Strumming Pattern
For beginners, the most straightforward strumming pattern to use for "Wabash Cannonball" would be a simple downstroke on every beat. This would be: down, down, down, down for each measure. As you become more comfortable, you can add an upstroke in between the downstrokes, i.e., down, up, down, up, down, up, down, up.
Chord Transitions
The song primarily uses the chords G, C, and D with an occasional D7. The transition from G to C is common and should be practiced for smoothness. The D7 adds a nice touch to the song and transitions smoothly from D and to G.
Techniques
Make sure to allow each chord to ring out clearly. This song's pace is rather moderate, so you have time to make clear and clean chord changes.
Song Structure
The song structure is quite repetitive, following a pattern of G, C, D (and occasionally D7) throughout. The song consists of multiple verses and choruses, with a brief instrumental section that follows the same chord pattern. Each section ends with a transition from D7 back to G, which gives the song a cyclical feel.
Tips
"Wabash Cannonball" is a great song for practicing the transitions between G, C, D, and D7. Be sure to start slow, focusing on the accuracy of your chord shapes and transitions. As you become more comfortable, you can begin to speed up your tempo.
Remember, practice makes perfect. Happy playing!
IntroG C D D7 G
Verse 1From the great AtlanticG ocean to the wide PacificC shore
To theD green ol' flowin' mountain by the south built by theG shore
Hear the mighty rush of theG engine hear the lonesome hobo'sC call
We'reD riding through to Dixie on theD7 Wabash CannonG ball
Verse 2Our Eastern states areG dandy so the people alwaysC say
FromD New York to St. Louis and Chicago by theG way
From the hills of Minnesota where the rippling watersC fall
NoD changes can be taken on theD7 Wabash CannonG ball
ChorusWell listen to theG jingle the rumble and theC roar
As sheD glides along the woodland by the hills and by theG shore
Hear the mighty rush of theG engine hear that lonesome hobo'sC call
We'reD travelin' though the jungle on theD7 Wabash CannonG ball
InstrumentalG C D D7 G
Verse 3She rolled intoG Birmingham one cold DecemberC day
As sheD pulled into the station you could hear all the peopleG say
There's a gal out there fromG Texas, she's long and she'sC tall
D She's a combination on theD7 Wabash CannonG ball
ChorusWell listen to theG jingle the rumble and theC roar
As sheD glides along the woodland by the hills and by theG shore
Hear the mighty rush of theG engine hear that lonesome hobo'sC call
We'reD travelin' though to Dixie on theD7 Wabash CannonG ball
Verse 4Well here's to DaddyG Claxton may his name foreverC stand
AndD always be remembered throughout this greatG land
Is earthly race isG over and we'll bury him to theC drawl
And we'llD carry him up to Heaven on theD7 Wabash CannonG ball
OutroWe'reD ridin' though the jungle on theD7 Wabash CannonG ball
