Em
D
G
A
Bm
Em7
Up On The Roof
James Taylor
James Taylor’s version of "Up On The Roof" is gentle and laid-back, featuring clear chord progressions and a relaxed rhythm. This makes it approachable for beginner guitarists, while still allowing space to add your own style.
Chords and Progression
The chords used (D, Bm, A, Em, Em7, G) are all open or easy barre chords, except for Bm, which is a common beginner challenge. Practice transitioning between D, Bm, and A, as these appear frequently in sequence.
Tip:
If Bm is difficult, try the simplified mini-barre version using only the top four strings.
Strumming Pattern
A steady, moderate strumming pattern works well:
Down-down-up-up-down-up
Emphasize the first down strum for a relaxed groove. Keep your wrist loose and let the song’s easy-going feel guide you.
Transitions and Techniques
- Watch for quick changes between [D] and [A], especially in the intro and between verse lines.
- Practice the shift from [Em] to [A] smoothly—these appear together often.
- For [Em7], simply lift your ring finger off the [Em] chord; this makes for an easy switch and adds color to the chorus and outro.
Final Tips
Keep the mood gentle and don’t rush; let the chords ring out. Play along with the original to match the feel and timing. Repetition will help with chord transitions, especially for the bridge and outro sections.
Intro
Em D D G A
Verse 1WhenD this old world, starts aBm getting meA down,
AndEm people are just tooA much, for me toD faceA D G A
I'llD climb way up, to theBm top of theA stair,
AndEm all my cares justA drift, right intoD spa-a-aceA D G A
ChorusG On the roof, it's peaceful as can beD G A
AndBm there the world below don't botherEm7 me, noA no
Verse 2So whenD I come home, feelin'Bm tired andA beat,
I'llEm go up where theA air, is fresh andD sweetA D G A
I'llD get away from theBm hustlingA crowd
AndEm all that rat-raceA noise, down in theD streetA D G A D
BridgeG On the roof, that's the only, place I know,
Bm Look at the city baby, whereD you just have toBm wish, to make itEm7 so,
Let'sA go-oh up on theD roofA D Bm Bm Em7 D G A D A D G A D
Verse 3AtG night the stars, theyBm put on aG show for freeD G A
AndD darlin', you canBm share it all withEm7 me, just what IA said
Verse 4Keep on tellin' you thatD right smack dab, in theBm middle ofA town,
IEm found aG paraA dise, that's troubleD proofA D G A
And ifD this old world, starts aBm getting youA down,
There'sEm room enough forA two, up on theD ro-oofA D D A D
OutroUp on the roo-Em7 oofD G A Up on theD rooofBm Em D G A D
Everything is allBm right, anything is allEm rightEm7 G A
ComeD onA D Bm Bm Em D G A
Stop what you're doin' tonight andBm climb up the stairs be andEm see meD G A
We got theD stars above and theBm city lights below,
OhhEm ohhA ohG ohA on everyD roof nowA D Bm Bm Em7 D G A D