Song Tabs

 "The Hanging Tree" by Marty Robbins is a classic western ballad with a gentle, flowing melody. The original is played in a folk/country style, which suits simple chord shapes and relaxed strumming.

Chords and Progression

This song uses basic open chords: C, Am, G, F, and Em. These are beginner-friendly and occur frequently in folk and country tunes. Spend some time practicing the F chord, as it can be tricky for beginners. If needed, use the easier Fmaj7 (xx3210) in place of F.

Strumming Pattern

A simple, steady strumming pattern fits well: try down, down-up, up-down-up (D D-U U-D-U) per chord. Keep your wrist relaxed and focus on even timing, matching the song’s gentle tempo. For a softer sound, use only your thumb for light downstrokes in the verses.

Chord Transitions

Most transitions are between C and Am or C and G, which are close in position on the fretboard. Practice moving between these slowly, keeping fingers close to the strings. For C to F, anchor your index finger on the first fret of the B string for both chords to make the switch smoother.

Tips for Beginners

Practice each verse slowly, focusing on clean chord changes. Listen to the original recording to get a feel for the pacing and dynamics. Don’t rush—let the melody guide your strumming, and gradually add dynamics as you gain confidence.