Song Tabs

 The original “Badlands” is a driving rock anthem from Bruce Springsteen’s 1978 album “Darkness on the Edge of Town.” Its energetic rhythm and straightforward chord structure make it a rewarding choice for beginner guitarists.

Chords and Progression

The song uses only four basic chords: D, G, Bm, and A.
Bm is the only barre chord; beginners can try Bm7 (x20202) as an easier option if needed.
Most of the song alternates between D, G, and A, making transitions frequent but manageable.

Strumming Pattern

Aim for a strong, steady strum to match the song’s driving feel.
A recommended pattern is D-D-U-U-D-U (Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up).
Keep your wrist loose and emphasize the down strums for energy, especially on the chorus.

Chord Transitions

Practice moving between D, G, and A smoothly.
When switching from D to G, keep your ring finger anchored on the third fret (B string) as a guide.
For Bm, ensure your index finger bars the second fret cleanly to avoid muted notes.

General Tips

Play slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes.
Gradually increase speed as you gain confidence.
Sing or hum along to internalize the song’s structure and timing.
This song is great for building rhythm and chord transition skills in beginners.