Introduction
"Light One Candle" by Peter, Paul, and Mary is a folk song that utilizes basic open chords in its progression. If you're a beginner, this song is a suitable choice to practice chord transitions and strumming patterns.
Chords and Transitions
The song primarily uses the chords of G, Em, C, B7, Am, and D. If you are not familiar with the B7 chord, it's essential to practice this as it could be challenging for beginners. The transition between G and Em is frequently used in the song and is quite straightforward, as they share similar finger placements. The transition from Em to C might be a bit tricky, so practice switching between these chords until you can do it smoothly.
Strumming Pattern
As for the strumming pattern, a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern would work well for most of the song. However, feel free to experiment and find a pattern that suits your playing style and the song's tempo.
Techniques
During the song's intro and interlude, consider playing the chords softly to create a gentle, introspective mood before the verses. As you progress to the chorus, strum more forcefully to emphasize the song's hopeful message.
Conclusion
Lastly, practice playing along with the original song to get a feel for the rhythm and dynamics. Remember, the key to mastering any song is consistent practice. Good luck and enjoy playing "Light One Candle"!
IntroG G G G Em Em
G G Em Em
Verse 1G Light one candle for the Maccabee children, with thanks their light didn'tEm die
AndC light one candle for the pain they endured, when their right to exist was deB7 nied
Em Light one candle for the terrible sacrificeC justice and freedom deA mand
AndG light one candle for theEm wisdom to know that theC peacemaker'sD time is atG handB7 Em
ChorusDon't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7
InterludeEm Em
Verse 2G Light one candle for the strength that we need, to never become our ownEm foe
AndC light one candle for those who are suffering, a pain they learned so long aB7 go
Em Light one candle for all we believe in, thatC anger not tear us aA part
AndG light one candle toEm bind us together withC peace as theD song in ourG heartB7 Em
ChorusDon't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7 Em
BridgeEm Em Em Em
Verse 3G What is the memory that's valued so highly, that we keep it alive in thatEm flame
C What's the commitment to those who have died? We cry out "they've not died inB7 vain"
Em We have come this far, always believing, thatC justice will somehow preA vail
G This is theEm burden,G this is theEm promise,C this is whyD we will notG failB7 Em
Final ChorusDon't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7 Em
Don't let theAm light go out. It'sD lasted for so manyG yearsB7
Em Don't let theAm light go out. Let itD shine through our love and ourG tearsB7 Em
OutroDon't let theAm light go out.Em Don't let theAm light go out.Em Don't let the light goAm out.Em Em Em Am
