Across The Great Divide - Nanci Griffith And Emmylou Harris | Song Tabs - Guitar Chord Sheets

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Across The Great Divide Nanci Griffith And Emmylou Harris

The original version of “Across The Great Divide” is a gentle folk ballad, typically played with clear, ringing acoustic guitar. The song’s feel is reflective and flowing, matching the lyrical themes of memory and change.

Chords and Progression
This song uses basic open chords: G, C, Em, D. These are beginner-friendly and transition smoothly. Practice moving between G–C, and G–Em, as these are common throughout the verses and chorus.

Strumming Pattern
A simple folk strumming pattern works well: try down-down-up-up-down-up for each measure. Keep your strumming relaxed to match the song’s gentle mood. Listen to original recordings to internalize the feel.

Chord Transitions
For smoother transitions, especially G to Em and G to C, anchor your ring finger on the B string (3rd fret) if possible. Practice moving between these pairs slowly, focusing on accuracy first.

Techniques
Use light palm muting if you want a softer verse sound, and let chords ring more during the chorus for dynamic contrast. Pausing or using a single strum at the start of each section can add emotional emphasis.

Final Tips
Keep the tempo steady and let the lyrics guide your phrasing. This song is well-suited for singing along as you play. Focus on clean chord changes and consistent rhythm.

G

C

Em

D

Intro

G C G Em C

C G Em C C D G

Verse 1

I've beenG walkin'C in myG sleep, countin'Em troubles 'stead of countin'C sheep

Where theG years went I can'tEm say, I justC turned aroundD and they've gone aG way

Verse 2

And I've been siftin'C through theG layers, of dustyEm books and fadedC papers

They tell aG story I used toEm know, and it was one thatC happenedD so long aG go

Chorus

It's gone awayC yesterG day, now IEm find myself on the mountainC side

Where theG rivers change diEm rection aD cross the Great DiG vide

Verse 3

Now I heard theC owl aG callin', softlyEm as the night wasC fallin'

With aG question and I reEm plied, but he'sC gone aD cross the borderG line

Chorus

He's gone awayC yesterG day, and now IEm find myself on the mountainC side

Where theG rivers change diEm rection aD cross the Great DiG vide

Instrumental

G C G Em C C G Em C D G

Verse 4

The finestG hour thatC I haveG seen is theEm one that comes beC tween

The edge ofG night and the break ofEm day, it's when theC darknessD rolls aG way

Chorus

And it's gone awayC yesterG day, and now IEm find myself on the mountainC side

Where theG rivers change diEm rection aD cross the Great DiG vide

And it's gone awayC yesterG day, and now IEm find myself on the mountainC side

It's where theG rivers change diEm rection aD cross the Great DiG vide