G
Em
D
C
Girl From The North Country
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
"Girl From The North Country" is originally a Bob Dylan song, often played with a gentle, folk fingerpicking style. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band version stays true to this feel, making it approachable for beginners with open chords and a relaxed tempo.
Chords and Progression
This song uses basic open chords:
G, Em, D, and C.
Practice switching smoothly between these, especially G to Em and G to C, as they occur frequently throughout each verse.
Strumming Pattern
A simple strumming pattern works well:
Down, down-up, up-down-up
Alternatively, use steady downstrokes to match the folk feel. For a softer touch, try light fingerpicking: thumb for bass notes and fingers for higher strings (especially on Em and C).
Tips for Beginners
1. Keep your fretting hand relaxed; use the tips of your fingers to avoid muting adjacent strings.
2. Work on smooth transitions between Em and G, as these are common and quick.
3. Don’t rush! Let the melody breathe—focus on even timing.
4. For the instrumental/bridge, follow chord order closely. Practice the sequence slowly before playing along.
Enjoy the gentle, storytelling mood of the song, and don’t worry about playing it fast. Focus on clarity and the feeling of the music.
Intro
G G Em
Verse 1Well if you're travelin', in theD north countryG fair
Where theEm winds hit heavy on theC borderG line
ReEm member me, toC one who livesG there
Em She onceG was aC true love ofG mineEm
Verse 2Well if you go when theD snowflakesG storm
When theEm rivers freeze andC summerG ends
PleaseEm see if she has, aC coat soG warm
ToEm keep herG from theC howlingG windsEm
Verse 3Please see for me if herD hair hangsG long
If itEm rolls and flows allC down herG breast
PleaseEm see for me, if herC hair hangsG long
Em That's, theG way I reC member herG best
InstrumentalEm D G Em C G
Em C G G C G
BridgeNow I'mEm wonderin' if she reD members me atG all
Em Many times I'veC oftenG prayed
Em In the darknessC of myG night
AndEm in, theG brightnessC of myG dayEm
Verse 4So if you're travelin', in theD north countryG fair
Where theEm winds hit heavy on theC borderG line
ReEm member me, toC one who livesG there
Em She onceG was aC true love ofG mine
OutroEm D G Em D G
Em C G Em D G
Em G G Em D G
Em C G Em D G