Talkin’ ’bout a Revolution released in the late 80s is a well requested song for acoustic guitar strummers. Tracy Chapman has taken 4 chords, repeated them in the same order throughout the song and with a bit of an interesting strumming pattern created something that defines it and is instantly recognisable to this song even though these same 4 chords are used in countless other songs.

Today we learn the actual strumming pattern in the recording. I’ve added tab and rhythm charts to help reinforce the lesson. In the second part I break down the rhythm into an easy version for those with less experience or those not wanting to learn the more complex version.

 

The chords

We use the chords G Cadd9 Em & D

Practise playing the chords in this sequence first to get used to the chord changes.

 

The Rhythms

The strumming pattern in the song has some excellent nuances.  We’re playing 4 chords round and round but the way Tracy Chapman catches the strings lets some melody notes ring out that make it really recognisable.

Follow the tab below for a more precise look at the notes and strings used.  For a video example click the link HERE

The chart below divides the chords into the 4/4 rhythm.  If you count the numbers as you play ( 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 +) and line them up with the down/up strums and chord changes this will help you to build your rhythm counting practise and understand on what part of the beat you need to change chord.

 

Easy Rhythm

Using the same chords as we have referenced at the beginning of the post and follow the rhythm chart below.

If you are a newish guitarist I would recommend you count 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + out loud as you practise putting the up/down strums and chords in the right places.

 

Performance Tips