About the Original Song
“Lady Madonna” by The Beatles is a lively, piano-driven track with a bluesy, rock-and-roll feel. The original features punchy rhythms and quick chord changes. Translating it to guitar can capture its upbeat, rhythmic energy, especially with effective strumming and chord transitions.
Chord Changes and Tips
The song uses common open chords: A, D, F, G, Dm, G7, C, Am, Em, Bm, and E7. Beginners may find F and Bm challenging since they are barre chords. Practice switching between A, D, and F slowly, focusing on keeping your fingers close to the strings.
Strumming Pattern
Aim for a steady, driving rhythm. A good beginner pattern is:
Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up
for each chord, or simply Down strums in time with the beat for easier sections. The song has a “bouncy” feel, so let your strumming hand stay loose.
Transitions
Many chords change quickly, especially in the intro and instrumentals. Practice the A–D and D–F changes repeatedly. For F and Bm, use partial barres if full barres are too difficult—just cover the top three strings.
Techniques
Mute the strings lightly with your palm for a percussive effect, especially on the verses. Listen to the original to get a feel for the groove. Start slow, then increase speed as you get comfortable.
With practice, you’ll capture the playful, rhythmic style of the song.