Song Tabs
Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
EADGBE G
EADGBEXX D
EADGBE Em
EADGBE C
EADGBEX Am
EADGBEX Am7
EADGBE F
EADGBEXX Dm7
EADGBEXX D7
Other songs by Peter, Paul and Mary
Right Field Peter, Paul and Mary

 "Right Field" is a gentle, nostalgic song originally performed by Peter, Paul and Mary. Its folksy style and moderate tempo make it approachable for beginner guitarists, especially those exploring classic singer-songwriter repertoire.

Chords

The song uses open chords: G, D, Em, C, Am, Am7, F, Dm7, and D7.
If you’re new to F or Dm7, try partial (mini) barre shapes to make transitions smoother.
Practice the chord changes slowly at first, especially between G–Em and C–Am/Am7, which occur frequently.

Strumming Pattern

A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-DU-UDU) folk strum works well.
Alternatively, use steady down strums for a softer touch, particularly in verses.
Keep the rhythm relaxed and light, matching the song’s reflective mood.

Chord Transitions & Tips

  • Switching from G to Em: Keep your ring finger anchored if possible to speed up the change.
  • C–Am–D transitions: Move fingers as a group, and practice this motion separately.
  • F and Dm7: For F, try pressing only the top two strings (mini-F chord) if full barre is difficult.
  • D7: Place it just before the chorus for a smooth lead-in.

General Tips

Play along with the recording to get a feel for timing.
Don’t rush; let the lyrics and melody guide your strumming.
Focus on clean chord changes and relaxed rhythm rather than speed.
Enjoy the storytelling!

EADGBE G
EADGBEXX D
EADGBE Em
EADGBE C
EADGBEX Am
EADGBEX Am7
EADGBE F
EADGBEXX Dm7
EADGBEXX D7
Intro
G D G Em C Am D
Verse 1
G Saturday summers whenEm I was aG kid
We'dC run to theAm7 school yard andAm here's what weD did
We'dC pick out theD captains, and we'dC choose up theD teams
It wasG always aEm measure ofG my self esEm teem
Cuz theC fastest, theAm strongest playedC shortstop andAm first
TheC last ones theyAm picked, were the worst
F I never needed to ask, it was sealed, I justDm7 took up my place, in rightD field
 Chorus
PlayingG rightEm field, it's easy youG know
C You can beAm awkward, you can beD slow
That's whyC I'm here inD right field justC watching theD dandelionsG grow
 Verse 2
PlayingG right field, can beEm lonely andG dull
C Little leaguesAm7 never, haveAm lefties thatD pull
IC dream of theD day, when theyC hit one myD way
G They neverEm did, butG still I wouldEm pray
ThatC I'd make aAm fantasticC catch on theAm run, andC not lose theAm ball in theD7 sun
AndF then I'd awake, from this long reverie, andDm7 pray that the ball, never came out to me here in
 Chorus
G RightEm field, it's easy youG know
C You can beAm awkward, you can beD slow
That's whyC I'm here inD right field justC watching theD dandelionsG grow
 Instrumental
G D G D G C D C D Am D
Verse 3
G Off in the distance, theEm game's draggingG on
There'sC strikes on theAm7 batter, someAm runners areD on
IC don't know theD inning, I've forC gotten theD score
TheG whole team isEm yelling, and IG don't know whatEm for
ThenC suddenlyAm everyone'sC looking atAm me
MyC mind has beenAm wandering what could itD be?
TheyF point to the sky and I look up above
And theDm7 baseDm7 ballDm7 fallsDm7 intoDm7 myD glove
 Final Chorus
D HereD7 inG right field, it's imEm portant youG know
You gottaC know how toAm catch, you gotta know how toD throw
That's whyC I'm here inD right field justC watching theD dandelionsG grow
Other songs by Peter, Paul and Mary