Simple Man Chords & Guitar Lesson
Welcome to my Simple Man chord chart by Lynyrd Skynyrd. This is an awesome song to play and sing. Now there are two ways you can approach this song which is the easy way (strumming) or the intermediate way (picking). The chords are very simple and the four chord progression never changes for the entire which is why it’s an amazing beginner guitar song.
I’m mostly focusing on the acoustic aspects of this songs with the strumming and picking. There are some heavy electric guitar parts in this song as well which are not going to be part of the video tutorial below.
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Simple Man Guitar Chords:
Simple Man Strumming Patterns:
Easy Strumming:
1 2 3 4+
D D DU
Notice how we are not strumming down on the second beat to create more space and openness in this strumming pattern.
Intro & Verse Picking Pattern:
Here is the easier Bas line for beginners:
Simple Man Guitar Lesson:
The first lesson goes at more of a beginner's pace where you can learn how to strum along and learn to play the simple bass line. The second video goes more into detail on the picking pattern that can be played throughout the song.
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Simple Man Chord Chart:
Original song is tuned down a half step to: (D# G# C# F# A# D#)
Intro:
C G Am Am C G Am Am
C G Am Am C G Am Am
Verse:
C G Am Am
Well, Mama told me, when I was young.
C G Am Am
Come sit down beside me, my only son.
C G Am Am
And listen closely, to what I say.
C G Am Am
And if you do this, it'll help you, some sunny day. Oh yeah!
C G Am Am C G Am Am
Verse:
C G Am Am
Oh, take your time, don't live too fast.
C G Am Am
Troubles will come, and they will pass.
C G Am Am
Go find a woman, and you'll find love.
C G Am Am
And don't forget son, there is someone up above.
Chorus:
C G Am Am
And be a simple kind of man.
C G Am Am
Oh, be something, you love and understand.
C G Am Am
Baby, be a simple kind of man.
C G Am Am
Oh, won't you do this for me son, if you can?
C G Am Am C G Am Am
Verse
C G Am Am
Forget your lust, for rich man's gold,
C G Am Am
All that you need, is in your soul.
C G Am Am
And you can do this, oh baby, if you try.
C G Am Am
All that I want for you my son, is to be satisfied.
Chorus:
C G Am Am
And be a simple kind of man.
C G Am Am
Oh, be something, you love and understand.
C G Am Am
Baby, be a simple kind of man.
C G Am Am
Oh, won't you do this for me son, if you can?
Oh yes, I will.
Solo:
C G Am Am C G Am Am
C G Am Am C G Am Am
Verse:
C G Am Am
Boy, don't you worry, you'll find yourself.
C G Am Am
Follow your heart, and nothing else.
C G Am Am
You can do this, oh baby, if you try.
C G Am Am
All that I want for you my son, is to be satisfied.
Chorus:
C G Am Am
And be a simple kind of man.
C G Am Am
Oh, be something, you love and understand.
C G Am Am
Baby, be a simple kind of man.
C G Am Am C(hold)
Oh, won't you do this for me son, if you can?
This file is the author’s own work and represents his interpretation of this song. It’s intended solely for private study, scholarship or research.
We do not distribute printable chord and lyrics charts. These charts are here only to support online learning. We highly recommend buying music from Hal Leonard or a reputable online sheet music store.