Song Tabs

Guitar Commentary and Tips

Original Version
For My Lady by The Moody Blues features a gentle, folk-inspired feel with a focus on melody and emotion. The original uses acoustic guitar and highlights simple, expressive chord progressions that are ideal for beginner guitarists.

How to Play on Guitar
The song uses basic open chords: G, Dm, C, Em, Am, G7, Fm. Most are beginner-friendly except Dm and Fm, which may require extra practice. For Fm, try using the simplified version (xx3111) to avoid full barre chords if needed.

Strumming Pattern
Use a relaxed, slow down-down-up-up-down-up pattern or simply downstrokes to match the ballad feel. Listen to the original for dynamics: play more softly during verses, slightly stronger on choruses.

Chord Transitions

• Practice moving from G to Dm and Dm to C smoothly, as these are frequent transitions.
• The G7 chord appears in the chorus and can be substituted with a regular G if G7 is difficult at first.
• The Fm in the bridge is the toughest; focus on switching from Fm to C by keeping your index finger anchored for efficiency.

Techniques

• Emphasize clear, ringing chords.
• Let open strings ring out, especially during the intro and interludes.
• Use gentle fingerpicking for a softer sound, or light strumming for singalong sections.

Take your time with the transitions and enjoy the song’s calm, flowing mood!