"Tonight You Belong To Me" is a classic song famously performed by Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters in the film "The Jerk." Their version features a gentle, ukulele-driven arrangement, which translates beautifully to acoustic guitar, making it accessible and charming for beginner players.
Chords:
The song uses simple chords: D, D7, G, Gm, A7, B7, E7, and A. D, G, and A7 are beginner-friendly; Gm and B7 may require practice. Gm is a barre chord (bar across 3rd fret, A-shape), so take time to get comfortable with it. D7 is just a minor variation of D, which helps with smooth transitions.
Strumming Pattern:
A soft, flowing strum works best: try a simple "down-down-up-up-down-up" (D-D-U-U-D-U) per measure. Keep it light to match the gentle feel of the song. For a more intimate sound, try light fingerpicking, plucking each string softly in sequence.
Chord Transitions:
Pay special attention when moving between G and Gm, as the shift from an open chord to a barre chord can be tricky. Practice changing between D and D7 as well—they’re similar, so this is a good opportunity to build speed.
Techniques:
Mute unused strings with your palm or fingers to keep the sound clean. Play slowly at first, focusing on smooth chord changes and a steady rhythm.
Enjoy the song’s sweetness, and don’t rush—let each chord ring out clearly!