Song Tabs

 "Nights In White Satin" by The Moody Blues is a classic ballad from 1967, known for its haunting melody and orchestral arrangement. The song’s gentle feel and emotive delivery translate well on acoustic guitar, making it accessible for beginners.

Chords and Progression

The song primarily uses open chords: Em, D, C, G, F, A, Am, and B7. The F chord may be challenging; consider using the simplified F (xx3211) if barring is difficult.

Strumming Pattern

Aim for a slow, steady strum that matches the song’s dreamy mood. A simple pattern is:

Down – Down – Up – Up – Down – Up

Alternatively, try soft downstrokes only, especially for verses, to mimic the original’s gentle dynamics.

Chord Transitions

Pay attention to the movement between Em and D, as these switch frequently in the intro and verses. Practice moving from F to Em and from B7 to Em during the flute solo.

For the chorus, the progression moves from A to C to Em, so rehearse these changes to keep timing smooth.

Techniques and Tips

**- Let chords ring out to preserve the song’s atmospheric quality.

• Use your thumb to softly mute the low E string on D, C, and F chords if needed.
• Take extra time on the flute solo section, as it introduces B7 and Am.**

Practice slowly and build up speed. The key is smooth, relaxed transitions and maintaining a gentle, flowing strum.