Bm
A
G
Em
D
C
Comfortably Numb
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s "Comfortably Numb" is a classic rock ballad known for its haunting melody, lush chords, and iconic guitar solos. The original features a slow tempo and dynamic builds, which can guide your strumming and chord choices when playing on acoustic guitar.
## Chords and Transitions
The song uses basic open chords: Bm, A, G, Em, D, and C. Beginners might find Bm (a barre chord) challenging; practice forming the barre with your index finger and pressing firmly. For smoother transitions, plan your finger movement in advance, especially when moving between Bm and A or G and Em.
## Strumming Pattern
A simple, slow strumming pattern works well. Try:
Down, down, up, up, down, up
Count: 1 2 & & 4 &
Keep strums even and gentle for verses, slightly stronger for the chorus to match the song’s dynamic flow.
## Tips for Beginners
- Pause on the first chord of each line to match the vocal phrasing.
- Let chords ring out—don’t rush changes.
- In the chorus, C to G and G to A require concise finger movement. Practice slowly.
- If Bm is difficult, use a Bm7 (x20202) as a substitute.
Listen to the original to feel the tempo and dynamics. Focus on playing clean chords and steady rhythm before adding embellishments.
Intro
Bm
Verse 1Hello. Is there anybodyA in there?
Just nod if you canG hear me.Em Is thereBm anyone home?
Come on, now. I hear you'reA feeling, down.
WellG I can ease yourEm pain,Em get youBm on your feet again.
Relax. I need some inforA mation, first.
G Just the basicEm facts.Em Can youBm show me where it hurts?
ChorusD There is no pain you are reA ceding.D A distant ship's smoke on the horA izon.
Em C You are only coming through inG waves.
YourC lips, move, but I can't hear what you'reG saying.
WhenD I was a child, I had aA fever. MyD hands felt just like two ballA oons.
C Now I've got that feeling once aG gain I can't explain, you would notC understand.
This is not how IG am.A I have becomeG comfortablyD numb.
InstrumentalD A
C G
A I have becomeG comfortablyD numb.
Verse 2Bm Okay. Just a littleA pinprick. There'll be no moreG painEm
But you mayBm feel a little sick. Can you stand up? I do believe it'sA working. Good.
That'll keep youG going for theEm show. ComeBm on it's time to go.
ChorusD There is no pain you are reA ceding.D A distant ship's smoke on the horA izon.
Em C You are only coming through inG waves.
YourC lips, move, but I can't hear what you'reG saying.
WhenD I was a child, I caught aA fleeting glimpse.D Out of the corner of myA eye.
C I turned to look but it wasG gone, I cannot put my fingerC on it now,
The child is grown, theG dream is gone.A I have becomeG comfortablyD numb.
OutroD A G Em Bm
A G Em Bm
A G Em Bm
Bm A G Em D