The Beatles' original version of "The Night Before" features a bright, upbeat pop-rock feel, characteristic of their mid-60s sound. The song is driven by rhythm guitar, simple chords, and melodic transitions, making it suitable for beginner guitarists.
## Chords and Structure
The song uses mostly open chords: D, C, G, A, Bm, Em, and Am. You’ll also encounter Gm, E7, and F, which may require additional practice. The chord progression is straightforward, following the structure shown in the ChordPro file.
## Strumming Pattern
A basic strumming pattern, like down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U), works well throughout the song. Keep the strumming light and upbeat to match the original feel. For verses, you might accent the first beat for a bounce.
## Chord Transitions and Tips
Pay attention to quick changes between D, C, G, and A, especially in the verses ("We said our good[C]bye-eye-[G]eye the [A]night before"). Practice moving between these chords smoothly. The switch to Bm and Gm may be tricky for beginners; use one finger per fret and keep your thumb low behind the neck for barre chords.
For F and Gm, try the simplified versions if full barre chords are too challenging at first. Take your time with E7 and Am in the bridge—they add color and are easier open chords.
## Final Advice
Start slow, master the chord changes, and gradually increase your speed. Listen to the original recording to internalize the rhythm and feel. With practice, you’ll capture the song’s upbeat and melodic vibe.