Maria chords - George Strait Chords

Maria chords

            [Intro]
C
E|-0--0--1--3--5--3--3--0--1--3---------------------------------------|
B|-1--1--1--5--6--5--5--1--1--5--1-----1------------------------------|
G|-------------------------------0--0--0------------------------------|
D|----------------------------------2---------------------------------|
A|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
E|--------------------------------------------------------------------|
 
C                   C/A             C
There's a soft rain tappin' on your window
C                     C7              F
There's a cool breeze blowin' off the bay
G7                                G
And a warm flame dancin' with our shadows
F                    G
To music playin' far away
 
C       C/A              C
I never meant to stay an hour
C              C7            F
I thought that I was passin' through
G7                     G
Another town along the highway
F       G                 C

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I never meant to fall for you
 
F           G              C
But I can't speak for you, Maria
Bdim                  F
I only know the way I feel
F      G               C     F
When I sleep with you, Maria
Dm              G                  C
There's nothin' left for dreams to steal
 
C    C/A           C
On a Bible by the mirror
C        C7                 F
The only treasure's that we hold
G7                          G
The only secrets that we're keeping
F          G                 C
A watch, a chain, a cross of gold
 
F       G              C
I can't speak for you, Maria
Bdim                  F
I only know the way I feel
F      G               C     F
When I sleep with you, Maria
Dm              G                  C
There's nothin' left for dreams to steal
 
[Instrumental]
Bdim  F  G  C
 
C        C/A                 C
When the sunlight brings the morning
C       C7                 F
I can't tell you what I'll do
G7                          G
But I've a mind to take you with me
F          G                  C
And I've a heart to stay with you
 
F           G              C
But I can't speak for you, Maria
Bdim                  F
I only know the way I feel
F      G               C     F
When I sleep with you, Maria
Dm              G                  C
There's nothin' left for dreams to steal
 
F      G               C     F
When I sleep with you, Maria
Dm              G                  C
There's nothin' left for dreams to steal






How to play "Maria" by George Strait on guitar

Playing Style:
- The beginning uses fingerpicking technique. Pick each string with clarity
and precision to match the melody. The verses and choruses are predominantly
strummed. Maintain a smooth and gentle strumming pattern to match
the song's mellow and introspective tone.

The intro has a melody played on the high E and B strings. 
Begin with an open high E string, then perform hammer-ons and pull-offs
on the B string. Practice gently for precision.

The verse uses the following chords: C, C/A, C7, F, G7, and G.
- Strumming Pattern: Use a soft down-up strumming pattern with
emphasis on downbeats.
- Transitions: Pay attention to rapid switches from C, C/A, and C7.
Practice transitioning between these chords easily.

Chorus: 
- Chords: F, G, C, Bdim, Dm.
- Strumming Pattern: Use the same moderate strumming pattern as in the verse.
- Transitions: Concentrate on the transitions between F, G, and C. 
- Practice your shift to Bdim to ensure it is clean.

Common Mistakes:
- Rushing the introduction melody. Take time to ensure each note sounds clear.
- Strumming too strong in the verses and chorus. The song deserves a gentle touch
to complement its atmosphere.
- The transitions between chords are not seamless. Slowly practice chord changes
and progressively raise the pace.

General Tips:
- Tune your guitar to normal tune (EADGBE) before starting.
- Tone: Match the natural sound of the music by using a clean guitar tone without effects.
- Begin with slow practice sessions to feel comfortable with the fingerpicking intro and
chord transitions. Gradually increase the song's speed.

George Strait's song "Maria" is a poignant ballad about a quick but impactful romantic
experience. The lyrics capture a moment of intimacy and concern about the future.
George Strait, also known as the "King of Country," has a four-decade career with
several successes. This song demonstrates the artist's ability to convey powerful
emotions through simple yet meaningful words and melodies.