Song Tabs

by Peter, Paul & Mary

About the Song
The original "Five Hundred Miles" is a classic American folk song made famous by Peter, Paul & Mary in the 1960s. Its gentle, melancholic feel comes from simple chords and a steady, flowing rhythm, making it accessible for beginner guitarists.

Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: C, Am, Dm, F, G, and Em. All of these are standard first-position chords, perfect for beginners to practice chord switching.

Strumming Pattern
For a folk feel, use a soft down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) strumming pattern. If that's too tricky, a steady down strum on each beat also works well. Focus on keeping the tempo relaxed and even.

Chord Transitions
Practice moving between C, Am, and Dm, as these changes happen frequently. Going from Dm to F and F to G may be a bit challenging at first; take it slow and make sure each chord rings out clearly. For smoother transitions, keep your fingers close to the fretboard.

Tips for Beginners
Use a capo on the first or second fret if you find singing in the original key too low. Pay special attention to the F chord—try the easy F (xx3211) if the full barre chord is too difficult. Practice each verse slowly, then gradually increase your speed.