C
D
E
A
Asus4
B7
F#
B
F#m
C#m
Lola
The Kinks
"Lola" is a classic rock song by The Kinks, famous for its catchy melody and storytelling lyrics. The original version features a laid-back, jangly rock feel that is approachable for beginners.
Chords and Progression
The main chords used are E, A, D, C, Asus4, B7, F#, F#m, and C#m. These are mostly open chords, making the song accessible for those new to guitar. Practice switching between E, A, and D, as these transitions appear frequently throughout the verses.
Strumming Pattern
Start with a relaxed down-down-up-up-down-up pattern (D-D-U-U-D-U) to capture the song's groove. Keep the strumming light and consistent, especially during verses. For the choruses and bridge, you can play slightly louder and more percussively to emphasize dynamic changes.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice the quick change from A to Asus4 and back to A, as this adds a distinctive flavor to the song. To play Asus4, simply add your pinky to the 3rd fret of the B string while holding the A chord.
- The transitions from D to C and C to E can be tricky. Slow down and focus on finger placement to ensure clean chord changes.
- For the C-D-E walk-up in the intro and outro, play each chord with a single strum for a dramatic effect before returning to the main strumming pattern.
Keep your strumming hand loose, focus on steady rhythm, and enjoy the singalong nature of "Lola"!
Intro
C C C D E
Verse 1E I met her in a club down in old Soho
Where youA drink champagne and itD tastes just like CocaE Cola
C-O-L-AA colaAsus4 A
SheE walked up to me and she asked me to dance
IA asked her her name and in aD dark brown voice she saidE Lola
L-O-L-AA LolaD Lo lo lo loC LolaE
Verse 2WellE I'm not the world's most physical guy
But when sheA squeezed me tight she nearlyD broke my spine you know myE Lola
Lo lo lo loA LolaAsus4 A
WellE I'm not dumb but I can't understand
Why sheA walked like a woman butD talked like a man oh myE Lola
Lo lo lo loA LolaD Lo lo lo loC LolaE
Chorus 1Well weB7 drank champagne and danced all nightF# under electric candle light
SheA picked me up and sat me on her knee and said pretty boy won't youA come home with me
Verse 3WellE I'm not the world's most passionate guy
But when IA looked in her eyes well ID almost fell for myE Lola
Lo lo lo loA LolaD Lo lo lo loC Lola
E Lola Lo lo lo loA LolaD Lo lo lo loC LolaE
BridgeIA pushedE her aB wayE IA walkedE to theB doorE IA fellE to theB floor
I gotE downF#m on myC#m knees
ThenB I looked at her and she at me
Verse 4WellE that's the way that I want it to stay and IA always want it toD be that way for myE Lola
Lo lo lo loA LolaAsus4 A
E Girls will be boys and boys will be girls it's aA mixed up muddled upD shook up world except myE Lola
Lo lo lo loA Lola
Chorus 2Hey andB7 I'd left home just a week before andF# I'd never ever kissed a woman before
WellA Lola smiled and took me by the hand said pretty boy gonnaA make you a man
Verse 5WellE I'm not the world's most passionate man
But IA know what I am and I'mD glad I'm a man an so isE Lola
Lo lo lo loA LolaD Lo lo lo loC Lola
OutroE Lola Lo lo lo loA LolaD Lo lo lo loC Lola
E Lola Lo lo lo loA LolaD Lo lo lo loC Lola
E Lola Lo lo lo loA LolaD Lo lo lo loC Lola
C D E