Neil Young’s “Old Man” is a timeless classic, beloved not only for its poignant lyrics and melody but also for its beautifully crafted guitar arrangements. For aspiring guitarists, “Old Man” serves as a fantastic learning piece, offering insights into unique chord voicings and essential techniques. This lesson will guide you through the guitar chords of “Old Man”, breaking down the intro, verses, and chorus, and helping you master the nuances that make this song so special.
Unlocking the Intro Chords of “Old Man”
The intro to “Old Man” immediately captivates with its distinctive chord progression and timing. Let’s delve into the opening chords, focusing on a special voicing and the transition to a familiar D major.
The Dm9 Chord: A Unique Voicing
The first chord you’ll encounter is not your standard open D major. It’s a Dm9, played in a way that creates a rich, melancholic sound. Start by forming a regular open D major chord: index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
Now, for the Dm9 magic: lift your middle finger off the high E string, allowing it to ring open. Next, slide your index and ring fingers up the neck together. Your index finger should land on the 5th fret of the G string, and your ring finger on the 6th fret of the B string. Strum all strings except the low E string (and optionally, you can avoid the A string too).
This voicing might sound unfamiliar at first, but it’s the key to the intro’s signature sound. Let’s break down the notes: the open high E, open D and A strings, F on the 6th fret of the B string, and C on the 5th fret of the G string. In the key of D, this combination creates a D minor ninth chord (Dm9), perfectly setting the mood for “Old Man”. While technically it could be called a Dm9/A due to the A bass note, for simplicity, we’ll refer to it as Dm9.
Transitioning to D Major
The beauty of the intro lies in the subtle shift from this Dm9 to a regular D major chord. After playing the Dm9, the next chord is a standard open D major. This transition provides a sense of resolution and familiarity within the intro’s harmonic landscape.
To play the standard D major, simply revert to the common open D chord shape: index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string, middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string.
Timing and Rhythm in the Intro
The timing in the intro section is crucial to capture the feel of “Old Man”. The rhythm involves measures of varying lengths. The first measure consists of four beats of the Dm9 chord, followed by a measure of just two beats of the same Dm9. Finally, a four-beat measure of D major concludes the sequence, which then repeats.
To help internalize the rhythm, try associating it with the lyrics. The phrase “old man look at my life” fits perfectly within the four beats of Dm9. “I’m a lot like…” takes up the two beats of Dm9, and the word “you were” lands precisely on the D major chord. Alternatively, practice counting the beats to ensure accurate timing.
For strumming, a down-up pattern works well. Experiment with occasionally striking only the open high E string on the upstroke. This creates a subtle dissonance between the E and the F note (from the Dm9 voicing), adding to the intro’s unique character, which resolves beautifully when you move to the F# in the D major chord.
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Mastering the Verse Chords and Strumming
After the intro, “Old Man” moves into its verses, characterized by a different chord progression and a more rhythmic strumming pattern. The verses center around a progression of C, G, and D chords, common chords that become richer with Neil Young’s signature touches.
Verse Chord Progression (C, G, D)
The verse progression is relatively straightforward: C major, G major, and D major. These are fundamental open chords that most guitarists learn early on, making the verse accessible to players of varying levels.
However, the magic lies in how these chords are played and connected. Neil Young often employs bass lines and variations within these common chord shapes to add depth and interest.
Bass Line Technique
One of the techniques that elevates the verse section is the incorporation of a simple yet effective bass line. This bass line is primarily used during the transition from C to G and then G to D.
When moving from C to G, try shifting your middle finger from the 2nd fret of the D string on the C chord down to the 2nd fret of the A string. This creates a B note in the bass, adding a melodic movement. Then, lift your finger completely as you transition to the G chord, allowing the open A string to ring out as the bass note.
Similarly, for the G to D transition, briefly lift your finger that’s fretting the B note at the 2nd fret of the A string on the G chord, letting the open A string sound before hammering back down as you move to the D chord. This creates a descending bass line that adds a subtle groove to the verse.
Strumming Patterns for the Verse
The verse strumming pattern in “Old Man” is reminiscent of other Neil Young songs like “Heart of Gold” or Cat Stevens’ “Wild World.” It’s a rhythmic pattern that allows for flexibility and personal expression.
Typically, the pattern involves two eighth notes on the first beat of each measure, followed by a more open strumming for the rest of the measure. For the initial eighth notes, you can experiment with single notes, partial chords, palm-muted strings, or a combination. This allows for dynamic variation and personal style.
During the rest of the measure, feel free to use down and up strums, incorporating nuances like palm muting or accentuating certain strings to match the song’s feel. The key is to maintain a steady rhythmic pulse while adding your own touch to the strumming.
Exploring the Chorus Chords and Dynamics
The chorus of “Old Man” provides a lift in energy and emotion. While the chord progression remains relatively simple, Neil Young introduces variations and arpeggios to create a more dynamic and engaging chorus section.
Chorus Chord Progression
The chorus maintains a similar chord palette to the verses, primarily using C, G, and D chords. However, the arrangement and voicing of these chords, along with rhythmic variations, give the chorus its distinct character.
Arpeggio in the Chorus
In contrast to the strumming in the verses, the chorus incorporates arpeggiated sections, particularly in the D chord measures. Arpeggiation involves playing the notes of a chord individually, rather than strumming them all together.
For the D chord in the chorus, try using an arpeggio pattern that incorporates the D, Dsus4, D, Dsus2, D sequence we briefly touched upon in the intro. This adds a melodic and flowing quality to the chorus, contrasting with the more rhythmic verses.
To arpeggiate the D chord, start with the Dm9 chord fingering, remove your index finger from the G string (leaving it open), and then pick the D and G strings individually. Follow this by hammering your index finger back onto the 5th fret of the G string and continuing the arpeggio pattern. Experiment with different picking patterns to find what sounds best to you.
Dynamics and “Breathing Room”
The chorus is an opportunity to introduce dynamic variations and “breathing room” into your performance. The shift from strumming in the verses to arpeggios in the chorus is one way to achieve this.
Another technique is to vary the intensity of your strumming and picking. In certain parts of the chorus, you might strum more forcefully, while in others, you might play more softly or use arpeggios to create space and dynamics. This ebb and flow in intensity makes the song feel more organic and expressive.
Essential Guitar Techniques in “Old Man”
“Old Man” is not just about chords; it’s also a lesson in subtle guitar techniques that enhance the song’s emotional impact. Let’s highlight some key techniques you can incorporate.
Dsus4 and Dsus2 Variations
Throughout “Old Man,” especially in the D chord measures, Neil Young utilizes Dsus4 and Dsus2 chord variations. These “suspended” chords add a melodic and harmonic interest to the song.
Starting from a regular D chord, adding your pinky finger to the 3rd fret of the high E string creates a Dsus4. Removing your pinky and then your middle finger (from the 2nd fret of the high E string) results in a Dsus2. Practicing these transitions smoothly within the D chord measures adds a signature Neil Young touch.
Arpeggio Strumming
As mentioned in the chorus section, arpeggio strumming is a valuable technique in “Old Man.” It involves picking or strumming the notes of a chord individually rather than as a block. This technique can be applied to various chords throughout the song, adding texture and dynamics.
Experiment with different arpeggio patterns. You can pick individual strings in a sequence, or you can use a combination of picking and strumming to create your own arpeggiated textures.
Bass Line Integration
The bass line technique, particularly in the verses, is crucial for adding depth and movement to the song. Practice incorporating the bass notes during the C to G and G to D chord changes.
Focus on making the bass line transitions smooth and rhythmically consistent. This will create a more complete and musically interesting accompaniment, especially when playing solo.
Conclusion
Learning to play “Old Man” by Neil Young is a rewarding journey for any guitarist. It’s a song that not only teaches you essential guitar chords but also introduces you to unique voicings, rhythmic variations, and subtle techniques that can elevate your playing. By mastering the Dm9, exploring chord variations like Dsus4 and Dsus2, and incorporating techniques like arpeggio strumming and bass lines, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Neil Young’s guitar style and improve your overall guitar skills.
Remember to experiment and play around with these techniques. “Old Man,” like many Neil Young songs, is open to interpretation and personal expression. Once you have the basics down, try different strumming patterns, arpeggio variations, and dynamic nuances to make the song your own. Most importantly, enjoy the process of learning and discovering the beauty of “Old Man” on the guitar.
For further discussion, questions, or to share your progress, visit the Guitar Forums at guitarplayers.net. Happy playing!
