Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
The Blizzard Jim Reeves

 "The Blizzard" is a classic country ballad by Jim Reeves, known for its gentle, narrative style and simple, heartfelt melody. The original version is slow and storytelling, with a steady pace that matches the somber subject. This makes it approachable for beginners on guitar."

Chord Progression & Changes

The song primarily uses the chords G, G7, C, D, D7, and Em. These are all open chords, great for beginners. Practice transitioning between G and G7, and G to C, as these happen frequently. For D7, keep your ring finger ready to move between D and D7 quickly.

Strumming Pattern

Start with a slow, steady down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern, which fits the ballad feel. If that’s difficult, use simple down strums in time with the lyrics. Focus on consistency and keeping your strums even and gentle.

Tips & Techniques

**- Let each chord ring out fully; don’t rush transitions.

  • Use a capo on the 2nd fret if the key is too low for your voice.
  • For G7, keep your index finger ready after G for a quick switch.
  • The Em chord is brief, so be ready to return to D and G quickly.
  • Listen to the original for tempo and feel—don’t rush.**

With practice, focus on smooth transitions and a relaxed rhythm to capture the song’s gentle storytelling style.

EADGBEXX D
EADGBEXX D7
EADGBE G
EADGBE G7
EADGBE C
EADGBE Em
Intro
D D7 G
Verse 1
There's blizzard comin'G7 on, how I'mC wishin' I wasG home
For my pony's lame and he can't, hardlyD7 stand
ListenG to that northerG7 sigh, if weC don't get home we'llG die
But it'sD only seven miles to MaryEm Ann's
It'sD only seven miles to MaryG Ann's
Verse 2
You can bet we're on herG7 mind, for it'sC nearly supperG time
And I'll bet, there's hot biscuits, in theD7 pan
Lord myG hands feel like they'reG7 froze, and there's aC numbness, in myG toes
But it'sD only five more miles to MaryEm Ann's
It'sD only five more miles to MaryG Ann's
Verse 3
That wind's howlin' and itG7 seems, mightyC like a woman'sG screams
And we'd best be movin' faster, if weD7 can
Dan justG think about thatG7 barn, with thatC hay so soft andG warm
For it'sD only three more miles to MaryEm Ann's
It'sD only three more miles to MaryG Ann's
Verse 4
Dan get up, your orneryG7 cuss, orC you'll be the death ofG us
I'm so weary but, I'll help you if ID7 can
All rightG Dan, perhaps it'sG7 best that we, justC stop a while andG rest
For it'sD still a hundred yards to MaryEm Ann's
It'sD still a hundred yards to MaryG Ann's
Outro
Late that night the storm wasG7 gone, and theyC found him there atG dawn
He'd have made it but, he just couldn't leave ol'D7 Dan
Yes they,G found him there on theG7 plains, hisC hands froze to theG reins
He wasD just a hundred yards from MaryEm Ann's
He wasD just a hundred yards from MaryG Ann's