The Beatles’ “Blackbird” Acoustic Guitar Lesson with Chord Chart

The Beatles are renowned for their timeless music, and “Blackbird” is undoubtedly one of their most beloved and iconic songs. Written by Paul McCartney, this acoustic gem has captivated generations with its beautiful melody and poetic lyrics. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to play “Blackbird” on the guitar, you’re in luck! In this guitar lesson, we will break down the song step by step and provide you with a chord chart to help you master this classic tune.

Chords Used in “Blackbird”

Before we dive into the song, let’s familiarize ourselves with the chords you’ll need to play “Blackbird.” The primary chords used in the song are:

1. G (320033)
2. Am (x02210)
3. Am/G (3×2210)
4. Am/F# (2×2210)
5. Am/F (1×2210)
6. Em (022000)
7. D (xx0232)
8. C (x32010)
9. D7 (xx0212)

Fingerpicking Pattern

“Blackbird” is known for its intricate fingerpicking pattern. To achieve that signature sound, follow this pattern:

e|-----------------------|-----------------------|
B|---------1-------1-----|---------1-------1-----|
G|-------0-------0-------|-------0-------0-------|
D|-----0-------0-------0-|-----2-------2-------2-|
A|---2-------2-------2---|---3-------3-------3---|
E|-3-------3-------3-----|-3-------3-------3-----|

For each chord, you’ll use this pattern as your foundation.

Verse 1: Blackbird singing in the dead of night…

Let’s start with the opening verse. Begin with the G chord and follow the fingerpicking pattern:

G
e|-----------------------|
B|---------1-------1-----|
G|-------0-------0-------|
D|-----0-------0-------0-|
A|---2-------2-------2---|
E|-3-------3-------3-----|

Now, switch to Am:

Am
e|-----------------------|
B|---------1-------1-----|
G|-------0-------0-------|
D|-----2-------2-------2-|
A|---0-------0-------0---|
E|-x-------x-------x-----|

Then, Am/G:

Am/G
e|-----------------------|
B|---------1-------1-----|
G|-------0-------0-------|
D|-----2-------2-------2-|
A|---0-------0-------0---|
E|-3-------3-------3-----|

Finally, Am/F#:

Am/F#
e|-----------------------|
B|---------1-------1-----|
G|-------0-------0-------|
D|-----2-------2-------2-|
A|---4-------4-------4---|
E|-x-------x-------x-----|

Repeat this sequence for the first verse. Remember to maintain the fingerpicking pattern as you switch between chords.

Verse 2: Take these broken wings and learn to fly…

The second verse follows the same chord progression as the first verse. Continue using the G, Am, Am/G, and Am/F# chords with the fingerpicking pattern.

Verse 3: Blackbird fly…

In the third verse, you’ll introduce a new chord, Am/F:

Am/F
e|-----------------------|
B|---------1-------1-----|
G|-------0-------0-------|
D|-----2-------2-------2-|
A|---0-------0-------0---|
E|-1-------1-------1-----|

The chord progression for this verse is G, Am/F, Am/G, and Am/F#. Keep using the fingerpicking pattern as you play through these chords.

Bridge: All your life…

The bridge section features a new chord, C:

C
e|-----------------------|
B|---------1-------1-----|
G|-------0-------0-------|
D|-----2-------2-------2-|
A|---3-------3-------3---|
E|-x-------x-------x-----|

The chord progression for the bridge is C, Am, E, and D. Use the fingerpicking pattern as you transition between these chords.

Ending: Blackbird, you were only waiting for this moment to arise…

Finally, for the ending of the song, return to the G chord and conclude with a D7 chord:

D7
e|-----------------------|
B|---------1-------1-----|
G|-------2-------2-------|
D|-----0-------0-------0-|
A|---3-------3-------3---|
E|-x-------x-------x-----|

Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to play “Blackbird” by The Beatles on the guitar. Practice these chord progressions and the fingerpicking pattern to master this timeless classic. With dedication and patience, you’ll be able to capture the essence of this beautiful song.

Conclusion

“Blackbird” is a masterpiece that showcases the timeless beauty of The Beatles’ music. Learning to play this song on the acoustic guitar is a rewarding experience for any musician. With the provided chord chart and step-by-step instructions, you’re well on your way to mastering this iconic tune. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep strumming those chords and enjoy the journey of playing “Blackbird” on your guitar.

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