Song Tabs

 Sam Cooke’s original "Cupid" captures a classic 1960s soul sound with gentle swing and heartfelt vocals. Its simple chord structure and moderate tempo make it accessible for guitarists, especially beginners.

Chords and Progression

The song uses basic open chords: Em, C, D7, and G. These are standard beginner chords, so you can play the entire song without using barre chords.

Chord transitions often alternate between Em and G, and between C, D7, and G. Practice moving between these pairs, especially G to D7 and Em to G, as they appear frequently.

Strumming Pattern

A straightforward strumming pattern works best. Try:

Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up

This gives a gentle, swinging feel similar to the original. Play lightly for verses and slightly stronger for the chorus and bridge to match the song’s dynamics.

Tips for Beginners

• Practice the chord changes slowly, focusing on smooth transitions.
• Keep your strumming hand moving steadily, even if you miss a chord.
• For D7, keep fingers close to the strings for a quick switch from G.
• Listen to the original recording to match the rhythm and tempo.
• Sing along to help memorize the chord changes and structure.

With repetition, you’ll capture the soulful spirit of this classic tune.