C
E
F
G
E7
G7
Dm
C7
Fm
Bb
Em
A7
D7
Am
Build Me Up Buttercup
The Foundations
 Build Me Up Buttercup by The Foundations is a 1968 pop classic known for its upbeat tempo and infectious melody. The original version features a lively rhythm section and brass, but it translates well to an acoustic guitar.
Chords & Transitions
The song uses mostly open chords: C, E, E7, F, G, G7, C7, Fm, Dm, Bb, Em, A7, D7, and Am. For beginners, F and Bb can be challenging as they are barre chords; practice moving between C, F, and G slowly before trying to play at tempo. Use simplified barre forms if needed.
Strumming Pattern
A bright and bouncy strumming pattern works best. Try:
Down, Down-Up, Up-Down-Up (D, D-U, U-D-U)
Keep your strums light and accent the second and fourth beats for a pop feel. Tap your foot to maintain rhythm.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice the E to E7 transition—just lift your ring finger for E7.
- For quick chord changes, especially in the chorus (C to C7 to F to Fm), keep your index finger anchored if possible.
- If barre chords are tough, substitute Bb and Fm with simpler versions or partial barres.
- Keep your wrist loose for the fast-paced sections.
- Sing along! The vocal cues help with timing and make it easier to feel where the changes come.
With some practice, this song makes a great singalong and is fun for group playing.
Intro
C E F G
C E E7 F G
Verse 1Why do youC build me up(build me up),E ButtercupE7 baby just toF let me down(let me down)
AndG7 mess me around and thenC worst of all(worst of all)
YouE never callE7 baby when youF say you will(say you will)
ButDm I love youG still
ChorusI needC you,(I need you)more thanC7 anyone darlin'
YouF know that I have from theFm start
SoC build me up(build me up),G Buttercup, don't break myF heart
F C G C G
Bridge 1I'll beC over atG ten you told meBb time and aF gain but you'reC late
I wait aF round and then(Bah dah [C]dah)
I went to theG door I can'tBb take anyF more it's notC you
You let meF down again hey heyDm hey
Pre-ChorusBaby baby, try to findG7 Hey heyEm hey
A little time, andA7 I'll make you happy
Dm I'll be home, I'll be beD7 side the phone waiting forG you
Oooh-oo-oooh, oooh-oo-oooh
Verse 2Why do youC build me up(build me up),E ButtercupE7 baby just toF let me down(let me down)
AndG7 mess me around and thenC worst of all(worst of all)
YouE never callE7 baby when youF say you will(say you will)
ButDm I love youG still
ChorusI needC you,(I need you)more thanC7 anyone darlin'
YouF know that I have from theFm start
SoC build me up(build me up),G Buttercup, don't break myF heart
F C G C G
Bridge 2C You were myG toy but IBb could be theF boy you aC dore
If you'd justF let me know(bah dah [C]dah)
Although you're unG true I'm aBb ttracted toF you all theC more
Why do IF need you so hey heyDm hey
Pre-ChorusBaby baby, try to findG7 Hey heyEm hey
A little time, andA7 I'll make you happy
Dm I'll be home, I'll be beD7 side the phone waiting forG you
Oooh-oo-oooh, oooh-oo-oooh
Final VerseWhy do youC build me up(build me up),E ButtercupE7 baby just toF let me down(let me down)
AndG7 mess me around and thenC worst of all(worst of all)
YouE never callE7 baby when youF say you will(say you will)
ButDm I love youG still
OutroI needC you,(I need you)more thanC7 anyone darlin'
YouF know that I have from theFm start
SoC build me up(build me up),G Buttercup, don't break myAm heart
I - I - I needC you-oo-oo more thanC7 anyone baby
YouF know that I have from theFm start
SoC build me up(build me up),G Buttercup, don't break myF heartC