This article breaks down the chords for Neil Young’s classic “Cinnamon Girl,” a staple of 1960s folk-rock. The song is built on a simple, repeating two-chord verse and a distinctive chorus, making it a great choice for beginner and intermediate guitarists. You’ll learn the chord shapes, strumming pattern, and the iconic guitar riff that defines the track.
Ingredients
- 1 acoustic or electric guitar (standard tuning: EADGBE)
- 1 guitar pick (medium thickness recommended)
- Capo (optional, for matching the original recording’s key)
- Chord chart or tab (provided below)
Instructions
- Tune your guitar to standard tuning (EADGBE). If you have a clip-on tuner or tuning app, use it to ensure each string is accurate.
- Learn the main verse chords: The verse uses just two chords: D major and A major. Place your fingers as follows:
– D major: index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string), middle finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string (1st string), ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string).
– A major: index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string), middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string), ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string). - Practice the verse progression: Strum D for two measures (8 counts), then A for two measures (8 counts). Repeat this pattern. The original song uses a steady eighth-note strum (down-up-down-up) with a slight accent on the downbeats.
- Learn the chorus chords: The chorus introduces G major and D major. For G major: place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string (6th string), index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string), ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B string (2nd string), and pinky on the 3rd fret of the high E string (1st string). Strum all six strings.
- Play the chorus progression: Strum G for one measure, D for one measure, then G for one measure, and D for two measures. The chorus resolves back to the verse.
- Add the iconic riff (optional): The main riff is played on the low E string and A string. It goes like this (in standard tuning):
– Play the open low E string, then hammer-on to the 2nd fret of the low E string (F#).
– Then play the open A string, and hammer-on to the 2nd fret of the A string (B).
– Then play the open low E string again, and hammer-on to the 2nd fret (F#).
– Finally, play the open A string, and hammer-on to the 2nd fret (B), then slide down to the open A string.
This riff is played during the intro and between vocal lines. - Put it together: Play the riff as an intro, then go into the verse (D-A), then the chorus (G-D-G-D). The song structure is: Intro (riff), Verse, Chorus, Verse, Chorus, Guitar Solo (based on the riff), Chorus, Outro (riff fading out).
- Strumming pattern for the chorus: Use a similar eighth-note strum, but accent the first beat of each measure. You can also add a slight palm mute on the A chord to mimic the original recording’s dynamics.
Tips
- Capo placement: The original recording is in the key of D but with a capo on the 2nd fret, meaning the actual pitch is E. If you want to play along with the record, place a capo on the 2nd fret and use the same chord shapes (D, A, G). Without a capo, you’ll be playing in D, which is fine for practice.
- Use a metronome: Start at a slow tempo (around 80 BPM) and gradually increase to the original tempo (around 120 BPM). This helps you keep steady time, especially during chord changes.
- Mute unwanted strings: When switching between D and A, be careful not to let the low E string ring out during the A chord. Use the side of your index finger to lightly touch the low E string to mute it.
- Practice the riff slowly: The hammer-ons in the riff require precision. Start by playing the notes without the hammer-ons (just pick each note), then add the hammer-ons once you’re comfortable with the fretting hand movement.
Serving Suggestions
Once you’ve mastered the chords and riff, try playing along with the original track. You can also experiment with adding a simple lead line over the verse using the D major pentatonic scale (D-E-F#-A-B). For a full band feel, have a friend play the bass line (root notes D and A) while you strum the chords.
Variations
- Electric vs. acoustic: On electric guitar, use a clean tone with a slight reverb or delay. On acoustic, you can use a fingerpicking pattern instead of strumming for a softer rendition.
- Alternate chord voicings: Try playing D as a barre chord at the 5th fret (using the A shape) and A as a barre chord at the 5th fret (using the E shape). This gives a heavier, more rock-oriented sound.
- Fingerstyle version: Instead of strumming, use your thumb to play the bass notes (D and A) and your index, middle, and ring fingers to pluck the higher strings. This works well for a solo acoustic performance.
- Change the key: If the D-A-G progression is too high or low for your voice, use a capo or transpose to a different key. For example, placing a capo on the 2nd fret and using the same shapes raises the key to E.
Storage and Reheating
This lesson doesn’t produce leftovers, but your muscle memory will improve with regular practice. To “store” your progress, take a short video of yourself playing the progression and riff each day. Review the video to spot areas for improvement. If you take a break for a few days, simply revisit the chord shapes and riff slowly before speeding up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the strumming pattern for “Cinnamon Girl”?
A: The song uses a steady eighth-note strum (down-up-down-up) throughout the verse and chorus. In the verse, you can add a slight accent on the downbeat of each measure. In the chorus, accent the first beat of each chord change. The key is to keep it consistent and relaxed.
Q: Do I need a capo to play “Cinnamon Girl”?
A: No, you can play it without a capo using the chords D, A, and G. However, the original recording uses a capo on the 2nd fret, which raises the pitch to E. If you want to play along with the record, use a capo. Otherwise, playing without a capo is perfectly fine for practice and performance.
Q: What is the chord progression for the verse and chorus?
A: The verse is simply D for two measures, then A for two measures, repeated. The chorus is G for one measure, D for one measure, G for one measure, and D for two measures. The song alternates between these two sections.
Q: How do I play the main riff?
A: The riff is played on the low E and A strings. Start with the open low E, hammer-on to the 2nd fret (F#), then play the open A, hammer-on to the 2nd fret (B). Repeat that pattern, then finish with the open low E, hammer-on to the 2nd fret, open A, hammer-on to the 2nd fret, and slide down to the open A. Practice slowly and build up speed.
Q: Is “Cinnamon Girl” a good song for beginners?
A: Yes, it’s an excellent beginner song because it uses only three basic open chords (D, A, G) and a simple strumming pattern. The riff is a bit more challenging but can be tackled after you’re comfortable with the chords. It’s a great way to practice chord changes and timing.
Q: Can I play this song on an electric guitar?
A: Absolutely. The original recording features electric guitar. Use a clean or slightly overdriven tone. The riff sounds great with a bit of distortion, but keep the chords clean. Experiment with your guitar’s pickup selection (e.g., middle position) to find a balanced tone.
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