D
G
A
A7
E7
Cold Gray Light Of Gone
Vince Gill & The Del McCoury Band
"Cold Gray Light Of Gone" by Vince Gill & The Del McCoury Band is a bluegrass-influenced country song. The original features acoustic instruments and a steady, heartfelt rhythm, which makes it approachable for beginner guitarists.
Chords and Transitions
The main chords are D, G, A (A7), and E7. All are open chords, ideal for beginners. Practice smooth transitions, especially between D and G, and between A7 and D.
Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) strumming pattern fits well. Keep your wrist relaxed and aim for an even rhythm, matching the song’s slow-to-moderate tempo. For a more authentic bluegrass feel, try alternating bass notes with each chord.
Tips for Beginners
- Practice chord shapes slowly, aiming for clean, ringing notes.
- During instrumental breaks, keep strumming the chords as written to maintain the rhythm.
- If A7 feels awkward, use regular A as a substitute, but A7 adds a classic country sound.
- E7 appears only in the chorus. Get comfortable switching from D to E7, then to A or A7.
- Listen to the original recording to internalize the groove and dynamic changes.
With steady practice, this song helps build confidence in basic chord changes and strumming.
Intro
D D G D
D D A D
Verse 1D Oh I woke up this mornin',G long before theD dawn
I stumbled to the kitchen, and put some coffeeA7 on
TheD house was deathly quiet, I knewG somethin' wasD wrong
ThenG suddenly itD dawned on me, theA cold gray light ofD gone
ChorusNo there's nothin' quite as lonely, as theG cold gray light ofD gone
Waking up and findin' out, she'sE7 never comin'A home
And theD note that said it's over, Lord itG chills me to theD bone
No there's nothin' quite as lonely, as theA7 cold gray light ofD gone
Mandolin SoloD D A D
Verse 2D Oh I sat and cried for hours, and IG tried to clear myD head
I even went and laid back down, on her side of theA bed
HerD perfume lingered on the sheets, ourG love once laid upD on
HerG mem'ry's deD stroyin' me, in theA cold gray light ofD gone
ChorusNo there's nothin' quite as lonely, as theG cold gray light ofD gone
Waking up and findin' out, she'sE7 never comin'A home
And theD note that said it's over, Lord itG chills me to theD bone
No there's nothin' quite as lonely, as theA7 cold gray light ofD gone
Fiddle SoloD D D G D
D D D A7
Mandolin SoloD D G D
D D A7 D
Final ChorusNo there's nothin' quite as lonely, as theG cold gray light ofD gone
Waking up and findin' out, she'sE7 never comin'A home
And theD note that said it's over, Lord itG chills me to theD bone
No there's nothin' quite as lonely, as theA7 cold gray light ofD gone
No there's nothin' quite as lonely, as theA cold gray light ofD gone