Learn how to play "Fast Car" by Tracy Chapman on guitar!

This song is just amazing, the lyrics, what a life...

Fast Car by Tracy Chapman is also an easy song for beginners getting into some fingerstyle. In this lesson, we'll learn all the chords, rhythm, and also the riff.

We can't really concentrate on more than one thing for a long time, so if you're planning to play and sing along at the same time, you should automate one of your tasks. :) For me, it's usually the playing - so, if that's your case, work on getting the fingerstyle pattern really comfortable under your fingers before you try to start singing. ;)

If you're following my Beginner Guitar Course, this song is great for Grade 3+ students.

Now let's get stuck in!

How to play Fast Car by Tracy Chapman

If you're planning to play along with the original recording, you'll need to use your guitar capo on the second fret. Then, you'll place your fingers in an open C Chord position. Your thumb will be playing the bass note, and the other fingers the thinnest strings. Check out JustinGuitar Tabs if you want to have the lyrics and chords to follow along with my tutorial! This song is also available on my Beginner Songbook if you'd like to have it printed out. :)

New to fingerstyle? Remember that the trick is to play it slowly and carefully. Let your fingers learn where the strings are! First, I recommend you get hit with the chord progression to play the song without any mistakes. Make sure you take the time to learn it well, so you're playing the right notes in the right order. It also helps to know which notes you should play together and which ones are played independently.

When you get into the chorus, you'll need a strumming pattern too! If you're hip with the fingerstyle, the pattern shouldn't be a problem. ;)

Want chords, tabs, and lyrics to follow along with my song tutorials? Check out JustinGuitar Tabs!