Bm
A
D
G
Em
A7
Follow Me
John Denver
John Denver’s original "Follow Me" is a gentle folk song, characterized by warm acoustic guitar, clear vocals, and a laid-back, welcoming feel. This makes it accessible and enjoyable for beginner guitarists.
Chords and Progression
The song uses common open chords:
D, G, A, A7, Em, Bm
Bm is the only barre chord; beginners may substitute Bm7 (x20202) for easier fingering.
Chord transitions are frequent but smooth, often moving between D, G, and A/A7. Practice switching between these, especially D to G and D to Em, to maintain flow.
Strumming Pattern
A simple strumming pattern fits well:
Down-down-up-up-down-up
Count "1 2 and and 4 and" per measure. Play gently to match the song’s soft mood.
Tips & Techniques
- Keep your wrist loose for a relaxed strum.
- Use light dynamics; avoid heavy strumming.
- For A7, lift your ring finger from the A chord.
- Practice Bm separately, or use Bm7 as mentioned.
- Listen to the original for timing and feel.
Start slow, focus on clean chord changes, and enjoy playing this folk classic!
Intro
It's byBm far the hardestA thing I've everD done
To beG so inD love withEm you, and so aA loneA7
ChorusFollowD me where IG go, what ID do and who IG know
Make itD part of you toEm be a part ofA meA7
FollowD me up andEm down, all theD way and all aG round
D Take my hand andG say you'llA7 followD me
Verse 1It's long been on myA mind you know it's,G been a long longD time
I'veBm tried to find theA way that I canG make you underA stand
TheG way I feel aD bout you andG just how much ID need you
To beG there whereD I canEm talk to you, whenG there's no one else aA roundA7
ChorusFollowD me where IG go, what ID do and who IG know
Make itD part of you toEm be a part ofA meA7
FollowD me up andEm down, all theD way and all aG round
D Take my hand andG say you'llA7 followD me
Verse 2You see I'd like to share myA life with you, andG show you things I'veD seen
Bm Places that I'mA going to,G places where I'veA been
ToG have you there beD side me andG never be aD lone
AndG all theD time thatEm you're with me,G we will be atA home
OutroFollowD me where IG go, what ID do and who IG know
Make itD part of you toEm be a part ofA meA7
FollowD me up andEm down, all theD way and all aG round
D Take my hand andG I willA7 followD youA D