“Fast Car” by Tracy Chapman is a timeless song beloved by many, and it’s also a fantastic tune for guitarists to learn. Its simple yet powerful chord progression makes it accessible for beginners while still sounding rich and emotive. This guide will break down the chords for “Fast Car,” allowing you to play this iconic song yourself.
The song primarily revolves around a repeating four-chord sequence that is both catchy and easy to memorize. The intro, verses, and interludes all share the same foundational chords. These chords are: Cmaj7, G, Em, and D. These are common chords on the guitar and create a pleasant, melancholic sound that perfectly suits the song’s narrative.
Let’s break down the structure of “Fast Car” and see how these chords are used throughout the song:
Intro Chords:
The song opens with a repeating sequence of these four chords, played four times. This intro establishes the song’s mood and familiar chord pattern:
|Cmaj7 G | Em D | Repeat 4 timesVerse Chords:
The verses of “Fast Car” follow the exact same chord progression as the intro. This consistency makes the song easy to learn and play along with. You can simply repeat the intro chord sequence for each verse:
|Cmaj7 G | Em D |Interlude Chords:
Just like the intro and verses, the interludes in “Fast Car” maintain the same chord progression. This repetition helps to build familiarity and allows the focus to remain on the lyrics and melody:
|Cmaj7 G |Em D | |Cmaj7 G |Em D |Chorus Chords:
The chorus introduces a slight variation to provide a lift and emotional release. While still using familiar chords, it adds a Dsus4 and a slightly different sequence at the end:
C G Em Dsus4 (crescendo all downs)
|C Em| D |C Em| D | |C D |Notice the introduction of the Dsus4 chord, which creates a moment of suspension before resolving back. The chorus chords offer a dynamic shift from the verses while remaining harmonically connected.
Outro Chords:
The outro brings the song to a gentle close, returning to the foundational four-chord progression, eventually fading out on Cmaj7 and G:
|Cmaj7 G |Em D | |Cmaj7 G |Em D |
|Cmaj7 G |Em D | |Cmaj7 G |“Fast Car” is a testament to the power of simple chord progressions. By mastering these chords – Cmaj7, G, Em, D, and Dsus4 – you can play the vast majority of this iconic song. Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords, and soon you’ll be able to capture the heart and soul of “Fast Car” on your guitar. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, “Fast Car” chords are a valuable addition to your musical repertoire.
