How to Play "How Much Does It Cost" Guitar chords
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[Intro]
E
[Chorus]
E A E
How much does it cost to be free?
A E
Free from the heartache still living in me
A E
I've given my heart, my soul, and my mind
A E A E
How can I pay up and quit doing time?
A E
And why am I always trying to make it all rhyme?
A E
'Cause I'm a songwriter and always will be
B7 E
But how much does it cost to be free?
[Verse 1]
E
There are three sides to every story
B7 E
You got yours, mine, and the truth
A E
But don't worry about it
B7 E
It will all come out in the wash
A E
Maybe I'll write another hit song
B7 E
Then we can all three sing along
A
But one thing is now clear to me
E B7
It will cost way too much to be free
[Chorus]
E A E
How much does it cost to be free?
A E
Free from the heartache still living in me
A E
I've given my heart, my soul, and my mind
A E A E
How can I pay up and quit doing time?
A E
And why am I always trying to make it all rhyme?
A E
'Cause I'm a songwriter and always will be
B7 E
But how much does it cost to be free?
[Bridge]
A E
Ol' Woody said, "How much does all of this cost?
B7
I'll pay for it all. What the heck?
B7
And, oh, by the way, take a check"
[Out-Chorus]
E A E
How much does it cost to be free?
A E
Free from the heartache still living in me
A E
I've given my heart, my soul, and my mind
A E A E
How can I pay up and quit doing time?
A E
And why am I always trying to make it all rhyme?
A E
'Cause I'm a songwriter and always will be
B7 E
But how much does it cost to be free?
B7 E
How much does it cost to be free?
How to play "How Much Does It Cost" by Willie Nelson on guitar
[Intro]
- Start with an E chord. Use a steady strumming pattern, focusing on
clear, clean downstrokes.
[Chorus]
- Play E: Position fingers on the 1st fret of the G string, and 2nd fret
of the A and D strings.
- Transition to A: Move to 2nd fret on D, G, and B strings.
- Keep a steady rhythm, emphasizing the downbeat.
- Practice the quick shift between E and A.
[Verse 1]
- Continue using E for the majority of the verse.
- When transitioning to B7, place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the A
string, 1st fret of the D string, 2nd fret of the G string, and 2nd
fret of the E string.
[Bridge]
- Switch to A, strum with a lighter touch to reflect the change in tone.
- Move to B7 when indicated. Focus on smooth, clean transitions.
- Return to E, maintaining a relaxed strumming pattern.
[Out-Chorus]
- Finish with the E chord, using a mix of down and up strums.
- End on E with a strong, clear downstroke.
Common Mistakes:
- Ensure each chord rings clearly; press firmly on the strings.
- Watch for timing issues, especially in the transitions between chords.
- Keep your strumming consistent and smooth.
Song Facts:
- "How Much Does It Cost" is a reflective piece by Willie Nelson, focusing
on themes of freedom and the cost of emotional liberation.
- The song features classic country elements, with straightforward chord
progressions and heartfelt lyrics.
- Willie Nelson, born in 1933, is a legendary country music artist known
for his distinctive voice and guitar playing style. His career spans
several decades, with numerous hit songs and albums.