Song Tabs

 Dave Stamey’s "May The Trail Rise Up To Greet You" is a gentle, Western-flavored ballad that’s often played in an acoustic, singer-songwriter style. The original version is usually performed at a moderate tempo with a relaxed, storytelling feel.

Chords and Progression

The song uses open chords: D, G, Em, A, E7, B7, D7, and Gm. Gm is the only barre chord, which may be challenging for beginners, but you can substitute it with a simplified version if needed.

Chord transitions are straightforward, with most changes happening at the beginning of each line or phrase. Practice moving between D, G, and A smoothly, as these are the most frequent. When moving to Gm, take extra time to prepare your fingers.

Strumming Pattern

A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) strumming pattern works well, fitting the song’s easygoing rhythm. Keep your strumming hand relaxed and focus on consistency over speed.

Tips for Beginners

• Practice the G to Gm transition slowly, as it’s the trickiest change.
• For Gm, try using only the top three strings if full barre chords are difficult.
• Let the chords ring out, especially during the intros and outros, to capture the song’s spacious feel.
• Sing or hum along to get a sense of phrasing and chord timing.
• Don’t rush—take your time to enjoy the song’s laid-back atmosphere.

With patience, you’ll find this song rewarding and enjoyable to play.