County Roads chords
Swap ↔ or rotate ↻ the device
INTRO:
D D C C G G D
E -------
B -------
G ---5-7-
D -7-----
A -------
E -------
D D C C G G D
E -------
B -------
G ---5-7-
D -7-----
A -------
E -------
==================== FILL - Organ arranged for Guitar ===================
E -------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
B -------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
G -7-7-5---5-7-|-7-7-5---5-7-|-7-7-5---5-7-|-7-7-5---5-7-|
D -------7-----|-------7-----|-------7-----|-------7-----|
A -------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
E -------------|-------------|-------------|-------------|
=========================================================================
VERSE:
D D C
I got a public education, but it didn't come from class
C G G D
It came from the long rides home on the bus in the back
D D C
Where we learned how to cuss from them high school kids
C G G D
Throw a punch, take a punch, steal a kiss
D D C
Yeah, she had two years on me the day I turned sixteen
C G G D
I had a fox body Mustang, she had a body like a dream
D D C
We ran on young love, good music, cheap gasoline
C G G D
Found out you can still go too far even when the tank's on "E"
CHORUS:
D C
Here's to the lessons that don't come cheap
G D
To the long lost lovers in the shotgun seats
D C
Hеre's to the wild and the rеstless souls
G
Who got their street smarts runnin' down them
D D C
County roads, county roads
G D
County roads
VERSE:
D C
That wrench in my hand sure put a wrench in my plans
G D
But daddy said good help was hard to find
D C
I guess I stood her up one too many Friday nights
G D
She ended up in the truck with a buddy of mine, hey
CHORUS:
D C
Here's to the lessons that don't come cheap
G D
To the long lost lovers in the shotgun seats
D C
Hеre's to the wild and the rеstless souls
G
Who got their street smarts runnin' down them
D
County roads, county roads
POST-CHORUS:
D C
Na-na-na, na-na-na
G D
County roads (Na-na-na-na-na na)
D C
Na-na-na, na-na-na
G D
Na-na-na-na-na na
BREAK:
D C
Here's to the hurt from that first hangover
G D
Had us all swearin' we'd forever stay sober
D C
Here's to the scrapes and the dents and the scars
G D
On our boots, our cars, our reckless hearts, yeah
CHORUS:
D C
Here's to the lessons that don't come cheap
G D
To the long lost lovers in the shotgun seats
D C
Hеre's to the wild and the rеstless souls
G
Who got their street smarts runnin' down them
D
County roads, county roads
POST-CHORUS:
D C
Na-na-na, na-na-na
G D
County roads County roads
D C
Na-na-na County roads
G D
Na-na-na-na-na na
OUTRO:
D C
Na-na-na, na-na-na
G D
Na-na-na-na-na na
D C
Na-na-na, na-na-na
G D
Na-na-na-na-na na
How to play "County Roads" by Shane Elvie on guitar
Playing Style: This song uses a classic combination of chords (D, C, G) which is
typical in country and southern rock music. The addition of a guitar riff and
an organ part arranged for guitar adds complexity and a distinct musical texture
to the song.
Capo and Tuning:
- No capo is required for this song, and it should be played in standard tuning.
Intro and Guitar Fill:
- The intro consists of chords D, C, G, and D played in a steady rhythm. After
each sequence of chords, play the guitar lick which involves sliding on the
G string from the 5th to the 7th fret and playing the 7th fret on the D string.
- The guitar fill, arranged from an organ part, involves playing notes on the
G string, 7th and 5th frets, and then the 7th fret on the D string repeatedly.
This should be played smoothly to mimic the organ's flow.
Verse and Chorus Chords:
- Verses and choruses follow the same chord pattern, cycling through D, C, G, and
back to D. This supports the narrative storytelling of the lyrics.
- Emphasize the rhythm and maintain a consistent strumming pattern to keep the
song's driving country feel.
Strumming Pattern:
- A suitable strumming pattern for this song is Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up. This
pattern allows for a dynamic and driving rhythm that suits the energetic
narrative of the lyrics.
Transitions:
- Smooth transitions between the chords D, C, and G are essential for maintaining
the song's flow. Practice changing chords efficiently to avoid disrupting the
rhythm.
Common Mistakes:
- Not paying attention to the dynamics between the verse and chorus can make the
song sound monotonous. Ensure to vary your strumming intensity.
- Missing the timing for the guitar fill can disrupt the song's flow. Practice the
fill separately and integrate it seamlessly with the chord progression.
Lyrics Meaning:
"County Roads" speaks nostalgically about life lessons learned through youthful
experiences on rural roads—from love and heartbreak to rebellion and growth.
It reflects on the bittersweet nature of these memories and the wisdom gained
from them.
Through practice, focus on conveying the nostalgic and reflective tone of the
song, allowing listeners to connect with the shared experiences of youth and
discovery. Happy strumming!