Rock

Free Fallin’ Chords

Tom Petty Beginner Key of D 2 Chords 2 min read

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Gtap to play

Key

D Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Capo

None

Chords

D · G

Free Fallin’ Chords – Guitar

Tom Petty’s classic uses just two chords throughout the entire song. The simplicity is the beauty — it is all about the strum, the dynamics, and that unforgettable melody.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The trick to this song is dynamics. Play the verses softly with light strums, then open up for the chorus. The contrast makes it powerful.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the two chords

You only need D and G. That is it. Two chords for the entire song.

2

Get the rhythm

The strumming pattern is steady and driving. Keep it consistent through the whole song — the dynamics come from how hard you hit the strings, not the pattern itself.

3

Build dynamics

Verse: strum gently. Chorus: open up and strum with full force. This contrast is what makes the song emotional.

4

Sing the melody

The melody is simple and singable. The “free fallin'” hook is one of the most satisfying moments in pop music. Let it soar.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Guitar Version

Verse 1

D G D G

She’s a good girl, loves her mama

D G D G

Loves Jesus and America too

D G D G

She’s a good girl, crazy ’bout Elvis

D G D G

Loves horses and her boyfriend too

Chorus

D G D G

And it’s a long day livin’ in Reseda

D G D G

There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard

D G D G

And I’m a bad boy ’cause I don’t even miss her

D G D G

I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart

Chorus

D G D G

Now I’m free, free fallin’

D G D G

Yeah I’m free, free fallin’

Practice tip: With only two chords, your focus should be entirely on feel. Play along with the recording and match Tom Petty’s dynamics exactly. That is what makes this song work.

Dtap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-C-E-A

Chords

D · G

Free Fallin’ Chords – Ukulele

Tom Petty’s classic uses just two chords throughout the entire song. The simplicity is the beauty — it is all about the strum, the dynamics, and that unforgettable melody.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The trick to this song is dynamics. Play the verses softly with light strums, then open up for the chorus. The contrast makes it powerful.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the two chords

You only need D and G. That is it. Two chords for the entire song.

2

Get the rhythm

The strumming pattern is steady and driving. Keep it consistent through the whole song — the dynamics come from how hard you hit the strings, not the pattern itself.

3

Build dynamics

Verse: strum gently. Chorus: open up and strum with full force. This contrast is what makes the song emotional.

4

Sing the melody

The melody is simple and singable. The “free fallin'” hook is one of the most satisfying moments in pop music. Let it soar.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Ukulele Version

Verse 1

D G D G

She’s a good girl, loves her mama

D G D G

Loves Jesus and America too

D G D G

She’s a good girl, crazy ’bout Elvis

D G D G

Loves horses and her boyfriend too

Chorus

D G D G

And it’s a long day livin’ in Reseda

D G D G

There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard

D G D G

And I’m a bad boy ’cause I don’t even miss her

D G D G

I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart

Chorus

D G D G

Now I’m free, free fallin’

D G D G

Yeah I’m free, free fallin’

Practice tip: With only two chords, your focus should be entirely on feel. Play along with the recording and match Tom Petty’s dynamics exactly. That is what makes this song work.

Dtap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Left Hand

Root notes

Chords

D · G

Free Fallin’ Chords – Piano

Tom Petty’s classic uses just two chords throughout the entire song. The simplicity is the beauty — it is all about the strum, the dynamics, and that unforgettable melody.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The trick to this song is dynamics. Play the verses softly with light strums, then open up for the chorus. The contrast makes it powerful.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the two chords

You only need D and G. That is it. Two chords for the entire song.

2

Get the rhythm

The strumming pattern is steady and driving. Keep it consistent through the whole song — the dynamics come from how hard you hit the strings, not the pattern itself.

3

Build dynamics

Verse: strum gently. Chorus: open up and strum with full force. This contrast is what makes the song emotional.

4

Sing the melody

The melody is simple and singable. The “free fallin'” hook is one of the most satisfying moments in pop music. Let it soar.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Piano Version

Verse 1

D G D G

She’s a good girl, loves her mama

D G D G

Loves Jesus and America too

D G D G

She’s a good girl, crazy ’bout Elvis

D G D G

Loves horses and her boyfriend too

Chorus

D G D G

And it’s a long day livin’ in Reseda

D G D G

There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard

D G D G

And I’m a bad boy ’cause I don’t even miss her

D G D G

I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart

Chorus

D G D G

Now I’m free, free fallin’

D G D G

Yeah I’m free, free fallin’

Practice tip: With only two chords, your focus should be entirely on feel. Play along with the recording and match Tom Petty’s dynamics exactly. That is what makes this song work.

Dtap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

gDGBD (Open G)

Chords

D · G

Free Fallin’ Chords – Banjo

Tom Petty’s classic uses just two chords throughout the entire song. The simplicity is the beauty — it is all about the strum, the dynamics, and that unforgettable melody.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The trick to this song is dynamics. Play the verses softly with light strums, then open up for the chorus. The contrast makes it powerful.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the two chords

You only need D and G. That is it. Two chords for the entire song.

2

Get the rhythm

The strumming pattern is steady and driving. Keep it consistent through the whole song — the dynamics come from how hard you hit the strings, not the pattern itself.

3

Build dynamics

Verse: strum gently. Chorus: open up and strum with full force. This contrast is what makes the song emotional.

4

Sing the melody

The melody is simple and singable. The “free fallin'” hook is one of the most satisfying moments in pop music. Let it soar.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Banjo Version

Verse 1

D G D G

She’s a good girl, loves her mama

D G D G

Loves Jesus and America too

D G D G

She’s a good girl, crazy ’bout Elvis

D G D G

Loves horses and her boyfriend too

Chorus

D G D G

And it’s a long day livin’ in Reseda

D G D G

There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard

D G D G

And I’m a bad boy ’cause I don’t even miss her

D G D G

I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart

Chorus

D G D G

Now I’m free, free fallin’

D G D G

Yeah I’m free, free fallin’

Practice tip: With only two chords, your focus should be entirely on feel. Play along with the recording and match Tom Petty’s dynamics exactly. That is what makes this song work.

Dtap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Tuning

G-D-A-E

Chords

D · G

Free Fallin’ Chords – Mandolin

Tom Petty’s classic uses just two chords throughout the entire song. The simplicity is the beauty — it is all about the strum, the dynamics, and that unforgettable melody.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The trick to this song is dynamics. Play the verses softly with light strums, then open up for the chorus. The contrast makes it powerful.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the two chords

You only need D and G. That is it. Two chords for the entire song.

2

Get the rhythm

The strumming pattern is steady and driving. Keep it consistent through the whole song — the dynamics come from how hard you hit the strings, not the pattern itself.

3

Build dynamics

Verse: strum gently. Chorus: open up and strum with full force. This contrast is what makes the song emotional.

4

Sing the melody

The melody is simple and singable. The “free fallin'” hook is one of the most satisfying moments in pop music. Let it soar.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Mandolin Version

Verse 1

D G D G

She’s a good girl, loves her mama

D G D G

Loves Jesus and America too

D G D G

She’s a good girl, crazy ’bout Elvis

D G D G

Loves horses and her boyfriend too

Chorus

D G D G

And it’s a long day livin’ in Reseda

D G D G

There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard

D G D G

And I’m a bad boy ’cause I don’t even miss her

D G D G

I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart

Chorus

D G D G

Now I’m free, free fallin’

D G D G

Yeah I’m free, free fallin’

Practice tip: With only two chords, your focus should be entirely on feel. Play along with the recording and match Tom Petty’s dynamics exactly. That is what makes this song work.

Dtap to play

Gtap to play

Key

D Major

Difficulty

Beginner

Harp Key

C Diatonic

Chords

D · G

Free Fallin’ Chords – Harmonica

Tom Petty’s classic uses just two chords throughout the entire song. The simplicity is the beauty — it is all about the strum, the dynamics, and that unforgettable melody.

Strumming Pattern (4/4 Time)

↓↓↑↑↓↑

123456

Tip: The trick to this song is dynamics. Play the verses softly with light strums, then open up for the chorus. The contrast makes it powerful.

How to play

Step-by-Step Guide

1

Learn the two chords

You only need D and G. That is it. Two chords for the entire song.

2

Get the rhythm

The strumming pattern is steady and driving. Keep it consistent through the whole song — the dynamics come from how hard you hit the strings, not the pattern itself.

3

Build dynamics

Verse: strum gently. Chorus: open up and strum with full force. This contrast is what makes the song emotional.

4

Sing the melody

The melody is simple and singable. The “free fallin'” hook is one of the most satisfying moments in pop music. Let it soar.

Lyrics & Chords

Full Song — Harmonica Version

Verse 1

D G D G

She’s a good girl, loves her mama

D G D G

Loves Jesus and America too

D G D G

She’s a good girl, crazy ’bout Elvis

D G D G

Loves horses and her boyfriend too

Chorus

D G D G

And it’s a long day livin’ in Reseda

D G D G

There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard

D G D G

And I’m a bad boy ’cause I don’t even miss her

D G D G

I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart

Chorus

D G D G

Now I’m free, free fallin’

D G D G

Yeah I’m free, free fallin’

Practice tip: With only two chords, your focus should be entirely on feel. Play along with the recording and match Tom Petty’s dynamics exactly. That is what makes this song work.