Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
Stop Draggin' My Heart Around Stevie Nicks

 The original version of this song, a collaboration between Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty, features a gritty, mid-tempo rock groove with prominent electric guitar. The arrangement is simple and chord-driven, making it accessible for guitarists of all levels.


Chords and Progression

The song uses basic open chords: Em, G, A, C, and D. These are all beginner-friendly. Practice each chord individually until you’re comfortable switching between them.

Chord Transitions

The main challenge is quick transitions between Em, G, and A, especially in the verses and interludes. To smooth these changes, keep your fingers close to the fretboard and visualize the next chord shape as you play the current one.

Strumming Pattern

Use a steady eighth-note strumming pattern:

Down, down-up, down-up, down-up

or simply

Down, down, down, down

for a more driving feel. During the chorus, you can strum a bit louder to match the song’s dynamics.

Tips

  • Count the beats in each measure to keep consistent timing, especially where chords change every two beats.
  • Mute the strings lightly with your palm for a percussive effect, mimicking the original’s groove.
  • If you struggle with the C-D transitions in the chorus, practice switching between them repeatedly.

Overall, focus on keeping the rhythm even and let the open chords ring clearly. This song is a great exercise in timing and chord changes for beginners.

EADGBEX A
EADGBE C
EADGBE G
EADGBE Em
EADGBEXX D
Intro
A A
C G C
Em Em G A
Em Em G A
Em Em G A
Em Em G A
Verse 1
BabyEm you'll come knocking onG my frontA door
Em Same old line you used toG use beA fore
Em I said "Hey wellG what am I supposed toA do?"
Em I didn't know what I wasG getting inA to
Chorus
C So you've had a littleD trouble in town
C Now you're keeping someD demons down
C Stop draggin' my,D stop draggin' my
C Stop draggin' my heart around
Interlude
Em Em G A
Em Em G A
Verse 2
Em It's hard to think aboutG what youA wanted
Em It's hard to think aboutG what youA lost
Em This doesn't have to be theG big getA even
Em This doesn't have to beG anything atA all
Em I know you really want toG tell me goodA bye
Em I know you really want toG be your ownA girl
Chorus
C Baby you could neverD look me in the eye
C Yeah you buckle with theD weight of the words
C Stop draggin' my,D stop draggin' my
C Stop draggin' my heart around
Instrumental
Em Em G A
D D C G
D D C G
D D C G
A A C G C
Em Em G A
Em Em G A
Verse 3
Em There's people running 'roundG loose in theA world
Em Ain't got nothin'G better toA do
Em Make a meal of someG bright eyedA kid
Em You need someone lookin'G afterA you
Em I know you really want toG tell me goodA bye
Em I know you really want toG be your ownA girl
Chorus
C Baby you could neverD look me in the eye
C Yeah you buckle with theD weight of the words
C Stop draggin' my,D stop draggin' my
C Stop draggin' my heart around
Outro
Em Em G A
Em Em G A
Em Stop draggin' myG heart aA round
Em Em G A
Em Stop draggin' myG heart aA round
Em Em G A
Em Stop draggin' myG heart aA round
Em Em G A
Em Stop draggin' myG heart aA round
Em Em G A
Em