“Maggie May” by Rod Stewart is a timeless classic, beloved by generations for its heartfelt lyrics and catchy melody. For guitar players, it’s also a fantastic song to learn, thanks to its relatively simple and approachable chord progression. If you’re looking to add this iconic tune to your repertoire, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will provide you with the guitar chords for “Maggie May”, making it easy for you to play along and enjoy this classic hit.
Basic Chords for Maggie May
The beauty of “Maggie May” lies in its use of fundamental guitar chords. You’ll be playing primarily with open chords, making it accessible for beginners and enjoyable for experienced players alike. The main chords you’ll need to know are:
- A
- G
- D
- Em (E minor)
- F#m (F sharp minor)
- Asus4 (A suspended 4th)
These chords are the foundation of the song, and once you have them down, you’ll be well on your way to playing “Maggie May”.
Maggie May Chord Progression
The song follows a verse-chorus structure, with a memorable instrumental solo section. The chord progression is repetitive, making it easy to memorize and follow along. Here’s a breakdown of the chords in each section:
Verse 1:
A G D D Wake up Maggie I think I’ve got something to say to you
A G D D It’s late September and I really should be back at school
G D G A I know I keep you amused, but I feel I’m being used
Em F#m Em Asus4 Oh Maggie I couldn’t have tried any more
Em A Em A You lured me away from home just to save you from being alone
Em |G – A -| D D You stole my heart, and that’s what really hurts
Verse 2:
A G D D The morning sun when it’s in your face really shows your age
A G D D But that don’t worry me none, in my eyes you’re everything
G D G A I laughed at all your jokes, my love you didn’t need to coax
Em F#m Em Asus4 Oh Maggie I couldn’t have tried any more
Em A Em A You lured me away from home just to save you from being alone
Em |G – A -| D D You stole my soul that’s a pain I can do without
Verse 3:
A G D D All I needed was a friend to lend a guiding hand
A G D D But you turned into a lover and mother what a lover you wore me out
G D G A All you did was wreck my bed and in the morning kick me in the head
Em F#m Em Asus4 Oh Maggie I couldn’t have tried any more
Em A Em A You lured me away from home ’cause you didn’t want to be alone
Em |G – A -| D D You stole my heart I couldn’t leave you if I tried
Solo:
/ Em / A / D / G / / Em / G – A – / D / D /
Verse 4:
A G D D I suppose I should collect my books and get back to school
A G D D Or steal my daddy’s cue make a living out of playing pool
G D G A Or find myself a rock and roll band that needs a helping hand
Em F#m Em Asus4 Oh Maggie, I wish I’d never seen your face
Em A Em A You made a first class fool out of me, but I’m as blind as a fool can be
Em |G – A -| D D You stole my heart but I love you any way
Solo:
/ Em / A / D / G / / Em / G – A – / D / D- / / Em / A / D / G / / Em / G – A – /
Outro:
/ D / Em / G / D / (repeat)
Tips for Playing Maggie May
- Strumming Pattern: For a classic feel, try a simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern for each chord. Experiment to find what sounds best to you.
- Tempo: “Maggie May” is played at a moderate tempo. Listen to the original song to get a feel for the rhythm and pace.
- Practice: Start slowly and focus on smooth chord changes. As you become more comfortable, gradually increase your speed.
- Listen to the Song: The best way to learn is by listening to “Maggie May” and playing along with Rod Stewart. Pay attention to the song’s dynamics and feel.
Conclusion
“Maggie May” is a fantastic song for guitarists of all levels. With its memorable melody and straightforward chord progression, it’s both fun to play and impressive to perform. By learning these guitar chords and practicing regularly, you’ll be able to play this Rod Stewart classic and enjoy it for years to come. Grab your guitar and start playing!
