How to Play "Take Me Home, Country Roads" on Guitar
John Denver’s "Take Me Home, Country Roads" is a classic folk song, known for its gentle feel and singalong chorus. The original version features acoustic guitar with a straightforward, steady rhythm, making it accessible for beginners.
Chords and Progression
The main chords are G, Em, D, C, with occasional use of F, Gadd, and Gadd-. These are all common open chords except F, which may be challenging for beginners. If F is too hard, you can substitute it with an easier Fmaj7 (x33210) or play just the top four strings of the standard F.
Strumming Pattern
A simple strumming pattern works well:
Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (D D-U U-D-U)
You can keep the rhythm steady, matching the feel of the original recording. For verses, play gently, and strum a bit louder during the chorus for dynamics.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice switching between G, Em, C, and D slowly at first to build muscle memory.
- For the intro, play single down strums on each chord to capture the feel.
- Use the tips of your fingers for cleaner chord transitions, especially with F and Gadd chords.
- Let each chord ring clearly; check each string to ensure good sound.
With practice, this song is a great way to improve chord changes and rhythm while enjoying a timeless favorite.
IntroG G Gadd Gadd- Gadd G
Verse 1Almost heaven,Em West Virginia
D Blue Ridge Mountains,C Shenandoah RiG ver
Life is old there,Em older than the trees
D Younger than the mountains,C growin' like aG breeze
ChorusCountry Roads, take meD home, to theEm place, I beC long
West VirG ginia, mountainD Momma, take meC home, countryG roads
Verse 2All my mem'ries,Em gather 'round her
D Miner's lady,C stranger to blueG water
Dark and dusty,Em painted on the sky
D Misty taste of moonshineC teardrop in myG eye
ChorusCountry Roads, take meD home, to theEm place, I beC long
West VirG ginia, mountainD Momma, take meC home, countryG roads
BridgeEm I hear herD voice in theG mornin' hour as she calls me
TheC radio reG minds me of myD home far away
AndEm drivin' down theF road I get aC feelin' that IG should have been homeD yesterday, yesterD7 day
ChorusCountry Roads, take meD home, to theEm place, I beC long
West VirG ginia, mountainD Momma, take meC home, countryG roads
ChorusCountry Roads, take meD home, to theEm place, I beC long
West VirG ginia, mountainD Momma, take meC home, countryG roads
OutroTake meD home, countryG roads
Take meD home, countryG roads
D G C G