“Tonight You Belong to Me” is a timeless song that has charmed audiences for generations. Originally a hit in the roaring twenties, this delightful tune has seen revivals and interpretations across decades, proving its enduring appeal. For guitarists looking for a classic song to add to their repertoire, “Tonight You Belong to Me” is an excellent choice, and you’ll be pleased to find that it’s quite easy to learn with these guitar tabs.
This song, penned by Billy Rose and Lee David, first captured hearts in 1926, becoming a success for Gene Austin and other artists of the era. Its popularity resurged in the 1950s, notably with Frankie Laine’s big band rendition and then the smash hit by teen duo Patience and Prudence in 1956. Their version soared to No. 4 on the charts, cementing the song’s place in popular music history. The beauty of “Tonight You Belong to Me” lies in its simple yet captivating melody and chord progression, making it perfect for acoustic guitar.
Many musicians have since put their spin on “Tonight You Belong to Me,” from Dottie West to Eddie Vedder and Chan Marshall (Cat Power). It’s also graced the soundtracks of commercials, movies, and TV shows, perhaps most famously in a memorable scene from the 1979 comedy The Jerk, performed by Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters. Its simple chord structure makes it incredibly accessible for guitar players of all levels, especially beginners.
Our arrangement of “Tonight You Belong to Me” is designed to be straightforward and enjoyable to play. We’ve kept it in the key of D major, which is ideal for easy, open chord shapes. While we use a slightly broader palette of nine chords, including a touch of jazz with the Gm7, don’t worry – they are all beginner-friendly. The Gm7 (G Bb D F) adds a touch of harmonic sophistication, borrowed from the key of D minor, without being difficult to fret.
For the accompaniment, fingerpicking works beautifully with the provided pattern, creating a gentle and intimate sound. However, strumming with a pick is equally effective. The key to capturing the song’s spirit is to play with a gently loping, or swing, feel. This means treating eighth notes with a long-short rhythm rather than playing them evenly. If you’re new to swing rhythm, listening to recordings of the song and playing along is the best way to get the feel.
Guitar Tab for Tonight You Belong to Me with swing rhythm notation and chord diagrams.
Whether you choose to fingerpick or strum, “Tonight You Belong to Me” is a rewarding song to learn on guitar. Its simple chords and charming melody make it perfect for campfire singalongs, casual jam sessions, or simply enjoying on your own. Grab your guitar, learn these easy guitar tabs, and start playing this classic tune today!
