D
A
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It's Raining Here This Morning
Norman Blake
Norman Blake’s original recording of "It's Raining Here This Morning" is a classic example of American folk and country blues, featuring simple but expressive acoustic guitar playing. The song’s gentle, reflective mood is shaped by its chord choices and relaxed tempo, making it ideal for beginner guitarists.
Chords and Progression
The entire song uses just three basic open chords: D major, G major, and A major. These chords are staples for beginners and appear in standard folk and country progressions.
- D major: xx0232
- G major: 320003
- A major: x02220
Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords, especially D to G and D to A, as they are used frequently throughout the verses and choruses.
Strumming Pattern
A simple and effective strumming pattern is down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) per measure. This pattern complements the song’s folk feel. If you’re new to strumming, start with just downstrokes for each beat, then add upstrokes as you gain confidence.
Tips for Beginners
- Count in slow 4/4 time to keep a steady rhythm.
- Keep your fingers close to the fretboard for easier chord changes.
- Let the chords ring clearly; avoid muting strings unintentionally.
- Play along with a recording to match the tempo and feel.
With steady practice, you’ll capture the easygoing, melancholy spirit of this timeless song.
Intro
D D D D D A D D G D A D D
Verse 1Oh it'sD rainin' rainin' rainin' here this morning, as I sit in jail and hang my head inA shame.
With aD smile I try to greet each earlyG dawnin', but they'veD given me aA number for myD name.
ChorusG Many a little raindrops areD fallin' close to me. MakesG all the streams and rivers asD muddy as canA be.
It'sD rainin' rainin' rainin' here thisG mornin', as theD MississippiA flows on to theD sea.
InstrumentalD D D D A D D G D A D D
Verse 2How ID wish I could see my little darlin', and hold her in my arms as beA fore.
Well ID used to tell her every day IG loved her, butD now she doesn'tA love me anyD more.
ChorusSheG knew that I was guilty of thisD one crime, and she said she'd be waiting there forA me.
ButD she has found somewhere else toG wander, where theD MississippiA flows on to theD sea.
InstrumentalD D D D A D D G D A D D D
Verse 3Oh it'sD rainin' rainin' rainin' here this mornin', and I'm just as weary as canA be.
How ID wish I could follow all theG raindrops, down theD MississippiA toward the silverD sea.
ChorusButG there's no way to prove I'm notD guilty, so I'll will have to suffer all theA shame.
D Go and tell her for me littleG raindrops, that they'veD given me aA number for myD name.
InstrumentalD D D D A D D G D A D D D
Verse 4Oh it'sD rainin' rainin' rainin' here this morning, as I sit in jail and hang my head inA shame.
With aD smile I try to greet each earlyG dawnin', but they'veD given me aA number for myD name.
OutroG Many a little raindrops areD fallin' close to me. MakesG all the streams and rivers asD muddy as canA be.
It'sD rainin' rainin' rainin' here thisG mornin', as theD MississippiA flows on to theD sea.