Roy Orbison’s “Oh Pretty Woman” is a classic early rock song released in 1964, known for its catchy riff and steady rhythm. The original recording features a driving, steady beat, making it a great choice for beginner guitarists.
## Chords and Progression
The main chords are E, E7, A, F#m, D, Dm, G7, C, and Am. Familiarize yourself especially with E, A, D, and their variations, as they form the backbone of the verses and intro.
## Strumming Pattern
For most of the song, use a simple downstroke pattern:
Down Down Down Down
Try to keep it even and steady, matching the song's energetic groove. For some sections, you can add an upstroke after each downstroke (Down Up Down Up) to make it livelier.
## Chord Transitions
Transitions between E and E7 are frequent. Practice moving your finger (often your pinky) on and off the 3rd fret of the B string for E7. The move from A to F#m may be challenging if you’re new to barre chords, so take your time and practice the F#m shape separately.
## Bridge Tips
The bridge introduces Dm, G7, C, and Am. These are all open chords except for Dm. Take it slow and make sure each note rings clearly.
## General Advice
Keep your strumming hand relaxed. Practice changing chords without stopping the rhythm. Play along with the original recording to get a feel for the tempo and chord changes.
Have fun and don’t rush—steady practice will make the transitions smoother!