Introduction
“Man of Constant Sorrow” is a traditional American folk song that was first recorded in the 1920s by Dick Burnett. The song has been covered by many artists over the years, including Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and The Stanley Brothers. One of the most popular versions of the song is the one performed by The Soggy Bottom Boys for the Coen Brothers’ film “O Brother, Where Art Thou?”
Chords
The chords for “Man of Constant Sorrow” are relatively simple and easy to learn. The song is in the key of D and uses the following chords:
As you can see, the song uses four chords: D, Am, C, and G. These chords are played in the same order throughout the entire song.
Lyrics
The lyrics for “Man of Constant Sorrow” tell the story of a man who is down on his luck and has been traveling for a long time. The lyrics are as follows:
The song has a haunting quality to it that reflects the sadness and desperation of the man in the lyrics.
Strumming Pattern
The strumming pattern for “Man of Constant Sorrow” is a simple down-up pattern that is played at a moderate tempo. The pattern is as follows:
Play this pattern throughout the entire song to give it a steady rhythm.
Tips for Playing
If you’re new to playing guitar or are having trouble with the song, here are a few tips to help you out:
- Practice the chords and strumming pattern separately before putting them together.
- Try playing along with a recording of the song to get a feel for the rhythm and timing.
- Don’t worry too much about playing the song perfectly – the imperfections are what give it its charm.
Conclusion
“Man of Constant Sorrow” is a classic folk song that has been enjoyed by generations of music lovers. With its simple chords, haunting lyrics, and steady rhythm, it’s a great song for beginners to learn on guitar. So grab your guitar, give it a try, and let the music take you away.
