Song Tabs

 "Lily, Rosemary and the Jack of Hearts" was originally written and performed by Bob Dylan. Joan Baez’s version stays close to the folk storytelling style, using simple chords and a steady tempo, making it accessible for guitarists of all levels.

Playing the Song on Guitar

This song uses common open chords: G, C, D, D7, Bm, and Am7. For beginners, focus on smooth transitions between these chords.

Strumming Pattern:
A basic folk strum, such as D-DU-UDU (D = down, U = up), works well. Keep the tempo moderate and steady to match the song’s narrative style.

Chord Tips:

• Practice switching between G, C, and D, as these transitions occur frequently.
• Bm can be tricky as it’s a barre chord; as a beginner, you can substitute it with Bm7 (x20202) for an easier grip.
• Am7 (x02010) is straightforward; ensure each string rings clear.

Techniques:

• During the intro, strum G twice to set the rhythm.
• Each chord generally gets a full measure. Listen for chord changes at the end of lines, especially moving from D to G or C to D.

General Advice:
Play slowly at first, focusing on chord clarity. As you get comfortable, add dynamics by varying strum intensity to reflect the song’s mood and story.