G
D7
D
C
This Ain't My First Rodeo
Vern Gosdin
"This Ain't My First Rodeo" is a classic country song by Vern Gosdin, known for its straightforward storytelling and traditional country sound. The original recording features gentle acoustic guitar accompaniment, making it a great choice for beginner players to practice basic country rhythm and chord changes.
Chords and Progression
The song uses just four basic chords: G, C, D, and D7.
These are all open chords, which are ideal for beginners. Practice switching between these chords smoothly before playing the full song.
Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up strumming pattern works well for this song.
Count "1-2-and-and-4-and" for each measure, which fits the country feel. You can also use straight downstrokes if you're just starting out.
Tips for Beginners
- Start Slow: Play through the intro ([G] x8) to get comfortable with the rhythm.
- Chord Changes: The most common transition is between G and D/D7. Practice moving from G to D then D7 smoothly.
- D7 Chord: The D7 appears often, especially at line endings. Make sure your fingers are in the correct position to switch quickly from D to D7.
- Chorus Tips: Remember the quick switch from C to G, then to D/D7.
- Keep It Steady: Focus on keeping your strumming even, even if you need to slow down.
With practice, you'll capture the relaxed, storytelling feel of the original.
Intro
G G G G G G G G
Verse 1G You say you're Mama called and you must go
She's down in the bed and needs youD7 so
And you don't know if you'll be comingD home tonight or not
But honey ain't you'reD7 mama sick aG lot
Verse 2G Lately, you're head hurts every night
Could it be you wear your cloths tooD7 tight?
Since you don't seem to hear a singleD thing I say or do
Then I know there's nothingD7 I can do forG you
ChorusThis ain't myC first rodeG o
This ain't the first time this oldD cowboy's beenD7 throwed
This ain't the first I've seen thisD dog and pony show
This ain't my first rodeG o
InstrumentalD D D D D G
Verse 3G You're telling me you lost you're wedding band?
Somehow you say it slipped right off you'reD7 hand
And when I asked about those boxes stacked thereD by the door
You say it's just some old thingsD7 you don't wear noG more
Verse 4G I didn't make it all the way through school
But my mama, didn't raise anyD7 fool
I may not be the Einstein, of ourD time
But honey I'm notD7 dumb and I'm notG blind
ChorusThis ain't myC first rodeG o
This ain't the first time this oldD cowboy's beenD7 throwed
This ain't the first I've seen thisD dog and pony show. Honey,
This ain't my first rodeG o
OutroThis ain't myC first rodeG o
This ain't the first time this oldD cowboy's beenD7 throwed
This ain't the first I've seen thisD dog and pony show
This ain't my first rodeG oG