G
D
C
Em
Am
On The Turning Away
Pink Floyd
Pink Floyd’s "On the Turning Away" is a moving ballad from their 1987 album "A Momentary Lapse of Reason." The original features a gentle, flowing feel, with soaring vocals and melodic guitar lines. Playing it on acoustic guitar brings out its emotional core, making it accessible for beginners.
Chords:
The song mainly uses open chords: G, D, C, Em, and Am. These are beginner-friendly and form the backbone of many classic songs.
Strumming Pattern:
Try a slow, steady 4/4 pattern. Start with down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U), which fits the song’s gentle flow. Keep your strumming relaxed to maintain the ballad’s feel.
Chord Transitions:
Practice moving between G, C, and D, as these transitions occur frequently. For smoother changes, keep your fingers close to the fretboard and look for common anchor fingers (for example, the ring finger stays on the 3rd fret of the B string when moving between G and C).
Techniques:
Let chords ring out, especially on Em and Am, to capture the song’s open sound. If comfortable, add gentle dynamics—strum softer during verses and a bit stronger in instrumental or outro sections.
Tips:
Play slowly at first. Focus on clean chord changes and even strumming. As you grow comfortable, listen to the original to match its emotional dynamics and phrasing.
With practice, you’ll capture the heartfelt spirit of this Pink Floyd classic.
Intro
G
Verse 1On theD turning aG way, from theC pale and downG trodden
And theD words thatG they say which weC won't understand
Em Don't accept that what'sC happenG ing, isG just a case of all theG sufferC ing
G All you'll find is you'reC joiningG in, theD turning aG way
Verse 2Em It's aD sin that someG how, light isC changing toG shadow
AndD casting itsG shroud overC all we have known
Em UnawareG how theC ranks haveG grown,Em driven on by aG heartC of stone
G We could find that we'reC all aG lone in theD dream of theG proud
Verse 3Em On theD wings of theG night, as theC daytime isG stirring
Where theD speechless uG nite in aC silent accord
Em UsingG words you willC find asG strange,Em mesmerized as theyG light theC flame
G Feel the new wind ofC change,Em on theD wings of theG night
InstrumentalG D Em D C D Em D Am
Am G C D Am C D Em
Verse 4No moreD turning aG way, from theC weak and theG weary
No moreD turning aG way from theC coldness inside
Em Just aG world that weC all mustG share,Em it's not enough just toG stand andC stare
G Is it only aC dream that there'llG be no moreD turning aG way
OutroG D Em C Em D G Em C Em D G
D Em C Em D G Em C Em G D G
G Em C Em G Em D G Em C Em
Em D G Em C Em D G