D
G
Bm
A
B
E
C#m
When It's Gone
Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
About the Original
“When It’s Gone” by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is a country song with a gentle, heartfelt feel, typically played at a moderate tempo with an acoustic guitar. The original recording features simple, open chords and a steady rhythm that makes it accessible for beginners.
How to Play on Guitar
The song primarily uses open chords: D, G, Bm, A for the main section and then modulates to E, A, C#m, B for the final verse and outro. Beginners should focus on learning these chord shapes and practicing smooth transitions, especially between D, G, and Bm, and later from E to C#m and B.
Strumming can be kept simple with a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern, well-suited for country ballads. Try counting “1-2-and-and-4-and” for each bar. For a softer feel, use your thumb and fingers to lightly pluck the strings or strum closer to the sound hole.
Pay attention to the change in key for the last verse and outro, which shifts everything up. Practice switching from the D-family chords to the E-family chords. The Bm and C#m chords are barre chords, so take your time with finger placement and don’t worry if they sound muted at first. Play slowly and increase speed as you grow comfortable.
Enjoy the song’s reflective mood, and let your strumming be relaxed to match the lyrics’ sentiment.
Intro
D D D
Verse 1I want toD stand upon a rock, and watch the river flow
With theG blue sky above me and the valley down beD low
I want to hold my head up high, and listen to theBm wind
CauseD when it's gone itA won't beG back aD gain
Verse 2I want toD sing the kind of songs, that my dad sang to me
AndG try to be the man, he hoped that I wouldD be
He said you only get one chance, you'd better do the best youBm can
CauseD when it's gone itA won't beG back aD gain
ChorusI want toA wear my Sunday coat, andG hold your hand inD mine
AndA hear you say you'll love me, unG til the end ofA time
ID want to find forever, in every moment that weBm spend
CauseD when it's gone itA won't beG back aD gain
InstrumentalD D G D D Bm D A G D
BridgeI want toA wear my Sunday coat, andG hold your hand inD mine
AndA hear you say you'll love me unG til the end ofA timeB
Verse 3I want toE stand upon a rock, like IE did when I was young
AndA hold you close beside me, and watch our childrenE run
Cause you only get one chance, to listen to theC#m wind
AndE when it's gone itB won't be back aE gain
OutroWe only get one chance, so listen to theC#m wind
CauseE when it's gone itB won't be back aE gain
Yeah when it's gone itB won't be back aE gainE