Song Tabs

 "Hello Mary Lou" by Ricky Nelson is a classic song that involves a straightforward progression of chords. The song is ideal for beginner guitarists as it provides a good opportunity to practice chord transitions and develop a consistent strumming pattern.

Chord Transitions

The chords used in this song are G, D, C, D7, B7, and Em. One of the key transitions in this song is from G to D, which occurs frequently. A helpful tip for this transition is to leave your ring finger on the third fret of the B string, as it is common to both chords. This will help to smooth the transition.

Strumming Pattern

A basic strumming pattern for this song is down, down-up, up-down-up (abbreviated as D, DU, UDU). This pattern gives the song its upbeat, lively feel. Remember to keep your strumming hand moving in a consistent down-up motion, even when you're not hitting the strings.

Techniques

The B7 and D7 chords add a bluesy feel to the song. Practice these chords separately to get comfortable with their shapes, as they can be a little tricky for beginners. The Em chord provides a quick change in the chorus, and is a good opportunity to practice transitioning quickly between chords.

Finally, pay attention to the [C] [G] chord transitions at the end of each section, as these often signal a change in the song's structure. With practice, this song can be a great addition to your repertoire, and a fun one to play and sing along to.