Night Moves by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band is an excellent song for beginner and intermediate guitar players alike. Written in A Major – one of the 20 most-favored keys overall according to Theorytab database – the song offers simple chord progressions as well as an accessible strumming pattern that are great starting points.
1. G6
G6 chord is one of the most useful and well-used chords, appearing in many songs. Combining G6 with Dsus2 and Asus2 creates an extremely effective chord progression.
This chord progression is genius because all it requires to switch chords is moving one finger between chords; for example, whatever finger was on the D string second fret will move directly onto the E string for G6 chord.
Start here if you want to learn how to play power chords in standard tuning. Although it can be challenging, take it slow and practice often until those stubborn fingers finally yield to your will! Utilizing this progression will ensure natural and relaxed strumming.
2. Dsus2
Dsus2 chord is another essential transitional chord to have in your toolkit, particularly songs heavily in G’s key. “Midnight Special” for instance features Cmaj7 – G6 – Dsus2.
At first glance, chord charts may seem complex but are actually easy to interpret. A chord can be formed by placing your first finger on the second fret of the third string and your ring finger on the third fret of the second string; then strumming only thin strings to produce a Dsus2 chord!
Just keep in mind that “sus” refers to chords without their traditional third, so once your song has ended it’s important to change back into D major triad mode.
3. Em
Em is one of the most flexible chords out there. Being a minor chord, with its flattened 3rd interval but using only 1st and 5th scale degrees as its basis for construction, makes it particularly adaptable and versatile for playing across various music genres.
It can also be played as a barre chord, giving it a full sound with just two fingers – great for adding some groove to your strumming!
Martha Reeves & the Vandellas’ song, “(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave,” provides an excellent example. Its verse features numerous Em and other minor chords to give it that classic Motown sound.
4. Asus2
The A-Sus2 chord, also known as A Suspended 2nd chord, is simple to play yet unique in its sound. While standard major or minor chords contain thirds, this one doesn’t – providing it with its own distinct sound.
Asus2 works particularly well when used with other open chords and can add an unexpected element to a song’s chord progression – as seen on Suzanne Vega’s introspective “Luka,” where its lively acoustics contrast starkly with lyrics about child abuse.
Blake Shelton uses it on “Came Here to Forget,” where it conveys a feeling of shrugging off past regrets and moving on with life. Here, the ASU2 chord serves a similar function; both share similar notes.
5. F
F is a key chord found in many popular songs written in A Major key, like Night Moves by Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band, for which it holds particular resonance. Due to its intricate chord-bass melody structure, taking your time practicing this song will be key; remembering to concentrate first on getting rhythmical strumming down before worrying about chord progression – aim for relaxed yet natural-sounding strumming patterns! Songsheets and strumming sheet are available at $10 Tier.