If you are a guitar enthusiast looking to add a classic tune to your repertoire, “You Are My Sunshine” is an excellent choice. This simple yet beautiful song has been enjoyed by people of all ages and has been covered by numerous artists throughout the years. In this article, we will provide you with the chords and strumming pattern to help you play this beloved song on the guitar.
Introduction to You Are My Sunshine
“You Are My Sunshine” is a classic song that was first recorded by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1939. The song’s simple melody and heartwarming lyrics have made it a timeless favorite for generations. It has since been covered by artists such as Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, and Aretha Franklin, among others. The song has also been featured in several films and TV shows, making it a recognizable tune for many.
The Chords to You Are My Sunshine
The chords for “You Are My Sunshine” are relatively simple, making it an ideal song for beginners to learn. The song uses four basic chords: G, C, D, and E minor. Here is a breakdown of the chords and their placement in the song:
Verse 1
- G C You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
- G D You make me happy when skies are gray
- G C You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
- G D G Please don’t take my sunshine away
Verse 2
- G C The other night dear, as I lay sleeping
- G D I dreamed I held you in my arms
- G C But when I woke dear, I was mistaken
- G D G And I hung my head and cried
Chorus
- E minor C You are my sunshine, my only sunshine
- G D You make me happy when skies are gray
- E minor C You’ll never know dear, how much I love you
- G D G Please don’t take my sunshine away
Strumming Pattern for You Are My Sunshine
The strumming pattern for “You Are My Sunshine” is straightforward and easy to master. It uses a basic down-up strumming pattern with a few variations. Here is an example of the strumming pattern for the song:
- D-D-DU-UDU
In other words, you will strum down three times, then up once, then down-up-down-up. This pattern repeats throughout the song.
Tips for Playing You Are My Sunshine on Guitar
Here are some tips to help you play “You Are My Sunshine” on the guitar:
- Practice the chords individually before attempting to play the song.
- Start with a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you become more comfortable with the song.
- Focus on getting the strumming pattern right before trying to add in any embellishments or variations.
- Experiment with different strumming patterns and fingerpicking techniques to make the song your own.
Conclusion
“You Are My Sunshine” is a classic song that is sure to bring a smile to anyone’s face. With its simple chords and strumming pattern, it is an excellent choice for beginner guitar players looking to expand their repertoire. We hope this article has provided you with the tools and tips you need to start playing this beloved tune on the guitar.
FAQs
- What is the history behind “You Are My Sunshine”? “You Are My Sunshine” is a classic song that was first recorded by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1939. The song was originally written by Davis as a campaign song for his successful run for governor of Louisiana. It quickly became a popular tune and was later recorded by numerous artists, including Bing Crosby, Gene Autry, and Johnny Cash, among others. The song’s simple melody and heartwarming lyrics have made it a timeless favorite for generations. Despite its popularity, the true origins of the song remain somewhat of a mystery, with various claims as to who actually wrote it. Nevertheless, “You Are My Sunshine” continues to be a beloved song and a staple of American music.
- Who originally recorded “You Are My Sunshine”? “You Are My Sunshine” was first recorded by Jimmie Davis and Charles Mitchell in 1939. Davis
- How many chords are in “You Are My Sunshine”? 4
for more history on you are my sunshine here is a wikipedia article.