Learn "Cry Baby Cry" by The Beatles on the Guitar

In this easy lesson, we'll learn how to play Cry Baby Cry by The Beatles on the acoustic guitar. This song is a real John Lennon classic and a great one for advancing beginners. It primarily features open chords with some fun rhythms but also has a nice descending baseline, which is much easier than it sounds.

Chorus and Verse

The song starts with a chorus, with two beats on every chord. It moves from G to A minor, F, and then to G, transitioning from E minor to A, to F, leading us into the verse.

In the first chorus, the F is played for two beats and goes directly into a verse. This is what we call a two-four bar - a bar with only two beats. However, all subsequent choruses add a G after the F chord.

Rhythm

The rhythm for the intro is a bass strum and then a full strum, creating a bass, chord, bass, chord pattern. This pattern continues into the verse. The verse progression consists of two bars of E minor with a descending baseline. The baseline moves from the E to a D#, to a D, and then to a C#. It then transitions from C to G. This chord progression and rhythm continue throughout the song, with variations in individual verses and choruses.

Strumming Dynamics

One thing that works well for the earlier part of the song is playing an even eighth-note pattern. This allows the bass note to shine through, making the song's character more pronounced. But don't be afraid to experiment and make this your version. Play with different dynamics and variations to keep the song interesting for you and your listeners.

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Remember, when you're performing a song on acoustic guitar, particularly on your own, you want to have a good dynamic range. The choruses lift, and the verses become a little bit more quiet. You want your audience listening to it, listening to the words, when you're playing a verse and then singing along for the chorus. That's a good way of thinking about it.

Wrapping Up

Cry Baby Cry is a beautiful song that allows beginners to practice open chords, rhythm patterns, and dynamic range. It's also a great song for experimenting and making your interpretation.

So, dive in, have fun, and make this song your own. Don't forget to check out the video lesson to see all these tips in action, and remember that you're not alone on this journey. We're here to support you every step of the way. So, let's get started!

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