Song Tabs

 The original "She's Not There" by The Zombies is a 1964 classic known for its haunting melody and jazzy, syncopated feel. The song’s distinctive chords and rhythm contribute to its mysterious vibe, making it a rewarding choice for guitarists to learn.

Chord Progression & Transitions

This song uses mostly open chords: Am, D, F, Em, Dm, C, E, and E7. Practice switching between Am and D, as these repeat often. The F chord can be tricky; try the simplified version (xx3211) if full barre chords are challenging.

Strumming Pattern

A good beginner strumming pattern is: down, down-up, up-down-up (D, D-U, U-D-U). Play lightly and steadily, especially during the intro and instrumental sections. The song flows best with a gentle swing, so don’t rush the rhythm.

Techniques & Tips

For the E7 in the bridge and outro, let it ring to highlight the mood change. Pay attention to dynamics: verses are softer, while choruses and bridges can be played slightly louder. Count the bars in the intro and instrumental to stay in sync.

Practice moving quickly between Am, D, and F, as these are central throughout. Try palm muting slightly during verses for a percussive effect, then open up on choruses.

With practice, this song helps develop rhythmic accuracy and smooth chord changes—key skills for any beginner guitarist.