The Addams Family Theme is perfect for the run up to Halloween. The recognisable intro, 3 chords and a little creepy rhythm…written by Andrew Gold.
Today we cover the Intro, the chords and strumming and an EASIER VERSION.
Key: Bb
Time Signature: 4/4
We start with the original key, this uses 2 barre chords. This positioning also means we can use interim bass notes that precede the chords as in the recording. This gives it a much more bouncy, creeping feel….
THE SONG
The Intro:
The intro plays 4 notes of the F Major Scale followed by 4 notes of the G Major Scale. Follow the tab below for the whole intro.
Chords:
The chords in order Bb | C7 | F | Bb | are cycled throughout the Verses.
Rhythm & chord sequence
The following sequence plays throughout the Verses. This is the basic strumming pattern.
we can now develop the strumming pattern by adding the root note of each chord onto Beats 1 & 3. (Root notes = first note. Bb root is on A string fret 1, C7 root is on A string fret 3, F root note is E string fret 1).
In the sequence below play the root note on ‘r’ and the rest of the chord on the beats marked with the down arrows.
Play the 2 bar pattern twice for each verse.
Strumming Feel and Accents:
Play the notes and rhythms as short strums. Don’t let the strings ring out. The short, percussive sound adds to the bounce. Shorten the notes by muting the strings following each strum using your strumming hand.
Song Structure – Intro riff x2 | Verse 1 | Verse 2 | Intro riff x 1 | Verse 3 | Ending
EASIER VERSION
By using a capo on fret 1 we are then able to play the song in the same key as above but don’t need to use barre chords.
Intro:
Play the following tab for the intro with a capo on fret 1.
Chords:
Rhythm:
Play the root note of each chord on the beat mark ‘r’. Strum the remainder of the chord notes on the beats with the down arrows. Play the following sequence 2 for each verse.
Song Structure – Intro riff x2 | Verse 1 | Verse 2 | Intro riff x 1 | Verse 3 | Ending
🎸 For additional video lesson help with this lesson ⤵️
🎸FULL SONG PLAY THROUGH⤵️