D
G
Bm
A
This Old Guitar And Me
Vince Gill
Vince Gill’s "This Old Guitar And Me" is a heartfelt, country-folk ballad. The original keeps a gentle, reflective feel, letting the lyrics and melody shine, and is typically performed at a relaxed, moderate tempo.
## Chords Used
D, G, Bm, A
- All chords are open except Bm, which is a barre chord. Beginners may substitute Bm with a simplified version (x24432 or x20202), but practice the full barre shape for best sound.
## Strumming Pattern
A simple country strum works well: D-D-U-U-D-U (D=down, U=up).
- Keep the strum relaxed and even.
- If in doubt, stick to steady down-strums for verses and add up-strums in choruses for energy.
## Chord Transitions
Practice moving between D, G, and A, as these are common changes.
- The transition from G to Bm can be tricky; slow down and ensure all notes ring cleanly.
- Moving from Bm to G: slide your index finger off the barre smoothly.
## Techniques and Tips
- Keep your fretting hand relaxed to avoid fatigue, especially in verses with frequent Bm changes.
- For a more authentic sound, use light palm muting on verses.
- Listen to the original for dynamics: softer verses, stronger choruses.
- Sing along to help with timing and chord changes.
Take it slow at first, building up speed as you gain confidence!
Intro
D D D D
Verse 1This old guitar and me, theG things that we've beenD through.
C. F. MartinBm built it, back inG nineteen fourty-A two.
And I reD member when we met, I wasG only sevenD teen.
I spent all my collegeBm money, on aG half a dozenD strings.
Verse 2I thought my folks would kill me, IG found out I wasD wrong.
They said your future's writtenBm on your face when youG sing those travelin'A songs.
So weD headed for Kentucky, with aG suitcase full ofD dreams.
My rough out boots, aBm few t-shirts, aG worn out pair ofD jeans.
ChorusG Ooooh-D ooh.G Ooooh hooo-Bm hooo.
G Ooooh- oooh -D hoooh.Bm G A D
Verse 3This old guitar and me, we spent aG lot of nights aD lone.
Sometimes we'd getBm lucky, andG take a bar maidA home.
D One night stands for breakfast, twoG strangers with theD blues.
We'd wake up in theBm mornin', andG both feel a littleD used.
Verse 4Home was just a highway, we'dG roam from town toD town.
Just me and that oldBm flattop, notG caring where we'reA bound.
FromD Maine to California, with aG five piece travelin'D band.
Singin' songs about theBm hard times, thatG face the commonD man.
ChorusG Ooooh-D ooh.G Ooooh hooo-Bm hooo.
G Ooooh- oooh -D hoooh.Bm G A D
Verse 5This old guitar and me, Lord weG did the best weD could.
One was born aBm sinner, andG one a piece ofA wood.
GodD sent a wooden angel, toG guide me on myD way.
We were meant to be toBm gether, unG til my dyin'D day.
Verse 6Now my dearest old companion, liesG underneath myD bed.
Well our travelin' days areBm over, man but theG memories fill myA head.
Well I'veD settled with my family, here in theG hills of TennesD see.
To teach my children'sBm children, 'bout thisG old guitar andD me.
OutroG Ooooh-D ooh.G Ooooh hooo-Bm hooo.
G Ooooh- oooh -D hoooh.Bm G A D