Weird Al’s “Stop Draggin’ My Car Around” is a parody inspired by Tom Petty’s style. The original features a moderate rock groove, which helps guide your own approach to rhythm and feel on guitar.
## Chords
You’ll use these open chords: Am, C, D, F, and G. Practice switching between Am–C–D, as this is repeated throughout verses and instrumental sections.
## Strumming Pattern
A steady down-up strumming pattern fits well: D-DU-UDU (D=down, U=up). Keep the rhythm even and relaxed, especially in the verses. For choruses, strum a bit stronger to match the song’s energy.
## Chord Transitions
Focus on quick, clean changes between Am–C–D. Practice looping Am–C–D until smooth. For F, try the simpler “mini F” (xx3211) if full barre F is difficult. When moving from F to G or C, use economy of motion—keep fingers close to the fretboard.
## Tips for Beginners
Count in 4s for each chord (one bar per chord). During the chorus line “stop draggin’ my, stop draggin’ my,” chords change faster (F–C–F–C), so anticipate the movement.
Keep your strumming wrist loose. If a section feels too fast, slow it down and gradually build up speed.
Above all, have fun and sing along!
IntroD F C F
Am Am C D
Am Am C D
Verse 1Am Had to park my car forC just fiveD minutes
Am I had to go inside toC use theD phone
Am When I came back again myC car wasD gone well
Am I didn't know it was aC loadingD zone
ChorusF What a bummer I wasG so brought down
F I had to chase that tow truckG all over town yellin'
F Stop draggin' my,G stop draggin' my,F stopC draggin' myF car aC round
InstrumentalAm Am C D
Am Am C D
Verse 2Am Took my baby to theC localD disco
Am I was jumpin' like aC maniD ac
Am But the owner came andC pulled me off theD floor then he
Am He took me to his littleC office in theD back
Am He said "I really like yourC snaggletoothD necklace
Am Your pants are groovy and youC hair's oD kay
ChorusF But man that car of yours isG so uncool
F Like wow I'm sorry but weG towed it away
F Stop draggin' my,G stop draggin' my,F stopC draggin' myF car aC round
SoloAm Am C D
G G F C
G G F C
G G F C
D D F C F
Verse 3Am Now I'm at home I'm watchin'C Gilligan'sD Island
Am Guess it's time to trade myC my old carD in
Am For twenty dollars and my 'C 64D Plymouth
Am Maybe I could get aC second-handD Schwin
Am Look out the window there's aC tow truck in theD driveway
Am I grabbed the driver and IC asked himD why
ChorusF He said "I'm sorry kid you'reG late with the payments
F It's time to kiss your littleG car goodbye"
F Stop draggin' my,G stop draggin' my,F stopC draggin' myF car aC round
OutroAm Stop draggin' myC car aD roundAm Am C D
Am Stop draggin' myC car aD roundAm Am C D
Am Stop draggin' myC car aD roundAm Am C D
Am Stop draggin' myC car aD roundAm Am C D
Am Stop draggin' myC car aD roundAm Am C D Am