Elton John's "Can You Feel The Love Tonight" is a ballad featured in Disney's "The Lion King". The original version is piano-driven, but it translates beautifully to guitar with open chords and gentle dynamics.
Chords and Progression
The song uses common open chords:
G, D, C, Am, Am7, Em, and Cmaj7.
If you’re not familiar with Cmaj7, simply lift your index finger from a regular C chord.
Strumming Pattern
A gentle strumming pattern suits the ballad feel. Beginners can use:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
(D, D-U, U-D-U)
Keep your strums soft and even, especially during the verses.
You can switch to a slightly stronger pattern in the chorus for dynamics.
Chord Transitions and Tips
- Practice moving between G, D, and C, as these transitions occur frequently.
- Am to D and C to G transitions happen often; keep your fingers close to the strings for smoother changes.
- For Am7, just remove your ring finger from Am.
Play slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes rather than speed.
Other Techniques
- Intro and Instrumental:
Strum softly or pick individual strings for a lighter touch.
- Chorus:
Strum with a bit more confidence to highlight the melody.
Take your time—this song rewards a gentle, expressive approach.
IntroG D C G C G D G Am7 G
Verse 1C There's a calm surrG ender,C to the rush ofG day
C When the heat of aG rolling wind,Am can't be turned aD way
C An enchantedG moment,C and it sees meG through
C It's enough for thisG restG lessEm warriorAm just to be withD you
ChorusAndG cannn youD feel theEm love toC night?G It isC whereG weD are
C It's eG nough, for thisG wideEm eyedC wanderer,Am thatG weC gotCmaj7 thisD far
AndG cannn, youD feel theEm love toC night?G How it'sC laidCmaj7 toD rest
C It's eG nough, to makeG kingsEm andC vagabonds, beAm lieveG theD verC yG best
InstrumentalG D C G C G D G Am7 G
Verse 2C There's a time forG everyone,C if they onlyG learn
C That the twisting kalG eidoscope,Am moves us all inD turn
C There's a rhyme andG reason,C to the wild outG doors
C When the heart of thisG star-G crossedEm voyager,Am beats in time withD yours
ChorusAndG cannn youD feel theEm love toC night?G It isC whereG weD are
C It's eG nough, for thisG wideEm eyedC wanderer,Am thatG weC gotCmaj7 thisD far
AndG cannn, youD feel theEm love toC night?G How it'sC laidCmaj7 toD rest
C It's eG nough, to makeG kingsEm andC vagabonds, beAm lieveG theD ver-C yG best
OutroC It's eG nough, to makeG kingsEm andC vagabonds, beAm lieveG theD ver-C yG best