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Key
G Major
Difficulty
Beginner
Tuning
gDGBD (Open G)
Chords
G · Em · D · C
John Denver’s love letter to West Virginia is one of the most singable songs ever written. Four open chords and a happy, bouncing rhythm make it perfect for group singalongs.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: Let the bass notes ring on beat 1. For G, emphasize the low E string. For Em, hit the open low E. This gives the song its warm, full-bodied country sound.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the four chords
You need G, Em, D, and C. The whole song uses just these four in a predictable pattern.
2
Get the rhythm
This is a bright, bouncy 4/4 strum. Emphasize the downbeats and keep the up-strums light. The tempo is moderate, around 80 BPM.
3
Learn the verse pattern
Verse: G-Em-D-C-G. Pre-chorus: Em-D-G. Each chord gets a full bar. The changes are smooth and predictable.
4
Belt out the chorus
The chorus is where everyone sings along. G-D-Em-C-G. Strum bigger and let your voice soar on “Country roads, take me home.”
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Banjo Version
Verse 1
G Em
Almost heaven, West Virginia
D C G
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
G Em
Life is old there, older than the trees
D C G
Younger than the mountains, growin’ like a breeze
Chorus
G D
Country roads, take me home
Em C
To the place I belong
G D
West Virginia, mountain mama
C G
Take me home, country roads
Verse 2
G Em
All my memories gather round her
D C G
Miner’s lady, stranger to blue water
G Em
Dark and dusty, painted on the sky
D C G
Misty taste of moonshine, teardrop in my eye
Practice tip: This is a perfect singalong song. Once you can play the verse and chorus, grab a friend and sing it together. The joy of this song is in sharing it.