G
Em
D
C
Middle Of A Memory
Cole Swindell
Cole Swindell’s “Middle Of A Memory” is a modern country ballad with a straightforward chord structure, making it accessible to beginner guitarists. The original version features a relaxed, mid-tempo groove that supports the storytelling lyrics.
Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords:
G, Em, D, and C.
These are standard beginner chords, so practice moving smoothly between them before playing along.
Strumming Pattern
A common country strumming pattern that fits well is:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
(D, D-U, U-D-U)
Keep your strums loose and even, emphasizing the first down strum of each measure for a steady rhythm.
Tips for Beginners
- Chord Transitions:
Practice switching between G, Em, D, and C slowly at first, ensuring each note rings clearly. Use anchor fingers (for example, leaving your ring finger on the B string between G and C) to help with smoother transitions. - Tempo:
Start slowly, gradually increasing speed as you get comfortable. - Dynamics:
In verses, play a bit softer, then strum more strongly in the chorus to match the song’s energy. - Muting:
Lightly touch the strings with your palm for a percussive effect during the intro or verses if you want to mimic the subtle groove of the original.
Enjoy playing and singing along—this song is perfect for building confidence with basic chords and rhythm!
Intro
G G Em Em G Em D D C C
Verse 1G Baby it just took one look atEm you, for me to change my one drink order toD two
Like we already knew each other,C like we been talking allll night
G About a minute into our first dance,Em we got blindsided by your friends
D All in a hurry like you had to go,C didn't they know you can't leave someone
ChorusG In the middle of a dance floor all aD lone, in the middle of anEm old school countryC song
Right when I wasG just about to lean onD in why'd you have to go then? Baby-G y
In the middle of the glow of the neonD light, it shoulda couldaEm woulda been the night of ourC lives
Girl it ain'tG right no how you gonnaD leave me, right in the middle of aC memory?G D D G
Verse 2G We were gonna dance till they shut itEm down, People'd be staring while I spin you 'D round
Thinking we were so in love yeah,C They wouldn't know we hadn't even hooked up
G I'd get your number and I'd give you mine,Em and we'd be hanging out tomorrow night
D But now I don't know where you are, I'mC under these lights right here in the da-G ark
ChorusG In the middle of a dance floor all aD lone, in the middle of anEm old school countryC song
Right when I wasG just about to lean onD in, why'd you have to go then? Baby-G y
In the middle of the glow of the neonD light, it shoulda couldaEm woulda been the night of ourC lives
Girl it ain'tG right no how you gonnaD leave me, in the middle of aC memory?G D D C G D D
BridgeYeah it's like youC walked right out, in theG middle of a movie tore theD back half out of aG book
And no you'llC never know,G girl what you did to me it ain'tD right, sayin' goodbye
ChorusG In the middle of a dance floor all aD lone, in the middle ofEm what could be ourC song
Right when I wasG just about to lean onD in why'd you have to go then? Baby-G y
In the middle of the glow of the neonD light, it shoulda couldaEm woulda been the night of ourC lives
Girl it ain'tG right no how you gonnaD leave me, right in the middle of aC memory?G D D
OutroIn the middle of aC memoryG D D G G Em
In the middle of aC memoryC C G