Song Tabs

 Three Dog Night’s original "Black And White" is an uplifting, mid-tempo pop song featuring clear vocals and straightforward instrumentation. This makes it well-suited for beginner guitarists, as the chords and rhythm are approachable.

Chords

The song uses basic open chords: G, D, C, Cadd9, Cmaj7, and D7. Practice switching between G and D, as this transition appears frequently. Cadd9 and Cmaj7 are simple variations of C; try them first with the standard C shape, moving your finger as needed.

Strumming Pattern

A steady down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) strumming pattern fits the feel of the original. Keep your strumming relaxed and even, focusing on accenting the first downbeat to drive the rhythm. For a softer verse, use only downstrokes or a gentle down-up pattern.

Chord Transitions and Techniques

Pay special attention to the quick changes between C, Cadd9, and Cmaj7 in the intro. Practice these slowly, ensuring each note rings clearly. For D7, move your fingers just slightly from the D position; keep your hand relaxed to avoid muting strings.

Tips for Beginners

Start slow, focus on clean transitions, and gradually build up speed. Listen to the original track to get a sense of timing and dynamics. Use a capo if the original key is too high or low for your voice.