C
G
F
Dm
G7
Just My Imagination
The Temptations
The original version of "Just My Imagination" by The Temptations is a smooth soul ballad, known for its gentle groove and rich harmonies. The song’s laid-back feeling is important to capture on guitar, especially for beginners.
Chords and Progression
The song uses basic open chords: C, F, Dm, G, and G7. These are beginner-friendly, though F may require practice as a barre or simplified version (such as Fmaj7).
Tip:
- Substitute F with Fmaj7 (x03210) if barre F is challenging.
Strumming Pattern
Keep the strumming gentle and steady to reflect the song’s calm vibe. Try a simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern for each measure, or even basic downstrokes for a softer sound. Listen to the original to match its relaxed rhythm.
Chord Transitions
Practice moving between C and F, as this happens often. For smoother transitions, keep your index finger anchored on the first fret of the B string between C and F (or Fmaj7).
Techniques and Tips
- Let chords ring clearly—avoid rushing transitions.
- For the intro and verses, play more softly, increasing dynamics during choruses.
- Use a capo if singing in a different key is easier for your voice.
Overall, focus on smooth, even strumming and clean chord changes to capture the dreamy feel of the song.
Intro
C G C C
C G C C
Verse 1C OoohF oooohC oooohDm
EachC day through my window IDm watch her asF she passesC byF
IC say to myself, "You'reDm such aF luckyC guy"F
Verse 2C To have a girl likeF her, isC truly a dream comeF true
Out ofC all of the fellas in theF world, she belongs toC youF
ChorusBut it wasC just my imaginationF ,C running away with meF
It wasC just my imaginaF tion, running aC way with meF
Verse 3Oooh-oh-ohC Soon we'll be married, andF raise a famiC ly ohF yeah
AC cozy, little home, out in the country, withF two children maybeC threeF
I tell youC IF I can visualC ize it allF
ThisC couldn't, be a dream, for tooF re-eal it all-allC seemsF
ChorusBut it wasC just my imaginationF once again,C running away with meF
Telling me it wasC just my imaginaF tion, running aC way with meF
BridgeC Every night, on my knees I pray: "Dear Lord, hear my plea
Don't ever let anotherF take her love fromC me or I willDm surelyG7 die-eye-eye
Her love is,C heavenly. When her arms enfold me. I hear a tender rhapsody
But in reality, she doesn't even know me
OutroJust my imaginationF once again,C running away with meF
Oh tell you it wasC just my imaginaF tion, running aC way with meF
C Just my imagination,F yeah yeah yeah yeahC running away with meF
Oooh,C just my imaginaF tionC