“Tonight You Belong to Me” is a charming song with roots stretching back to the Jazz Age, and it’s a fantastic tune to add to your guitar repertoire. Originally penned in the 1920s by Billy Rose and Lee David, this song has enjoyed enduring popularity, becoming a hit for various artists across decades. From Gene Austin’s rendition in 1926 to Frankie Laine’s big band version in the 50s, and the million-selling version by teen duo Patience and Prudence in 1956, its appeal is undeniable. Even modern artists like Eddie Vedder and Cat Power have put their spin on it, proving its timeless quality. You might even recognize it from commercials, films, or Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters’ memorable performance in the movie The Jerk.
This lesson will guide you through playing “You Belong With Me” guitar chords, focusing on a simple arrangement perfect for acoustic guitar. We’ll use the key of D major, which allows for comfortable and mostly open chord shapes, making it accessible for guitarists of all levels. While we’ll explore a slightly richer palette of nine chords, including a touch of jazz flavor with the Gm7, don’t worry – they are all beginner-friendly. The Gm7 (G Bb D F) adds a sophisticated touch, borrowed from the D minor scale, but it’s easily manageable.
You can choose to fingerpick the accompaniment pattern provided, which adds a delicate and classic feel to the song. Alternatively, strumming with a pick works equally well, offering a more straightforward approach. Regardless of your chosen technique, remember to infuse the song with a gentle swing rhythm. The notation indicates this with a swing eighth notes symbol, meaning you should play eighth notes with a long-short feel rather than evenly. If you’re new to swing rhythm, listen to recordings of the song to grasp the feel, or follow along with instructional videos to get the hang of it.
To visually understand the chords and their positions, refer to the chord chart below. This will help you learn the finger placements and transitions needed to play “You Belong With Me” smoothly on your guitar. Mastering these “You Belong With Me Guitar Chords” will not only allow you to play this beautiful song but also expand your chord vocabulary and musicality on the guitar. Start practicing slowly, and soon you’ll be playing this classic tune with confidence and style.
