Song Tabs

 “Spanish Ladies” is a traditional sea shanty often sung in a lively, communal style. Its folk roots mean it's well-suited for acoustic guitar and group singalongs, with a straightforward melody and repetitive structure that makes it accessible for beginners.

Chord Progression and Transitions

The song uses common open chords: G, Em, C, D, and D7. Practice switching smoothly between these, especially between G–Em and D–D7, as these changes occur frequently. When moving from D to D7, keep your index finger anchored on the second fret of the G string to speed up the transition.

Strumming Pattern

Aim for a steady, folk-style strumming pattern. A simple pattern such as:

Down – Down-Up – Up-Down-Up

works well (count as 1 – 2& – &4&). Keep the rhythm lively to match the song’s nautical feel. Beginners can start with all downstrokes to get comfortable, then add upstrokes for flow.

Techniques and Tips

– Emphasize the first downstroke of each bar for a march-like pulse. – End each verse and chorus with a single downstroke on the final G, letting it ring. – Play the C and G chords in the last line of each section cleanly, as they provide a satisfying resolution.

With practice, focus on smooth chord changes and keeping the rhythm even. Sing along for added fun—this song is meant to be shared!