"I Wanna Hold Your Hand" by The Beatles is an upbeat pop classic from 1963, known for its driving rhythm and catchy melody. The original features electric guitars, but it works well on acoustic or electric guitar for solo players.
Chord Progression and Transitions
The song uses basic open chords: C, D, D7, G, Em, Bm, B7, Dm7, and Am. For beginners, the trickiest shapes are Bm and B7. If Bm is too difficult, try a simplified Bm (using just three strings) or practice the full barre shape slowly.
Transitions mainly move between G, D7, and Em. Practice switching between these chords smoothly, as they repeat throughout verses and choruses.
Strumming Pattern
A simple, steady strumming pattern works well:
- Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (DDU UDU) per measure
- Emphasize the first down strum for a driving feel, matching the song’s energy.
Keep your strumming hand moving, even if you’re not hitting the strings every time. This helps maintain the tempo.
Tips and Techniques
- Start slow, focusing on clean chord changes, especially at the end of each line where chords change quickly.
- For the bridge, play gently to contrast with the verses, then build back into the chorus.
- Sing along to help remember chord placements and keep timing.
With practice, this song is a fun way to improve your rhythm and chord transition skills.
IntroC C D C C D C C D Bm D Bm D Bm D7
Verse 1Oh yeahG I'll, tell youD7 somethin'
Em I think you'll underBm stand
WhenG I, say thatD7 somethin'
Em I wanna hold yourB7 hand
C I wannaD7 hold yourG ha-a-Em and
C I wannaD hold yourG hand
Verse 2OhG please, say toD7 me
Em And let me be yourBm man
AndG please, say toD7 me
Em You'll let me hold yourB7 hand
C Now let meD7 hold yourG ha-a-Em and
C I wannaD hold yourG hand
BridgeDm7 And when IG touch you I feelC happy, inAm side
Dm7 It's such aG feeling that myC love
I can'tD hide,C I can'tD hide,C I can'tD hide
Verse 3YeahG you, got thatD7 somethin'
Em I think you'll underBm stand
WhenG I, say thatD7 somethin'
Em I wanna hold yourB7 hand
C I wannaD7 hold yourG ha-a-Em and
C I wannaD hold yourG hand
BridgeDm7 And when IG touch you I feelC happy, inAm side
Dm7 It's such aG feeling that myC love
I can'tD hide,C I can'tD hide,C I can'tD hide
Verse 4YeahG you, got thatD7 somethin'
Em I think you'll underBm stand
WhenG I, feel thatD7 somethin'
Em I wanna hold yourB7 hand
OutroC I wannaD hold yourG ha-a-Em and
C I wannaD hold yourB7 hand
C I wannaD hold yourC haC aC aC aC aC aG and