The Key To Life - Vince Gill | Song Tabs - Guitar Chord Sheets

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The Key To Life Vince Gill

Vince Gill’s original version is a heartfelt country ballad, typically played with a gentle, laid-back groove. Keeping this tone in mind will help you capture the song’s spirit on guitar.

Chords and Progression
This song uses only three basic chords: D, G, and A. All are open chords, making it beginner-friendly.

Strumming Pattern
A simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D D U U D U) strumming pattern works well for this song. Play it softly to match the reflective mood. You can also use straight downstrokes for verses if you want a simpler approach.

Chord Transitions
Practice moving between D, G, and A smoothly. Pay particular attention to transitions from D to G and back, as the song returns to these often. Keep your fingers close to the strings and minimize hand movement for smoother changes.

Tips
Listen to the original track to get a feel for the tempo and dynamics. Try muting the strings lightly with your palm for a softer sound on quieter sections. For the instrumental sections, keep the strumming steady to maintain the flow.

With patience and practice, you’ll capture the gentle, nostalgic feel that makes this song special.

D

G

A

Intro

D D G G

D D A A

D D G G

D A D

Verse 1

I'dD love to hear my daddy playG once again

All theD songs that he taught me, when IA was a kid

JohnD Henry, Ol' Shep, andG Faded Love

I Fall ToD Pieces, andA On The Wings,D Of A Dove

Verse 2

Just aD few chords on the banjo, that wasG all he knew

But in theD eyes of a child, man hisA fingers flew

ID practiced, and I practiced, til IG got it right

ID packed up everyA thing, and just tookD off one night

Instrumental

D D G G

D D A A

D D G G

D A D D

Verse 3

ID made it from the beer joints, to theG Opry stage

HeD said the only difference, is what you'reA gettin' paid

HeD didn't care that everybodyG knew my name

HeD said it's all forA nothin', if you don'tD stay the same

Verse 4

But when heD died the preacher cried, and saidG he's the lucky one

He'sD walkin' hand in hand in hand, with God'sA only son

MyD faith, and common sense tell me theG preacher's right

But I'dD love to hear theA banjo ring forD me tonight

Chorus

And I willG honor my father with theseD words I write down

And asG long as I remember him he'llD always be aA round

And theD pain of losin' him cuts like aG Randall knife

I learned aD few chords on theA banjo as theD key to life

Outro Chorus

Yeah theD pain of losin' him cuts like aG Randall knife

I learned aD few chords on theA banjo as theD key to life

Outro

D D G G

D D A A

D D G G

D A D D

D D G G

D D A A

D D G G

D A D D D