The Beatles’ "The Continuing Story Of Bungalow Bill" is a playful, folk-inspired song from their White Album. Its singalong chorus and simple structure make it approachable for beginner guitarists.
Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: C, G7, F, Am, A, E7, Dm, E, and G, plus Fm (barre). Most are beginner-friendly except F and Fm, which require practice. For Fm, try a simplified barre (mini-barre on the first fret of strings 1–3).
Strumming Pattern
A steady, easygoing strum works well. Try a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern (D D U U D U) throughout. For the chorus, play lighter for a singalong feel. Accent the first down strum of each bar, especially on chord changes.
Chord Transitions
Practice switching between C and G7, and between A and E7. For the verses, anticipate the quick changes between Am, C, and F. Pause slightly on Fm to give it emphasis, as it adds color.
Techniques and Tips
Keep your fretting hand relaxed for smoother transitions. If F or Fm is difficult, use easier versions or play just the top three strings. Play slowly at first, focusing on clean chord changes, then increase speed as you get comfortable.
Enjoy singing along—the song’s spirit shines through group vocals!
ChorusC HeyG7 BungalowC Bill.Fm What did youC kill,Fm BungalowG7 Bill?
A HeyE7 BungalowA Bill.Dm What did youA kill,Dm BungalowE7 Bill?
Verse 1HeAm went out tigerC hunting with hisF elephant and gunG Am
In case ofC accidents heF always took his mum
TheE all AmericanG bullet headedAm Saxon mother'sFm son
All the children sing
ChorusC HeyG7 BungalowC Bill.Fm What did youC kill,Fm BungalowG7 Bill?
A HeyE7 BungalowA Bill.Dm What did youA kill,Dm BungalowE7 Bill?
Verse 2Am Deep in theC jungle where theF mighty tiger liesG Am
Bill and hisC elephants wereF taken by surprise
E So CaptainG Marvel zapped himAm right between theFm eyes
All the children sing
ChorusC HeyG7 BungalowC Bill.Fm What did youC kill,Fm BungalowG7 Bill?
A HeyE7 BungalowA Bill.Dm What did youA kill,Dm BungalowE7 Bill?
Verse 3TheAm childrenC asked him if toF kill was not a sinG Am
Not when heC looked so fierce hisF mummy butted in
E If looks couldG kill it would have beenAm us instead ofFm him
All the children sing
OutroC HeyG7 BungalowC Bill.Fm What did youC kill,Fm BungalowG7 Bill?
A HeyE7 BungalowA Bill.Dm What did youA kill,Dm BungalowE7 Bill?
C G7 C Fm C Fm G7
A E7 A Dm A Dm E7 A