Song Tabs

 Gordon Lightfoot's original "Triangle" is a gentle, folk-inspired ballad that features his signature storytelling and melodic guitar work. The song is characterized by a steady, flowing rhythm and simple chord progressions, making it approachable for beginner players.

Chords Used

D, Dsus4, G, A, A7

Chord Tips

The Dsus4 chord is a simple variation of D: keep your D shape and add your pinky to the 3rd fret of the high E string. This adds a nice embellishment and is commonly used for folk textures.

Strumming Pattern

A basic folk strumming pattern works well:

Down-down-up-up-down-up

Play gently and evenly, letting the chords ring. For the intro and whenever D and Dsus4 alternate, you can use a softer strum or even light picking for a more delicate sound.

Chord Transitions

Practice moving between D and Dsus4 by just using your pinky. The main challenge for beginners is quick transitions between D, G, and A/A7. To switch from D to G, move your index and middle fingers up one string each, and ring finger to the 3rd fret of the high E. For A and A7, leave your index finger in place and lift/add your middle or ring finger as needed.

Techniques

Pay attention to timing, especially when moving between D and Dsus4—this gives the song its characteristic folk lilt. Strum softly during verses and slightly stronger in the chorus for dynamics.

With practice, you'll capture the gentle, narrative feel of Lightfoot's original.