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Old Dan
Slim Dusty
"Old Dan" by Slim Dusty is a classic Australian country song, typically performed with a laid-back, storytelling style. The original version uses simple chords and a gentle tempo, making it approachable for beginners and ideal for singalongs.
Chords and Transitions
The song uses open chords: C, F, G, A, and D.
Make sure to practice each chord individually until you can switch smoothly between them. The most common transitions are between C–G, C–A, A–D, and D–G. For F, use the simplified barre (mini-barre) if the full barre chord is difficult.
Strumming Pattern
A relaxed down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) strumming pattern fits well.
Try to keep your strumming hand moving steadily, even if you miss a chord change. For a more authentic country feel, use light palm muting or accentuate the bass note of each chord on the first strum.
Timing and Rhythm
Keep the tempo moderate and even.
Listen to the original recording to match the laid-back groove. Give yourself time at chord changes, especially at the end of lines where there is often a pause.
Tips for Beginners
Practice chord changes between lines to get comfortable.
If the F chord is challenging, use an Fmaj7 as a substitute. Focus on keeping the rhythm steady rather than playing fast. Singing along helps with timing and memorization.
Enjoy playing and telling the story through your guitar!
Intro
F C A D G C D G D G C G C G
Verse 1I'mC just an old man, they call me old Dan, I live in a shack out ofF town
Just me and old Blue, gotC nothin' toA do, but wait for theG sun to goC downG C G
AndC when it is gone, we don't linger long, you don't stay up late when you'reG old
Oh I shuffle inside where old blue lies beside, theD fireplace when it isG cold
ChorusIC blow out the light, there in the night, we dream of the days that areF gone
I ride once again, aC cross the wideA plain, and oldD blue will beG diggin' upC bones
What aA dog,D Blue will beG diggin' upC bones
InstrumentalF C A D G C G C G
F C A D G C D G D G C G C G
Verse 2C Comes the new morn, I wake with the dawn, a habit since I was aG boy
Kick the old fire together, check out the weather, whileD waitin' the billy toG boil
ThenC old Blue and me have our toast and our tea, and wait for the postman toF come
With news of the day and aC cheery hooA ray, he'llD push off andG finish hisC run
What aA rider,D push off andG finish hisC runG C G C G
Verse 3AndC then we go back, to our little old shack, and read all the news of theG day
And the things that we read, about men that might lead, well I'mD glad that I've near had myG day
MyC day is near done and I'm tellin' you son, this world's changin' too much forF me
So I'll stay here with Blue, withC nothin' toA do, butD wait for theG sun to goC down
WhatdidyaA say?D Wait for theG sun to goC down ah well
Verse 4What's that you say I do nothin' all day, sit here just lopin' withF Blue
Well I'm eighty-four and he'sC ten years andA four, so there'sD not a lotG more we canC do
What aA story,D not a lotG more we canC do
OutroC G D G C F C A D G C A D G C