Song Tabs

 Norman Greenbaum's "Spirit In The Sky" is known for its driving, fuzz-drenched guitar riff and upbeat, gospel-influenced rhythm. The original blends rock and gospel, making it a fun, energetic song for guitarists.

Chords

The song uses basic open chords:
A, D, C, E, G
These are beginner-friendly. Practice switching between them smoothly, especially between A-D-C and A-C-D, as these changes are frequent.

Strumming Pattern

A steady, upbeat rock strumming pattern works well:
Try: Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up
Keep the rhythm driving but relaxed. You can accent the first down strum of each bar for energy, mimicking the original's groove.

Chord Transitions and Tips

- The song often stays on A for three bars, then quickly moves through D and C (or C and D). Practice these quick changes, especially from A to C to D.
- For the E chord in the verse, aim for a smooth transition back to A.
- In the bridge, watch for [A][G][A][C] changes—practice these slowly at first.
- Palm muting (lightly resting the side of your hand on the strings near the bridge) can add the chugging, percussive feel of the original.

General Advice

Play along with the recording to match the tempo and feel. Start slow, focusing on clean chord changes before building up speed. Most importantly, have fun—the song’s infectious energy is its heart!