That’s How I Got to Memphis Chords: A Complete Guide

Learning to play the guitar can be a rewarding experience, and one of the first steps is mastering chords. In this article, we will focus on the popular song “That’s How I Got to Memphis” and provide you with the chords needed to play it. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player looking for a new song to add to your repertoire, we’ve got you covered!

The Chords

The chords for “That’s How I Got to Memphis” are relatively simple, making it an ideal choice for beginners. The song is in the key of G, and the chords you’ll need are G, C, D, and Em. Here is the chord progression:

G – C – D – G

G – Em – C – D – G

If you’re not familiar with these chords, here’s a quick rundown:

• G: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• C: Keep your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, move your middle finger to the 3rd fret of the D string, and put your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• D: Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and your ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
• Em: Keep your index finger free and place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string, and your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string.

Strumming Pattern

To play the song efficiently, it’s important to understand the strumming pattern. For “That’s How I Got to Memphis,” a standard down-up strumming pattern works well. Start by strumming down on the first beat and up on the second. Repeat this pattern throughout the song, maintaining a consistent rhythm.

Tips for Playing the Chords Smoothly

Now that you have the chords and strumming pattern, it’s time to focus on playing them smoothly. Here are a few tips to help you:

1. Start slow and practice each chord individually before attempting to play the entire song.
2. Make sure your fingers are pressing down on the strings firmly and not touching any adjacent strings, which can cause a muffled sound.
3. Strum all the strings except for the low E string when playing a G chord.
4. Practice transitioning between chords by slowly moving from one chord to the next, focusing on accuracy rather than speed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is “That’s How I Got to Memphis” suitable for beginners?

A: Absolutely! This song’s chord progression is beginner-friendly and provides a great opportunity to practice transitioning between chords.

Q: Can I use a capo to make playing easier?

A: Yes, if the original key is too high for your voice or if you find it challenging to play the chords, you can use a capo on a lower fret to transpose the song to a more comfortable key.

Q: Where can I find the original recording of “That’s How I Got to Memphis”?

A: The song was originally recorded by Tom T. Hall in 1969. You can find his version on various music streaming platforms or purchase it from online music stores.

Conclusion

Learning to play “That’s How I Got to Memphis” is a fantastic way to develop your guitar skills and add a timeless song to your repertoire. By mastering the G, C, D, and Em chords and practicing the strumming pattern, you’ll soon be able to play along with this beautiful tune. Remember to take it slow, focus on accuracy, and most importantly, have fun!

Source Image: traditionalmusic.co.uk

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