“Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams is an iconic rock anthem that resonates with generations. Its catchy melody and nostalgic lyrics make it a favorite around campfires and at karaoke nights. For guitar players, learning the chords to this song is a rite of passage. This guide will break down the “Summer of ’69” guitar chords, making it easy for you to play along and relive those summer memories.
Getting Started with Summer of ’69 Chords
The song primarily uses a set of simple chords, making it accessible for beginner guitarists while still sounding fantastic. The main chords you’ll need to know are:
- D Major (D)
- A Major (A)
- Bm Minor (Bm)
- G Major (G)
These chords are fundamental in guitar playing and once you master them for “Summer of ’69”, you’ll find them in countless other songs too!
“Summer of ’69” Chord Progression: Verse by Verse
Let’s dive into the song structure and chord progression section by section:
Intro:
The intro is straightforward and sets the energetic tone of the song. It uses just two chords:
D D
This simple D chord intro repeats and immediately gets you into the rhythm.
Verse 1: First Guitar Strings and Summer Dreams
The verse chords follow a repeating pattern that’s easy to remember:
D D I got my first real six-string
A A Bought it at the five and dime
D D Played it ’til my fingers bled
A A Was the summer of ’69
D D Me and some guys from school
A A Had a band and we tried real hard
D D Jimmy quit, Joey got married
A A I shoulda known we’d never get far
This D-D-A-A progression is the backbone of the verses, creating that classic rock feel. Focus on smooth transitions between the D and A chords.
Chorus: The Nostalgic Heart of the Song
The chorus is where the song really takes off emotionally, and the chord progression shifts slightly to create lift:
Bm A Oh, when I look back now
D G That summer seemed to last forever
Bm A And if I had the choice
D G Yeah, I’d always wanna be there
Bm A Those were the best days of my life
(D D A A) (Instrumental break after chorus)
Notice the introduction of Bm and G chords here. These add a richer harmonic texture to the chorus and provide a nice contrast to the verse chords. The Bm-A-D-G sequence repeats twice, emphasizing the nostalgic theme.
Verse 2: Drive-Ins and First Love
Verse 2 follows the exact same chord progression as Verse 1:
D D Ain’t no use in complaining
A A When you got a job to do
D D Spent my evenings down at the drive in
A A And that’s when I met you
Chorus: Mama’s Porch and Forever Promises
The chorus repeats with slightly different lyrics but the same chords:
Bm A Standin’ on your mama’s porch
D G You told me that you’d wait forever
Bm A Oh, and when you held my hand
D G I knew that it was now or never
Bm A Those were the best days of my life
(D D A A D D A A) (Instrumental break extending after the chorus)
Bridge: Changing Keys and Tempo
The bridge introduces new chords and a slight change in feel, adding dynamic variation to the song:
F Bb Man, we were killing time
C Bb We were young and restless We needed to unwind
F Bb C C I guess nothing can last forever, forever, no
Here, the chords shift to F, Bb, and C. These chords create a brief lift in key and energy before returning to the familiar verse and chorus.
Interlude: Back to Basics
The interlude is purely instrumental and re-establishes the main groove of the song, using the verse chord progression:
D D A A D D A A
Verse 3: Time Changes and Reflection
Verse 3 echoes the chord structure of the previous verses:
D D And now the times are changing
A A Look at everything that’s come and gone
D D Sometimes when I play that old six-string
A A I think about you, wonder what went wrong
Final Chorus and Outro: Repeating the Nostalgia
The final chorus and outro sections bring the song to a close, reiterating the main chorus chords and lyrics, fading out at the end:
Bm A Standing on your mama’s porch
D G You told me that it’d last forever
Bm A Oh, and when you held my hand
D G I knew that it was now or never
Bm A Those were the best days of my life
(D D A A D D A A) Oh yeah Back in the summer of ’69 Uh-huh
(D D A A D D A A D D A A D D A A D) (Fade Out with D chord)
Tips for Playing “Summer of ’69” on Guitar
- Strumming Pattern: A common strumming pattern for rock songs like this is Down-Down-Up-Up-Down-Up. Experiment to find what feels right for you.
- Tempo: The song is played at a moderately fast tempo. Listen to the original song to get a feel for the pace.
- Chord Transitions: Practice smooth and quick transitions between chords, especially between D and A, and Bm and A.
- Beginner Friendly: “Summer of ’69” is a great song for beginners to learn. Take it slow, practice each chord individually, and gradually increase your speed.
- Sing Along: Once you’re comfortable with the chords, try singing along! Playing and singing simultaneously is a rewarding experience.
Conclusion: Relive Your Summer of ’69 with Guitar Chords
“Summer of ’69” is more than just a song; it’s a feeling. By learning these guitar chords, you can capture that feeling and bring this classic to life whenever you pick up your guitar. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, adding “Summer of ’69” to your repertoire is a fantastic choice. So grab your guitar, learn these chords, and get ready to rock out to the summer of ’69!
