Neil Young's 'Harvest Moon' in Drop D Tuning: A Chord-by-Chord Guide

As the full moon rises high, Neil Young's hauntingly beautiful song 'Harvest Moon' takes us on a journey of love and longing. The iconic track, featured on his 1992 album Harvest Moon, has become a fan favorite for its soothing melody and poignant lyrics. In this article, we'll dive into the chord progression and provide a step-by-step guide to playing 'Harvest Moon' in Drop D tuning.

The Chord Progression

Before we get started, make sure you're familiar with Neil Young's unique tuning - Double Drop D (D-A-D-G-B-D). This tuning gives the song its distinctive, laid-back feel. Now, let's break down the chord progression:

Verse:

G - A - Em - G

A - Em - G - Bm

Chorus:

G - A - D - Bm

G - D - Bm - D

Bridge:

D - Bm - G - Em

D - G - Em - C

How to Play 'Harvest Moon'

1. Start with the verse, using the chord progression G - A - Em - G. Focus on strumming a steady, gentle rhythm, emphasizing the downbeats.

2. Move on to the chorus, switching between G - D - Bm and G - D - Bm - D. This section features a more driving rhythm, so be sure to keep your strumming consistent.

3. The bridge offers a slight change of pace, with a focus on the chords D - Bm - G - Em and D - G - Em - C. Use this opportunity to add some subtle embellishments, such as fingerpicking or arpeggiating the chords.

Tips for Playing 'Harvest Moon'

* Pay attention to your chord transitions, as they can make a big difference in the overall feel of the song.

* Experiment with different strumming patterns and rhythms to find one that suits your style.

* Don't be afraid to add some personal flair, such as adding seventh chords or suspended chords to give the song more depth.

'Harvest Moon' is a timeless classic that has captured the hearts of music lovers around the world. By mastering the chord progression and learning how to play it in Drop D tuning, you'll be well on your way to recreating Neil Young's hauntingly beautiful original. So grab your guitar, sit back under the harvest moon, and let the music take you away.

Neil young harvest moon chords drop d