Stewball - Joan Baez | Song Tabs - Guitar Chord Sheets

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Stewball Joan Baez

About the Song

Joan Baez’s version of "Stewball" is a folk classic known for its gentle, storytelling style. The original is played at a moderate tempo with a simple, singable melody, making it accessible for beginners.

Chords and Progression

The song uses basic open chords: C, Am, Dm, G in the first four verses (key of C), then modulates to D, Bm, Em, A, and G for the last verses (key of D). All these chords are common and beginner-friendly.

Strumming Pattern

For a folk feel, use a simple down-down-up-up-down-up (D-D-U-U-D-U) pattern. Keep your strumming hand relaxed, and focus on steady rhythm rather than speed. You can also use straight downstrokes for a softer, ballad-like effect.

Chord Transitions

Practice moving between C-Am-Dm-G and D-Bm-Em-A smoothly. Take time to switch slowly at first; speed will come with familiarity. Watch out for the transition from G to C and from A to D, as these can trip up beginners.

Techniques and Tips

Keep fingers close to the frets to avoid buzzing. For the instrumental section, play the progression as written to practice chord changes. Listen to Joan Baez’s recording for guidance on tempo and dynamics.

Final Note

Sing along as you play to internalize the rhythm and phrasing, and enjoy the storytelling aspect of this folk classic.

C

Am

Dm

G

D

Bm

Em

A

Intro

C

Verse 1

Stewball was aC racehorse,Am he wore a highDm head

And the mane on hisG foretop, was as fine as silkC thread

Yeah his mane it wasC silver,Am and his bridle wasDm gold

And the worth of hisG saddle, has never beenC told

Verse 2

He was ridden inC England,Am was ridden inDm Spain

And he never didG lose boys, he always didC gain

So come all youC gamblers,Am wherever youDm are

And don't place yourG money, on that little grayC mare

Verse 3

She's likely toC stumble,Am she's likely toDm fall

But you never willG lose boys, on my noble StewC ball

Instrumental

C Am Dm G C

Verse 4

Aw the fairgrounds wereC crowded,Am and Stewball wasDm there

But the betting wasG heavy, on the little greyC mare

Verse 5

Aw the hoot owl sheD hollers,Bm and the turtle doveEm moans

I'm a poor boy inA trouble, and a long ways fromD home

Cuz I bet on the greyD mare,Bm and some on theEm bay

I'd a bet on ol'A Stewball, I'd be a rich man toD day

Verse 6

Cuz they were aD riding,Bm about halfway aEm round

That grey mare sheA stumbled, and fell on theD ground

And away upD yonder,Bm ahead of themEm all

Came a-prancin' andA dancing, my noble StewD ball

Verse 7

And the grey mare was aD racehorse,Bm and her heart it wasEm gold

She lies dead on theA infield, but her story's beenG told

G D D