s. The original is known for its gentle, flowing rhythm and fingerstyle picking, but it also works beautifully with simple strumming, making it approachable for beginner guitarists.

Chords & Progression

The song uses common open chords: D, G, Em, A, Asus4, Dsus2, Dsus4, and F#m (barre chord). Most of these are beginner-friendly, except F#m, which requires a barre on the second fret. Practice this transition separately if you’re new to barre chords.

Strumming Pattern

A relaxed, folk-style strumming pattern fits best. For beginners, try:

Down, down-up, up-down-up

Keep your strumming hand moving steadily for a smooth sound. You can emphasize the changes by hitting the bass strings slightly harder on the first downstroke of each bar.

Chord Changes & Tips

_ Pay attention to the D, Dsus4, and Dsus2 transitions in the intro and between verses. These add color—just lift or add your pinky or ring finger as needed._*

_ For the F#m, if the full barre is difficult, try just barring the top three strings._*

_ Practice the G to A and G to Asus4 transitions in the chorus, as these can be quick._*

_ If you struggle with the Asus4, you can briefly play A instead before returning to D._*

Keep your strumming gentle and let the chords ring. Focus on smooth transitions, especially through the D variations, to capture the song’s dreamy quality.