F#
G
A
D7
C
A7
B7
Em
G7
D
E
E7
I Don't Wanna Play House
Tammy Wynette
"I Don't Wanna Play House" is a classic country ballad by Tammy Wynette, known for its gentle, emotional delivery and simple, heartfelt melody. The original recording features subtle accompaniment, making it well-suited to solo guitar with an easy, steady rhythm."
Chords and Key Changes
The song uses basic open chords: G, D7, C, A7, B7, Em, G7, D, E7, A, F#, and transitions to a higher key for the final chorus. Practice each chord shape individually, especially D7, G7, and B7, as they may be less familiar to beginners. The F# in the intro and key change can be played as a simple barre chord at the second fret, but if that's difficult, play only the top three strings for now.
Strumming Pattern
Use a gentle country strum: try a simple down-down-up-up-down-up pattern. Focus on playing softly, emphasizing the first beat of each bar to maintain the ballad feel. Keep your wrist relaxed for a smoother sound. If this feels too complex, just use down-strums in time with the lyrics.
Chord Transitions and Tips
Practice moving between G, D7, and C slowly; these transitions occur often. For the chorus, pay special attention to moving from G7 to C, and from D7 to G. In the final chorus, the key moves to D and A, which are standard open chords—use this as a chance to reset and play confidently.
Above all, let the lyrics and melody guide your playing. Keep it simple and focus on smooth transitions and steady rhythm.
Intro
F# G A
Verse 1ToG day, I sat aD7 lone, at theG window
And I watched, our little girl, outside atD7 play
With theC little boy, next door, like soG many times, before
But,A7 something, didn't seem quite right toD7 day
Verse 2So I wentG outside, toD7 see, what they wereG doing
And then the teardrops made myB7 eyes growEm dimG7
'Cause IC heard him name, a game, and IG hung my head, in shame
When I heard, our littleD7 girl, say toG him:
Chorus"I don't wanna playC house. I know, it can't beG fun
I've watchedD7 mommy, andC daddy, and ifG that's, theD7 way it'sG done
G7 I don't wanna playC house. It makes, my mommyG cry
'Cause whenD she played house, myC daddyD7 said, goodG bye."
Key ChangeF#
Final ChorusI don't wanna playD house. I know, it can't, beA fun
I've watchedE mommy, andD daddy, and ifA that's, theE7 way it'sA7 done
I don't wanna playD house. It makes, my mommyA cry
'Cause whenE she played house myD daddyE7 said goodD byeA