All Day and All of the Night by The Kinks is a classic British rock song from 1964. It's known for its raw energy and iconic, driving guitar riff, making it a staple for beginner guitarists interested in rock music.
How to Play on Guitar
This song uses mainly open and simple barre chords: C, D, F, E, A, and G.
Strumming Pattern:
For an authentic feel, use a strong, steady downstroke strumming pattern, mimicking the aggressive chug of the original. Try down, down, down, down in a steady eighth-note rhythm. For extra punch, accent the first downstroke of each bar.
Chord Transitions:
- The intro and instrumental sections alternate quickly between C, D, and F. Practice moving between these shapes at a steady tempo.
- The F chord is often played as a barre chord. If that's challenging, try the easier “mini barre” F (XX3211).
- The chorus also cycles between A, G, and C. Use open chords for a fuller, classic sound.
Techniques:
- Use palm muting lightly in the verses for a tighter sound, especially when playing the lower strings.
- For more authenticity, focus on the lower three or four strings, as the original riff is punchy and concise.
- Practice moving from D to F and C to F smoothly, as these are common transitions throughout the song.
Take your time with the chord changes and build up speed gradually. With practice, you’ll capture the song’s iconic energy!
IntroC D D C C F F F D
C D D C C F F F D
Verse 1C I'mD not,D conC tent,C toF be withD you in theD daytime
D Girl,D IC want, toF be withD you all ofD the time
TheF only time IC feel alright is byE your side
ChorusA Girl, IG want, toC be withA you all of the time allG day, andC all of theA night
A AllG day, andC all of theA night
A AllG day, andC all of theA night
Verse 2D I,D beC lieve,C thatF you andD me last forD ever
D Oh yeah,D allC day, andF night timeD yours, leave meD never
TheF only time IC feel alright is byE your side
ChorusA Girl, IG want, toC be withA you all of the time allG day, andC all of theA night
A AllG day, andC all of theA night
A G C A G C OhA come on
InstrumentalC D D C C F F F D
C D D C C F F F D
C D D C C F F F D
C D D C C F F F D
C D D C C F F F D
Verse 3D I,D beC lieve,C thatF you andD me last forD ever
D Oh yeah,D allC day, andF night timeD yours, leaves meD never
TheF only time IC feel alright is byE your side
ChorusA Girl, IG want, toC be withA you all of the time allG day, andC all of theA night
A AllG day, andC all of theA night
A AllG day, andC all of theA night
A G C A