“Night Moves” by Bob Seger is a timeless classic, instantly recognizable and beloved by generations. For guitar players, it’s a fantastic song to learn, offering a great chord progression that’s both engaging and rewarding to play. This guide will break down the guitar chords for “Night Moves”, making it easy for you to pick up your guitar and start playing this iconic track.
Intro Chords
The intro to “Night Moves” establishes the song’s signature feel right from the beginning. The chord progression is based around G and C chords, with a slight variation that adds a touch of bluesy flavor.
G |G – F C| C |C – F G| G |G – F C| C |C – F G|
This sequence is repeated, creating a memorable and inviting intro. Notice the quick transition from G to F and then to C. This walkdown adds a subtle but crucial element to the overall sound.
Verse Chords
The verse sections of “Night Moves” maintain the same chord structure as the intro, providing a consistent and rhythmic foundation for the lyrics.
G G
I was a little too tall, coulda’ used a few pounds
C C
Tight pants, points, hardly renown
G G
She was a black haired beauty with big dark eyes
C C G G C C
And points all her own sittin’ way up high way up firm and high
G G
Out past the cornfields, where the woods got heavy
C C
Out in the backseat of my sixty Chevy
G G C C
Workin on mysteries without any clues
As you can see, the verse chords are primarily G and C. This simplicity is part of what makes “Night Moves” so accessible and enjoyable to play on guitar. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm while transitioning between these chords.
Chorus Chords
The chorus of “Night Moves” introduces a slight shift, both lyrically and musically, adding emotional depth and dynamics to the song. It also incorporates Em and walkdown elements.
Em
Working on our night moves
C Em C
Tryin’ to make some front page drive-in news
Em C
Workin’ on our night moves
G G C C
in the summertime hmm
G G C C
In the sweet, summertime
Here, we see the introduction of the Em chord, which provides a minor key contrast to the G and C. The “walkdown themes” mentioned in the original lyrics likely refer to bass lines or melodic movements within the guitar part that descend slightly, adding to the song’s characteristic feel, though not explicitly shown in the chord notation provided.
Bridge Chords
The bridge section of “Night Moves” offers a significant change in chord progression and mood, creating a moment of reflection and build-up before returning to the familiar verses and choruses.
Cmaj7x2 Gx2 Cmaj7x2
Oh I wonder felt the lightening yeah
Fx2 Dx2 G (hold)
And waited on the thunder waited on the thunder
G (hold)
I woke last night to the sound of thunder
Cmaj7 (hold)
How far off I sat and wondered
G (hold)
Started humming a song from 1962
Cmaj7 (hold)
Ain’t it funny how the night moves
Em (hold)
We just don’t seem to have as much to lose
Cmaj7 (hold) Em (hold)
Strange how the night moves
Cmaj7 (hold) G (hold)
With autumn closing in
The bridge utilizes Cmaj7, F, and D chords, creating a richer harmonic texture compared to the verses and choruses. The Cmaj7 adds a touch of sophistication, while the F and D chords build tension that resolves back to the G.
Outro Chords
The outro of “Night Moves” brings the song to a gentle and memorable close, returning to a familiar chord progression and fading out.
Emx2 Bmx2 Am C
Oooo hooo oh yeah, yeah, yeah uh huh, uh huh
G G (hold)
I remember, I remember
The outro features Em, Bm, Am, and C chords before resolving back to the G chord to finish. This section provides a soulful and reflective ending to the song.
Conclusion
“Night Moves” is a fantastic song for guitarists of all levels to learn. Its chord progression is relatively straightforward, yet it’s full of musicality and emotion. By learning these guitar chords for “Night Moves”, you’ll be able to play along with this classic Bob Seger hit and enjoy its timeless appeal. Grab your guitar and start practicing these chords today!
