Song Tabs

 John Denver’s version of "Darcy Farrow" is a gentle folk ballad, typically played at a relaxed tempo with rich acoustic guitar accompaniment. Its straightforward structure and familiar chords make it approachable for beginners, while its flowing melody captures the song’s emotional narrative.

## Chords and Progression

The song uses mostly open chords: D, G, A, and F#m. The only barre chord is F#m; beginners might substitute it with a simplified version (x4422x) or practice the full barre shape for growth.

## Strumming Pattern

A simple folk strumming pattern fits well, such as:

Down, down-up, up-down-up

Keep the strums light and even, matching the song’s storytelling mood. Emphasize the bass note of each chord on the first beat for a folk feel.

## Chord Changes and Tips

Many transitions are between D, G, and A, which are close together in standard fingering. Practice moving smoothly between these shapes. The move from D to F#m is the trickiest—practice sliding your index finger to bar the second fret cleanly, keeping your other fingers ready for the F#m shape.

## Additional Tips

Consider using a capo on the second fret if you want to match Denver’s higher vocal range. Listen to the original for timing, especially for the slightly longer measures at line ends. Play slowly at first, focusing on even strumming and clean chord changes before increasing speed.

With practice, "Darcy Farrow" offers a rewarding introduction to folk rhythm guitar.