D
G
C
Em
D#
Bb
Come Dancing
The Kinks
"Come Dancing" is a lively, nostalgic pop-rock song by The Kinks, first released in 1982. Its upbeat rhythm and storytelling lyrics make it a fun choice for beginner guitarists who want to practice common chords and transitions.
Chords and Progression
The song mainly uses open chords: G, D, C, Em, and in the ending, D# and Bb. Beginners can play most of the song with open chords, except for D# and Bb, which are typically played as barre chords. If you're new to barre chords, focus on the main song sections and skip the ending, or substitute with easier shapes.
Strumming Pattern
A simple, steady strumming pattern works well: try down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U). Keep the rhythm upbeat and light, reflecting the song's danceable feel. Start slow until the chord switches feel comfortable.
Chord Transitions
Practice moving between G, D, and C, as these are frequent changes. For smoother transitions:
- Keep your fingers close to the fretboard.
- Look for finger positions that stay the same or move minimally between chords.
- Play G to C and C to D repeatedly as an exercise.
Techniques and Tips
- Count in (1-2-3-4) before starting the intro to set your tempo.
- During the bridge, emphasize the Em and C chords for a mood change.
- If struggling with D# and Bb, play the rest of the song confidently and revisit barre chords as you improve.
Enjoy playing and let the upbeat groove guide your strumming!
Intro
D G G D G G D G
Verse 1They put a parking lot on a piece ofG land
Where theD supermarket used toG stand
Before that they put up a bowling alley
D On the site that used to be the localG palais
C That's where the big bandsG used to come and play
D My sister went there on a SaturG day
ChorusComeC dancing, all her boyfriendsG used to come and call
Why not comeD dancing, it'sC only naturG al
Verse 2G D G G D G
Another Saturday anotherG date
D She would be ready but she'd always make themG wait
In the hallway in anticipation
D He didn't know the night would end up in frustG ration
C He'd end up blowing all hisG wages for the week
D All for a cuddle and aG peck on the cheek
ChorusComeC dancing, that's how they did it whenG I was just a kid
And when they said comeD dancing, myC sister alwaysG did
BridgeMyEm sister should haveD come in atC midnight
And myEm mom would alwaysD sit up andC waitD
ItEm always endedD up in a bigC row
When myEm sister used toD get homeC late
SpokenG Out of my window I canD see them in the moonlight
G Two silhouettes saying goodnight by the gardenD gate
BridgeTheEm day theyD knocked down theC palais
MyEm sisterD stood andC criedD
TheEm day theyD knocked down theC palais
Em Part of myD childhoodC died, just died
InstrumentalEm D C C D Em D C C D
Em D C C D Em D C G D G
Verse 3Now I'm grown up and playing in aG band
And there's aD car park where the palais used toG stand
My sister's married and she lives on an estate
D Her daughters go out now it's her turn toG wait
C She knows they get away withG things she never could
D But if I asked her IG wonder if she would
Final ChorusComeC dancing, come on sisterG have yourself a ball
Don't be afraid to comeD dancing
It'sC only naturG al
OutroComeC dancing, just like the palaisG on a Saturday
And all her friends will comeD dancing
Where theC big bands used toEm play
EndingD# Bb D# D# Bb D# D# Bb D# D# Bb D#