Hey friends! After a recent surge in requests, I’ve proud to share this guitar lesson for Cats in the Cradle, the absolute classic by Harry Chapin from 1974. I’ll be playing this one in no capo (key of E), showing you a rather simplified strum-along arrangement in comparison to Chapin’s capo 8 fingerstyle version. While my video lesson is played without a capo, you can add capo 1st fret (using what I show you) and play along with the recorded version of the song, if you wish.
I’ll start with chord shapes, explain the chord progressions (showing a one-strum-per-measure playthrough), and then move into strumming patterns — before I get into some of the more advanced riffs. There’s great fun to be had with this song, whether you’re a beginner or looking for a bit of a challenge. I hope you enjoy!
Video timestamps:
– 0:00 Preview & lesson overview
– 2:46 Key, Capo, and Chords
– 3:58 Chord progressions
– 9:35 Strumming patterns
– 15:57 Intro riffs w/ tab
– 20:55 D walk-down riff w/ tab
– 25:16 Full playthrough with lyrics
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