Song Tabs

Neil Young’s "The Needle And The Damage Done" is an iconic acoustic ballad from his 1972 album "Harvest." The original is played solo with a warm, fingerpicked style, capturing a raw and emotional mood.

Chords and Progression
The song uses open chords: D, Dsus2, C, Cadd9, G, Gm, Am, A#m, Esus, E, F, and occasionally Bb. Most are beginner-friendly, though Gm, A#m, and F are barre chords that may require extra practice. Cadd9 is played by adding your pinky to the 3rd fret of the B string while holding C.

Strumming and Picking
Neil Young plays this with a gentle, syncopated fingerpicking pattern, but beginners can use a simple down-down-up-up-down-up strum. Focus on keeping the strums soft and even to match the song’s mellow vibe. For a more authentic sound, try picking the bass note (lowest string of the chord) before strumming the higher strings.

Transitions and Tips
Take time transitioning between C/Cadd9 and G/Gm, as well as from Am to A#m. Pause and practice these changes slowly. For barre chords (Gm, A#m, F, Bb), use your index finger to press all strings across the fret, and make sure your thumb is positioned behind the neck for leverage.

Final Advice
Go slow, listen to the original for timing, and let the chords ring naturally. With practice, you’ll capture the song’s haunting beauty.