Song Tabs

 Slim Dusty’s "Duncan" is a classic Australian pub sing-along, well known for its simple, catchy melody and straightforward chord progression. The original version is relaxed, making it ideal for beginner guitarists.

Strumming Pattern

Use a steady, relaxed down-up strumming pattern:
Down, Down-Up, Down, Down-Up
This mimics a country or folk feel, perfect for sing-alongs. Keep your strums even and don’t rush.

Chord Transitions

The song uses basic open chords:
C, G, F, Dm, A, D, G, Em

• Practice moving between C–G, G–F, and F–Dm, as these transitions repeat often.
• For F, use the simplified version (xx3211) if full barre is difficult.
• The key change (from C major to D major) is a good time to pause and reset your hand positions.

Techniques & Tips

• Play slowly at first, focusing on smooth transitions.
• Keep your wrist loose for relaxed strumming.
• Use the thumb to mute unused strings for cleaner sound, especially with F and Dm.
• Sing or hum along to help with timing.

Overall, keep it relaxed and fun—just like having a beer with mates!