A
A7
D
D7
E7
E
Mustang Sally
Wilson Pickett
Wilson Pickett’s "Mustang Sally" is a classic R&B track, famous for its driving groove and simple, catchy chord progression. The original is energetic and soulful, making it a favorite for beginner guitarists to learn rhythm and chord changes.
Chord Progression & Transitions
The song is mostly based around the chords A, A7, D, D7, E, and E7. These are all open chords, making them very accessible for beginners. Practice transitioning smoothly between A and A7, as this is a frequent change throughout the song. The jump from A or A7 to D/D7 and E/E7 is also common, so take it slow and use the open position shapes.
Strumming Pattern
To capture the original groove, use a medium-tempo, steady down-up strumming pattern. Try:
Down – Down-Up – Up-Down-Up
Keep your strumming hand relaxed and accentuate the backbeat (the 2 and 4 counts) to mimic the song’s soulful feel.
Tips for Beginners
- Use your index finger as a pivot when moving between A and A7 by simply lifting your middle finger (A7) or pressing it back down (A).
- For D and D7, keep your ring finger anchored on the B string whenever possible to minimize finger movement.
- Practice the E to E7 transition by just lifting your ring finger off the fourth string.
- Mute the strings lightly with your palm during breaks in the vocals for a percussive effect.
Play along with the original recording to match the groove and timing. Have fun and focus on keeping the rhythm steady!
Intro
A A7 A
A A7 A
Verse 1MustangA Sally,A7 huh, guess you better slow your mustangA downA7 A
Oh LordA7 A What I said nowA7 A MustangD Sally now baby, oh Lord
Guess you betterD7 slow yourD mustangA downA7 A Oh yeahA7 A
You beenE7 runnin' all over theE town nowD
Oh I guess I'll have to put your flatD feet on theA groundA7 A
What I said nowA7 A A7 A
ChorusListen all you want to do is ride aroundA7 Sal-A ly rideA7 Sal-A ly ride
All you want to do is ride aroundA7 Sal-A ly rideA7 Sal-A ly ride
D All you want to do is ride around Sally rideD7 SallyD ride huh
A All you want to do is ride aroundA7 Sal-A ly rideA7 Sal-A ly ride
E One of these early mornings yeahD gonna be wiping your weepin'A eyesA7 A
What I said now, look it hereA7 A
Verse 2I bought you a brand new mustang, 'bout nineteen sixtyA fiveA7 A Huh
Now you come around signifyin' a woman, you don't want to let me ride
MustannnngD Sally now baby, oh Lord, guess you betterD7 slow that mustangA downA7 A
Oh LordA7 A Lookit it. You beenE7 runnin' all over theE townD
I got to put your flatD feet on theA groundA7 A
What I said nowA7 A let me say it one more time y'all
OutroNow all you want to do is ride aroundA7 Sal-A ly rideA7 Sal-A ly ride
All you want to do is ride aroundA7 Sal-A ly rideA7 Sal-A ly ride