Song Tabs

 Gordon Lightfoot's "Rainy Day People" is a gentle folk song known for its warm, comforting feel. The original features acoustic guitar with a relaxed, flowing rhythm, making it accessible for beginner guitarists.

Chords and Structure

The main chords are G, D, C, and Am. All are open chords, perfect for beginners. Practice switching between these, especially G to C and C to D, as the song cycles through these transitions frequently.

Strumming Pattern

A simple strumming pattern works well, such as:

Down, down-up, up-down-up

Keep your strumming light and steady to match the song's mellow vibe. Try to accent the first down beat of each bar for flow.

Chord Transitions and Tips

- Practice moving from G to Am, then to C and D, as these transitions repeat often.
- For smoother transitions, keep your fingers close to the strings and minimize unnecessary movement.
- When playing C to G or D, anchor your ring finger on the B string (third fret) to pivot between chords more efficiently.
- The intro and instrumental sections use the same chord progressions as the verses, so you can use the same strumming pattern throughout.

Additional Advice

Play slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes. As you gain confidence, increase your tempo slightly to achieve the song's easygoing rhythm. Singing along can also help you keep time and memorize the structure.