Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBEXX D
EADGBE G
EADGBEX A
EADGBEXX Asus4
EADGBEX Bm
Teach Your Children Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young

 Original Version Context

"Teach Your Children" is a classic folk-rock song known for its gentle, melodic feel and smooth harmonies. The original is played with acoustic guitars, giving it a warm, inviting sound that suits singalongs and group playing.

How to Play the Song

The song uses basic open chords: D, G, A, Asus4, and Bm. These are beginner-friendly, except for Bm, which is a barre chord. For beginners, you can substitute Bm with Bm7 (x20202) for an easier version.

Strumming Pattern Tips:
A simple strumming pattern works well: down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) for each measure. Keep the rhythm relaxed and even. Use your thumb or a soft pick for a gentle touch, matching the laid-back feel of the original.

Chord Transitions:

  • Practice moving from D to G and G to D smoothly, as these changes occur frequently.
  • The switch from A to Asus4 and back adds color; Asus4 is played by adding your pinky to the 3rd fret of the B string while holding A. Play Asus4 for a beat, then return to A.
  • For the Bm in the chorus, try Bm7 if barre chords are difficult.

General Tips:

  • Play along with the recording to get the timing and feel.
  • Sing while you play to internalize chord changes.
  • Keep your fretting hand relaxed to avoid buzzing.

Enjoy making this timeless song your own!

EADGBEXX D
EADGBE G
EADGBEX A
EADGBEXX Asus4
EADGBEX Bm
Intro
D G D A
Verse 1
D You, who are on theG road. Must have aD code, that you canA live by.Asus4 A
AndD so, become yourG self, because theD past, is just a goodA bye.
 Verse 2
D Teach, your childrenG well, their father'sD hell, did slowly goA by.Asus4 A
AndD feed, them on yourG dreams. The one theyD picks, the one you'll knowA by.Asus4 A
Chorus
D Don't you ever ask themG why. If they told you you willD cry.
So just look at them andBm sigh-igh-G ighA . And know they loveD you.
 Instrumental
G G D D A A
Verse 3
AndD you, of tenderG years. Can't know theD fears, that your eldersA grew by.Asus4 A
And so pleaseD help, them with yourG youth. They seek theD truth, before theyA can die.
 Verse 4
D Teach your parentsG well, their children'sD hell, will slowly goA by.Asus4 A
AndD feed, them on yourG dreams. The one theyD picks, the one you'll knowA by.Asus4 A
Chorus
D Don't you ever ask themG why. If they told you you wouldD cry.
So just look at them andBm sigh-igh-G ighA . And know they loveD you.
 Outro
G G D A A D