How to Play “Midnight Special” on Guitar
If you’re a fan of classic rock and country music, you’ve likely heard the iconic song “Midnight Special” by Willie Nelson. This timeless hit has been covered by numerous artists over the years and is a staple in the guitar repertoire of many musicians. In this article, we’ll guide you through the basics of playing “Midnight Special” on guitar, helping you master this classic tune.
Understanding the Song Structure
Before diving into the guitar tabs and chords, it’s essential to understand the song structure of “Midnight Special.” The song is typically played in the key of G and follows a simple structure: intro, verse, chorus, verse, chorus, bridge, and outro. The intro and outro are played on the open G chord, while the verses and choruses are played on various chord progressions.
Learning the Chords
To play “Midnight Special,” you’ll need to familiarize yourself with the following chords:
– G major (G)
– D major (D)
– Em (Em)
– C major (C)
– Am (Am)
– B7 (B7)
These chords are the foundation of the song and will be used throughout the verses and choruses. Practice these chords individually to ensure you can play them smoothly and confidently.
Playing the Verses
The verses of “Midnight Special” follow a simple chord progression: G – D – Em – C. Here’s how to play each verse:
1. Start with the G chord and strum the first chord.
2. Move to the D chord and strum the second chord.
3. Play the Em chord and strum the third chord.
4. Finish with the C chord and strum the fourth chord.
Repeat this progression for the duration of the verse. It’s essential to keep a steady rhythm and maintain a consistent strumming pattern.
Playing the Chorus
The chorus of “Midnight Special” is played on the G – D – Em – C chord progression, similar to the verses. However, the melody changes slightly. Here’s how to play the chorus:
1. Start with the G chord and strum the first chord.
2. Move to the D chord and strum the second chord.
3. Play the Em chord and strum the third chord.
4. Finish with the C chord and strum the fourth chord.
To add a bit of flair, you can slide from the G chord to the D chord and from the Em chord to the C chord. This creates a smooth transition between chords and adds to the song’s classic sound.
Playing the Bridge
The bridge of “Midnight Special” is played on the G – D – Em – C chord progression, but with a slight variation. Instead of playing the full progression, you’ll only play the G and D chords. Here’s how to play the bridge:
1. Start with the G chord and strum the first chord.
2. Move to the D chord and strum the second chord.
Repeat this pattern for the duration of the bridge. The bridge is a great opportunity to showcase your guitar skills and add a bit of flair to your performance.
Playing the Outro
The outro of “Midnight Special” is played on the open G chord. To play the outro, simply strum the G chord repeatedly, gradually slowing down your strumming pattern as you approach the end of the song.
Practicing and Improving
Now that you’ve learned the chords, progressions, and song structure of “Midnight Special,” it’s time to practice. Start by playing the song slowly, focusing on maintaining a consistent rhythm and chord accuracy. As you become more comfortable with the song, gradually increase your speed and add in the slides and transitions.
Remember, the key to mastering “Midnight Special” on guitar is practice and persistence. Keep at it, and you’ll soon be able to play this classic tune with confidence and style.
