How Do You Play a Song From a Lyric and Chord Sheet?

The good news is you can find lyric and chord sheets for almost any song.

The bad news is these sheets don't give you the rhythm.

Here's what to do:

1. Listen to a Recording

Your first step is to figure out how many beats are played for each chord. For some songs, there will be 2 beats per chord or 4 beats per chord. If so, that’s simple. But if the number of beats per chord changes often, you may want to download or print the lyric and chord sheet so you can write on it how many beats per chord.

2. Down Strums

Step two is to play the song with steady down strums. This simplifies the strumming so that you can focus on playing the chord switches at the right times.

3. Down and Down Up

Step three is to try alternating down strums with down up strums. Be sure to play the chord changes at the right times. This may be be enough to make the song sound good, in which case you may not need the remaining step.

4. Original Strum Rhythm

Step four is to listen carefully to the recording, so that you can figure out the strum rhythm. Try tapping your hand to the rhythm or clapping the rhythm. Then try strumming the rhythm while muting the strings without actually playing the chord changes. Then try playing the rhythm while also doing the chord changes.

You’re playing the song!

Keep making music!