• Registered: 2013-06-03
  • Posts: 3

Topic: Oldies Progression: G em C D

Hello I am new to guitar and came across this chord progression found in oldie songs.

I was wondering how it works when singing and playing a song like Duke of Earl. I am currently strumming 4 times for each chord.

So when I reach a few parts I get some problems trying to sing the lyrics in just 4 beats:

G                    Em
(Yes-a, I), oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh
          C
(Come on let me hold you darlin')

                       D
('Cause I'm the Duke of Earl

So hey yea yea yeah)

Is it a chord problem?

Thanks.

  • NELA
  • Honoured Member
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  • From: West Monroe, La. 71292
  • Registered: 2007-11-28
  • Posts: 1,303

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

Welcome to the forum, jackqui. No. it is not a chord problem, it is a strumming problem. Learning the correct strumming pattern for each and every song you play will take time and effort. You need to learn to hear the "beat" (base notes) of the song as they will give you the "tempo" (strumming) of the song. I know the song you are refering too but it is one I don't play. I've been trying to come up with the strum pattern but just can't get there. I know someone else will respond, quickly, so don't give up.

Also, try tapping your finger on the table top as you listen to the song. Keep doing this until you develope a rythem to the song. Once you are able to to do this apply it to the strumming of the song. Just don't give up.


NELA

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  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

This song's progression is a standard do wop G Em C D on the verses each chord is 4 beats (1bar) but on the bridge its 8 beats(2bars) you can use a down strum for each beat to keep your time better you can also substitute a Am for the C because it is the relative minor of the chord smile

"Growing old is not for sissies"

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  • Registered: 2013-06-03
  • Posts: 3

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

Russell_Harding wrote:

This song's progression is a standard do wop G Em C D on the verses each chord is 4 beats (1bar) but on the bridge its 8 beats(2bars) you can use a down strum for each beat to keep your time better you can also substitute a Am for the C because it is the relative minor of the chord smile

Thanks, does it mean:

G x 8                    Em x 8
(Yes-a, I), oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh

Regards,
Jack

  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

That's another way of counting it I would count it 1 2 3 4/ 2234 the 2 indicates the measure or bar you don't need to count to 8 smile

jackgui wrote:
Russell_Harding wrote:

This song's progression is a standard do wop G Em C D on the verses each chord is 4 beats (1bar) but on the bridge its 8 beats(2bars) you can use a down strum for each beat to keep your time better you can also substitute a Am for the C because it is the relative minor of the chord smile

Thanks, does it mean:

G x 8                    Em x 8
(Yes-a, I), oh I'm gonna love you, oh oh

Regards,
Jack

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

And there are many songs with these chord progressions, even some country tunes

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.

7 Reply by jackgui (edited by jackgui 2013-06-15 14:53:06)

  • Registered: 2013-06-03
  • Posts: 3

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

Hello,

I got it pat down after a week. Currently using the advise of 4 beats(1 bar) and 8 beats(2 bars) and it is working pretty well.  Just have to work on the vocals tongue

Thanks everyone for the help and encouragement.

Yup, there are lots of songs that use the oldies progression. My next song could be Earth's Angel by The Penguins.

Regards,
Jack

  • From: Tooele Ut
  • Registered: 2006-03-04
  • Posts: 4,049

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

Another song with this progression is You're Only Lonely by JD Souther.  Check it out

You can see all my video covers on [url]http://www.youtube.com/bensonp1000[/url]
I have finally found happiness in my life.  Guitars, singing, beer and camping.  And they all intertwine wonderfully.
  • From: A black hole in deep space
  • Registered: 2007-10-28
  • Posts: 7,865

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

Way to go Jack you can also use a arpeggio stum that is picking each string in the chord up and down for a different effect smile

jackgui wrote:

Hello,

I got it pat down after a week. Currently using the advise of 4 beats(1 bar) and 8 beats(2 bars) and it is working pretty well.  Just have to work on the vocals tongue

Thanks everyone for the help and encouragement.

Yup, there are lots of songs that use the oldies progression. My next song could be Earth's Angel by The Penguins.

Regards,
Jack

"Growing old is not for sissies"

Russell_Harding's Website

  • Registered: 2013-12-05
  • Posts: 2

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

Down, down up, up down up,
Down, down up, up down up,
Down, down up, up down up,
Down, down up, up down up,

11 Reply by tubatooter1940 (edited by tubatooter1940 2013-12-11 00:45:13)

  • From: Alabama Gulf Coast
  • Registered: 2008-06-24
  • Posts: 1,819

Re: Oldies Progression: G em C D

Bar bands in Mobile, Alabama back in the day used to call that the "Blue Moon turnaround."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v0fy1HeJv80

We pronounce it "Guf Coast".
Ya'll wanna go down to the Guf?

tubatooter1940's Website