A
D
E
E7
Oh Boy
Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly’s original “Oh Boy” is a classic rock and roll tune, famous for its upbeat tempo and infectious rhythm. The song’s lively feel comes from its simple, energetic chord progression and rhythmic drive. Understanding this can help you capture its spirit on guitar.
Chord Progression and Transitions:
The main chords are A, D, E, and E7—all open chords, making this a great song for beginners. Practice switching smoothly between these chords, especially between A and D, and between E or E7 back to A. Use your index, middle, and ring fingers for efficient transitions. The E7 chord is just like E, but lift your ring finger off the fourth string.
Strumming Pattern:
A classic rock and roll strum works best: try a steady down-up pattern (down, down-up, up-down-up) with a slight accent on the second and fourth beats. Keep your wrist loose for a bouncy, rhythmic feel. You can palm mute lightly for a more percussive sound, especially during verses.
Techniques and Tips:
Count along (“1 and 2 and 3 and 4 and”) to keep time. Don’t rush; keep your strumming relaxed. Listen to the original recording to match the groove. If singing, practice singing and playing together slowly at first.
With its repetitive structure and friendly chords, “Oh Boy” is perfect for building confidence and rhythm as a beginner guitarist.
Verse 1
A All of my love,A all of my kissin'
A You don't know what you been a missin' ohD boy(oh boy)
When you're with me ohA boy(oh boy)
The world can see thatE you, were meant, forA me
Verse 2A All of my life,A I been a waitin'
Tonight there'll be no, hesitatin' ohD boy(oh boy)
When you're with me ohA boy(oh boy)
The world can see thatE you, were meant, forA me
BridgeE Stars appear and the shadows are fallin'
A You can hear, my heart a callin'
AD little bit of lovin' makes everything right
AndE I'm gonna see myE7 baby tonight
Verse 3A All of my love, all of my kissin'
You don't know what you been a missin' ohD boy(oh boy)
When you're with me ohA boy(oh boy)
The world can see thatE you, were meant, forA me
Bridge 2A Dum, de-dum-dum, oh boy. Dum, de-dum-dum, oh boy
D Ah...A Ah...E Ah...A Ah...
Verse 4A All of my love,A all of my kissin'
A You don't know what you been a missin' ohD boy(oh boy)
When you're with me ohA boy(oh boy)
The world can see thatE you, were meant, forA me
Verse 5A All of my life, I been a waitin'
Tonight there'll be no hesitatin' ohD boy(oh boy)
When you're with me ohA boy(oh boy)
The world can see thatE7 you, were meant, forA me
BridgeE Stars appear and the shadows are fallin'
A You can hear my heart a callin'
AD little bit of lovin' makes everything right
AndE I'm gonna see myE7 baby tonight
Final VerseA All of my love, all of my kissin'
You don't know what you been a missin' ohD boy(oh boy)
When you're with me ohA boy(oh boy)
The world can see thatE you, were meant, forA me