“I Walk The Line” by Johnny Cash is a timeless classic, instantly recognizable for its simple yet powerful melody and heartfelt lyrics. For guitar players, it’s also a fantastic song to learn, offering a great introduction to country strumming and chord progressions. This guide provides an easy-to-follow guitar tab to help you master this iconic tune.
Chord Breakdown and Song Structure
This song is wonderfully straightforward, making it accessible for guitarists of all levels. Johnny Cash famously used a piece of paper under his guitar strings to create that distinctive percussive sound, but you can achieve a similar effect with your strumming hand.
Here are the chords you’ll need to know, with the song capoed at the 1st fret as indicated in the original tab:
- A
- D
- E
- B7
- G
Intro:
(Capo on 1st Fret)
The intro sets the tone with a distinctive rhythm. Notice the (2/4) time signature marking, which indicates a shorter duration for that last E chord sequence.
A D A E B7 E E E E E (2/4)
Verse 1:
The verses follow a similar chord structure, making the song easy to memorize.
B7 E
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
B7 E
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
A E
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
B7 E A A A A
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
Verse 2:
E A
I find it very, very easy to be true
E A
I find myself alone when each day is through
D A
Yes, I’ll admit I’m a fool for you
E A D D D D
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
Verse 3:
A D
As sure as night is dark and day is light
A D
I keep you on my mind both day and night
G D
And happiness I’ve known proves that it’s right
A D A A A A (2/4)
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
Verse 4:
E A
You’ve got a way to keep me on your side
E A
You give me cause for love that I can’t hide
D A
For you I know I’d even try to turn the tide
E A E E E E E (2/4)
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
Verse 5:
This verse returns to the opening chords of the first verse, creating a sense of circularity to the song.
B7 E
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
B7 E
I keep my eyes wide open all the time
A E
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
B7 E E E E (hold)
Because you’re mine, I walk the line
Playing Tips for “I Walk The Line”
- Strumming Pattern: A simple down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern works perfectly for this song. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm, reflecting the song’s unwavering commitment theme. Experiment with muting strings slightly with your strumming hand to get closer to that classic Cash sound.
- Capo: Don’t forget the capo on the 1st fret! This raises the key of the song and makes these chord shapes work in the original key of F#. If you want to sing along, ensure the capo is in place.
- B7 Chord: The B7 chord can be a little tricky for beginners. Practice transitioning to and from B7 smoothly with the E and A chords. A simplified version of B7 can be played if you find the full barre chord challenging initially.
- Listen to Johnny Cash: The best way to learn the feel of “I Walk The Line” is to listen to Johnny Cash’s recording closely. Pay attention to his vocal phrasing, the tempo, and the subtle nuances in his guitar playing.
[Insert image of Johnny Cash playing guitar here]
Conclusion
“I Walk The Line” is more than just a song; it’s a testament to loyalty and devotion, embodied in a simple yet powerful musical arrangement. By learning this guitar tab, you’re not only adding a classic country tune to your repertoire but also gaining a deeper appreciation for Johnny Cash’s musical genius. Keep practicing, and you’ll be walking the line on your guitar in no time!
