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Key
G Major
Difficulty
Beginner
Harp Key
C Diatonic
Chords
G · C · D · Em
Van Morrison’s timeless classic is pure joy in song form. The bouncing rhythm and singable melody make it one of the most requested songs at any gathering.
Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)
↓↓↑↑↓↑
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Tip: The intro riff follows the G chord shape. Pick the D string, then hammer-on from the open G string to the 2nd fret. This gives the song its signature bounce.
How to play
Step-by-Step Guide
1
Learn the four chords
You need G, C, D, and Em. The verse uses G-C-G-D, the chorus uses C-D-G-Em-C-D-G.
2
Get the bounce
This song has an upbeat, swinging feel. Accent the “and” beats slightly to give it that shuffle groove.
3
Learn the structure
Verse: G-C-G-D repeated twice. Chorus: C-D-G-Em, then C-D-G. The “sha la la” part is pure singalong gold.
4
Sing it out
The chorus is the payoff. Let your strumming open up and sing the “sha la la la la la la” with gusto.
Lyrics & Chords
Full Song — Harmonica Version
Verse 1
G C
Hey, where did we go?
G D
Days when the rains came
G C
Down in the hollow,
G D
Playin’ a new game
Chorus
C D G Em
Do you remember when we used to sing
C D G D
Sha la la la la la la la la la la te da
Verse 2
G C
Whatever happened
G D
To Tuesday and so slow
G C
Going down the old mine
G D
With a transistor radio
Practice tip: The G to C change is the most frequent transition. Practice just those two chords back and forth until the switch is instant. Everything else will feel easy after that.