A
D
E
E7
D7
A7
Going Up The Country
Canned Heat
Canned Heat’s "Going Up The Country" is a classic blues-rock tune from the late 1960s, famous for its upbeat, folky feel and prominent flute melody. The guitar part, however, is straightforward and ideal for beginners.
Chords
The song uses basic open chords: A, D, E, E7, A7, and D7. Practice each chord shape before playing the song.
Strumming Pattern
A simple “down-down-up-up-down-up” strumming pattern works well. For a more bluesy feel, you can use a steady downstroke rhythm, accenting the second and fourth beats (counted as: 1-2-3-4).
Chord Transitions
Most changes are between A and D, or A and E/E7. Practice switching between these pairs smoothly. The E7 and A7 can be played by lifting one finger from the regular E and A shapes, making transitions easier.
Techniques & Tips
Try palm muting slightly with your strumming hand for a choppier, rhythmic sound, especially during verses. Keep your fretting hand relaxed and use the tips of your fingers for clean chords.
Start slow, focus on accuracy, and gradually increase your speed as you get comfortable with the chord changes and strumming.
Intro
A D A E A
Verse 1I'm goin' up the country, baby don't you want to go?
I'm goin'D up the country, baby don't you want toA go?
I'm goin'E to someplace where I'veE7 never been beA fore
Verse 2I'm goin', I'm goin', where the water tastes like wine
I'mD goin', where the water tastes likeA wine
You canE jump in the water andE7 stay drunk all theA time
InstrumentalA D A E A
Verse 3I'm gonna leave the city, got to get away
I'm gonnaD leave the city, got to get aA way
All thisE7 fussin' and fightin' man you know I sure can'tA stay
Verse 4Now baby packin' up the truck you know we've got to leave today
Just exactly where we're goin' I cannot say butD7 we might even leave the U.S.A A
Well it's aE brand new game thatE7 I don't wannaA play
InstrumentalA D A E A
BridgeA7 No use of youD running, or screaming andA cryin'
Cause you've got aE home man, long as I've gotA mine
OutroA D A E A D A