Song Tabs

 “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers is a classic ballad known for its emotional delivery and gentle accompaniment. The original features a lush arrangement, but it works beautifully on acoustic guitar with basic chords, making it accessible for beginners.

Chord Progression & Tips

The song uses open chords: C, Am, F, G, Em, C7, and Eb. The Eb may be unfamiliar to beginners, but you can substitute it with a simpler shape or just play F for the bridge if needed.

Practice transitioning between C, Am, F, and G, as these form the backbone of the verses and chorus. Take time with the F chord—use the simplified F (xx3211) if barre chords are difficult.

Strumming Pattern

Keep the strumming gentle and slow to match the song’s feel. Try a down-down-up-up-down-up pattern, or just downstrokes for a softer touch. Focus on keeping the rhythm steady and letting the chords ring out.

Techniques

Let chords sustain between lines; don’t rush between transitions. In the bridge, play more softly to reflect the song’s mood. For the final outro, you can slow down (ritardando) for dramatic effect.

Above all, play with feeling and focus on smooth chord changes to capture the song’s emotion.