The original "Glory Days" is a classic rock song known for its upbeat, driving rhythm and catchy chorus. The guitar part is straightforward, making it accessible for beginners.
Chords
The song uses five open chords: G, C, D, and F. The F chord may be challenging for beginners as it’s often played as a barre chord. Try the four-string version (xx3211) if barre chords are difficult.
Strumming Pattern
A simple driving 4/4 strumming pattern works well:
Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
Count it as: 1, 2-and, and-4-and. Emphasize the first downstroke for energy.
Chord Transitions
Practice moving between G and C smoothly, as the song alternates between these chords frequently, especially in the intro and chorus. Use anchor fingers when switching from G to C.
For the transitions to F, take time to place your fingers carefully to avoid muting strings.
Tips
- Listen to the original for timing and feel.
- Keep your strumming hand moving even if you miss a chord change to maintain rhythm.
- Start slow, then gradually speed up as you gain confidence.
- Sing along to help with chord changes and to capture the song’s fun, storytelling vibe.
Enjoy playing and don't worry about perfection—energy is key!
IntroG C G C F C
G C G C F C
G C G C F C
G C G C F C
Verse 1G I had a friend was a bigC baseball player,G back in highC school
G He could throw thatC speedball by you,G make you look like aC fool boy
D Saw him the other night at this roadside bar I was walking in, he was walkin'C out
We wentD back inside sat down, had a few drinks, butC all he kept talkin' aD bout
ChorusWas gloryG days, well they'llC pass you by. GloryG days, in the wink of aC young girl's eye
GloryG days, gloryD daysG C G C F C
Verse 2Well there's aG girl, that livesC up the block. Back inG school she could turn all the boys'C heads
SomeG times on a Friday I'llC stop by and have a few drinks,G after she put her kids toC bed
HerD husband Bobby, well, they split up, I guess it's twoC years gone by now
We justD sit around, talkin' about the old times,
She saysC when she feels like cryin' she starts laughin', thinkin' aD bout
ChorusGloryG days, yeah they'llC pass you by. GloryG days, in the wink of aC young girl's eye
GloryG days, gloryD daysG C G C F C
BridgeD D C F C D D D
Verse 3G Think I'm going down to theC well tonight and I'm gonnaG drink till I get myC fill
And IG hope when I get old I don'tC sit around thinkin' about it,G but I probablyC will
Yeah justD sitting back, tryin' to recapture, a little of the gloryC of,
Well theD time slips away and, leaves you with nothing mister butC boring storiesD of
Final ChorusGloryG days, yeah they'llC pass you by. GloryG days, in the wink of aC young girl's eye
GloryG days, gloryD daysG . Yeah they'llC pass you by
GloryG days, in the wink of aC young girl's eye. GloryG days, gloryD daysG G C G C F C
OutroWell alrightG C G Oooh yeahC F C Well alrightG C G Come on nowC F C
Well alrightG C G Oooh yeahC F C AlrightG C G Come on nowC F C
Whoo hooG C G Whoo hooC F C Whoo hooG C G Whoo hooC F C
Alright boysG C G keep it rockin' nowC F C Keep on goin'G C G We're going on home nowC F C
G C G C F C We're nearly homeG C G Yeah hahC F C
Bring it homeG C G Oh ohC F C AlrightG C G Well alrightC F C
Well alrightG C G Well alrightC F C Well alrightG C G Well alrightC F C
AlrightG C G AlrightC F C Let's goG