[Intro]
A D A D E A
D A D A E A
[Chorus]
A
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
D A
You make me happy when skies are gray
D A
You'll never know dear how much I love you
E A
So please don't take my sunshine away
[Verse 1]
A
The other night dear, as I laid sleeping
D A
I dreamt I held you in my tired arms
D A
When I awoke dear, I was mistaken
E A
So I bowed my head and I cried
[Chorus]
A
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
D A
You make me happy when skies are gray
D A
You'll never know dear how much I love you
E A
So please don't take my sunshine away
[Verse 2]
A
I've always loved you, made you happy
D A
And nothin' else could come between
D A
But now you've left me to love another
E A
And you've shattered all my dreams
[Chorus]
A
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
D A
You make me happy when skies are gray
D A
You'll never know dear how much I love you
E A
So please don't take my sunshine away
[Interlude]
A D A D
A E A
[Out-Chorus]
A
You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
D A
You make me happy when skies are gray
D A
You'll never know dear, how much I love you
E A
So please don't take my sunshine away
How to play "You Are My Sunshine" by Bryan Zach on the guitar captures
the essence of one of the most iconic and beloved songs in American music
history. With its simple yet heartfelt lyrics and memorable melody, this song
offers a wonderful opportunity to explore chord transitions and strumming
patterns that convey deep emotional resonance. Let's dive into the structure
and how to bring this classic song to life through your guitar playing.
Intro and Chorus Chord Progression:
The song starts with an inviting intro, transitioning into the chorus with
a progression of A, D, A, D, E, A. This sequence sets a warm and comforting
mood, perfectly supporting the heartfelt declaration of love and affection in
the lyrics. The transitions between these chords should be smooth, allowing
the simplicity and emotional depth of the song to shine through.
Verse Chord Progression:
The verses follow a similar chord progression to the chorus, primarily utilizing
the chords A, D, and E. This progression maintains the song's reflective and
somewhat melancholic tone, providing a melodic foundation that complements
the narrative of love, loss, and longing expressed in the lyrics.
Playing Techniques and Tips:
- Strumming Pattern: Opt for a strumming pattern that matches the song's gentle
and emotive tone. A combination of downstrokes for emphasis and lighter upstrokes
can effectively convey the song's narrative and emotional shifts.
- Dynamics: Pay attention to the song's emotional highs and lows, adjusting your
playing dynamics to match the lyrical content's emotional weight and the narrative intensity.
- Emotional Delivery: The essence of "You Are My Sunshine" lies in its emotional
delivery. Let the chord transitions and your strumming reflect the nuances of the song's
exploration of love, joy, and the pain of potential loss.
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