Skeeter Davis’s “End Of The World” is a classic country-pop ballad, originally released in 1962. Its gentle, emotional feel is best captured with a simple, steady approach on guitar, making it accessible for beginners.
Chord Progression and Transitions
The song cycles through basic open chords: G, D, Em, Bm, C, Am, E7, Cm, and D7. Most are beginner-friendly; Bm and Cm are barre chords, which may take extra practice. Try to keep your fingers relaxed and focus on clean transitions. Practice moving between G, D, and Em as these are frequent and central to the verses.
Strumming Pattern
A simple strumming pattern works best. Try “down-down-up-up-down-up” (D-D-U-U-D-U) for each measure, keeping it soft and even to match the song’s mood. Alternatively, use gentle down strokes for a softer, ballad feel.
Techniques and Tips
For Cm and Bm, use the index finger to bar the third fret (Cm) or second fret (Bm) across all strings, and build up finger strength slowly. For E7 and D7, use open chord shapes. Listen to the original to match the tempo and dynamics.
Start slow, focusing on smooth chord changes and a steady rhythm. With practice, you’ll be able to capture the gentle, melancholic essence of this classic song.