Song Index Songs by Chords Guide to Guitar Chords About
Lady Madonna The Beatles

 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.

EADGBEX A
EADGBEXX D
EADGBE F
EADGBE G
EADGBEXX Dm
EADGBE C
EADGBEX Am
EADGBE Em
EADGBE G7
EADGBEX Bm
EADGBE E7
EADGBE E
Intro
A D A D A D F G A
Verse 1
A Lady MaD donna,A children at yourD feet
A Wonder how youD manage toF make endsA meet
Who finds theD money,A when you pay theD rent?
A Did you think thatD money wasF heavenA sent?
Bridge 1
Dm Friday night arrives without aG suitcase
C Sunday morningAm creeping like aEm nunC
Dm Monday's child has learned to tie hisG7 bootlegs
C See,Bm how theyE7 runE
Verse 2
A Lady MaD donna,A baby at yourD breast
A Wonders how youD manage toF feedG theA rest
Instrumental
A A A A D D D A
A A A A D D D A
A A A A D D D D F F G G A
Bridge 2
Dm Pa pa pa pa, pa pa paG7 pa pa pa pa pa
C Pa pa pa pa pa, pa pa paAm pa pa pa pa pa
Dm Pa pa pa pa, pa pa paG7 pa pa pa pa pa
C See,Bm how theyE7 runE
Verse 3
A Lady MaD donna,A lying on theD bed
A Listen to theD music playingF in yourA head
Instrumental
A A A A D D D A
A A A A D D D A
A A A A D D D D F F G G A
Bridge 3
Dm Tuesday afternoon is neverG ending
C Wednesday morning papers didn'tAm come
Dm Thursday night your stocking neededG7 mending
C See,Bm how theyE7 runE
Verse 4
A Lady MaD donna,A children at yourD feet
A Wonder how youD manage toF make endsA meetD F G A
Outro
A A D D F G A