"You're Sixteen" was famously covered by Ringo Starr in 1973 as a light, upbeat rock and roll song, originally written by the Sherman brothers. The arrangement is simple, featuring classic rockabilly rhythm and straightforward chord changes."
Strumming Pattern:
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D D U U D U) pattern works well for this song, giving it a bouncy, oldies feel. Try to accent the second and fourth beats for extra swing. Beginners may also use standard downstrokes for steady rhythm.
Chord Tips:
Most chords are beginner-friendly: C, G, E7, F, D7, G7, Am.
- F can be tricky; use the simplified version (xx3211) if full barre is hard.
- E7 and G7 add color, so play them cleanly and let them ring.
- D7 and Am are open chords and transition easily with practice.
Chord Transitions:
- Practice moving from C to E7 and F smoothly, as these changes repeat often.
- G and G7 come at line ends; anticipate these so the rhythm doesn’t pause.
- For the outro, the quick alternation between D7 and G7 can be practiced by isolating that section.
Techniques:
- Keep a light grip on the pick for a relaxed strum.
- Use light palm muting for a classic rock and roll texture, especially in verses.
- Listen to the original to match the feel and tempo.
With regular practice, this song is accessible and rewarding for beginners!
IntroC G G
Verse 1You comeC on like a dream,E7 peaches and cream
F Lips like strawberryC wine
You're sixD7 teen, you'reG beautiful, and you'reC mine(all mine)G G
Verse 2You're allC ribbons and curls,E7 ooh what a girl
F Eyes that sparkle andC shine
You're sixD7 teen, you'reG beautiful, and you'reC mine(all [F]mine mine [C]mine)
BridgeE7 You're my baby, you're my pet
Am We fell in love on the night we met
YouD7 touched my hand, my heart went pop
G7 Ooh when we kissed, I could not stop
Verse 3You walkedC out of my dreams, andE7 into my arms
F Now you're my angel diC vine
You're sixD7 teen, you'reG7 beautiful, and you'reC mineG G
InstrumentalC E7 F C D7 G7 C C
BridgeE7 You're my baby, you're my pet
Am We fell in love on the night we met
YouD7 touched my hand, my heart went pop
G7 Ooh when we kissed, I could not stop
Verse 4You walkedC out of my dreams, andE7 into my arms
F Now you're my angel diC vine
You're sixD7 teen, you'reG7 beautiful, and you'reC mine
OutroYou're sixD7 teen, you'reG beautiful, and you'reC mine
You're sixD7 teen, you'reG7 beautiful, and you'reC mine
AllD7 mine, allG7 mine, allC mine
AllD7 mine, allG7 mine, allC mine
AllD7 mine(all mine), allG7 mine(all mine), and IC do
D G7 C D G C