Song Tabs

 “Sweet Betsy From Pike” is a traditional American folk song, often performed in a lively, narrative style. It’s a staple of folk and bluegrass jams and is usually played at a moderate tempo with a bright, bouncy feel.

## Chords and Transitions

The song uses common open chords: G, D, D7, Em, C, and Am. These are beginner-friendly shapes. Practice switching between G and D/D7, as these transitions happen frequently. The D7 chord adds a bluesy, old-time flavor—keep your fingers relaxed for quick switches.

## Strumming Pattern

Use a simple folk strum: down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U). This pattern gives a swinging, easygoing rhythm, matching the song’s storytelling mood. Beginners can simplify to just downstrokes if needed, focusing on steady timing.

## Tips for Beginners

– Play slowly at first, making sure chord changes are clean—especially between G, D/D7, and Em. – The song mostly uses one chord per measure; listen for quick changes in lines like “Singin’ dang for dee die doe...” – Let the lyrics guide your strum—folk songs work well when the rhythm follows the words. – For extra character, let open strings ring out and don’t worry about absolute precision; the informal sound suits folk music.

## Final Advice

Sing along as you play. It helps lock in the rhythm and makes chord changes easier to anticipate. This is a fun, forgiving song—enjoy telling the story!