Unlocking the Magic of "Cinnamon Girl" Chords
Neil Young's "Cinnamon Girl" is a timeless classic that has resonated with guitarists for decades. Its distinctive, slightly melancholic yet undeniably catchy sound is largely due to its unique chord progression and the way those chords are strummed. If you've ever wanted to serenade someone with this iconic tune or simply add it to your repertoire, you've come to the right place. This article will break down exactly how to play the chords for "Cinnamon Girl," offering detailed instructions for the average American guitar player.
Understanding the Key and Basic Chords
"Cinnamon Girl" is primarily played in the key of E minor. However, Neil Young masterfully uses a few interesting chord voicings that give it its signature flavor. The core chords you'll need to know are:
- E Minor (Em): This is your home base chord.
- Finger 1: 2nd fret, A string
- Finger 2: 2nd fret, D string
- Finger 3: 2nd fret, G string
- D Major (D): A bright, driving chord.
- Finger 1: 2nd fret, G string
- Finger 2: 2nd fret, high E string
- Finger 3: 3rd fret, B string
- A Minor (Am): A somber, pensive chord.
- Finger 1: 1st fret, B string
- Finger 2: 2nd fret, D string
- Finger 3: 2nd fret, G string
- G Major (G): A strong, foundational chord.
- Finger 1: 2nd fret, A string
- Finger 2: 3rd fret, low E string
- Finger 3: 3rd fret, high E string
The "Cinnamon Girl" Chord Progression: The Heart of the Song
The magic of "Cinnamon Girl" lies in its repeating four-chord progression that forms the verses and choruses. It's deceptively simple but incredibly effective. Here's the sequence:
Em - D - Am - G
You'll repeat this progression throughout the song. The key to capturing the feel of "Cinnamon Girl" is in the rhythm and the slight variations Neil Young employs.
The Strumming Pattern: More Than Just Chords
While knowing the chords is crucial, the way you strum them is equally important for this song. Neil Young often uses a downstroke-heavy, slightly choppy rhythm. A common and effective strumming pattern for "Cinnamon Girl" is:
Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up
Let's break that down with the chord progression:
- On the Em chord, play: Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up
- On the D chord, play: Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up
- On the Am chord, play: Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up
- On the G chord, play: Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up
Practice this pattern slowly at first, ensuring each strum is clear and the transitions between chords are smooth. Don't be afraid to emphasize the downstrokes to get that driving feel.
Neil Young's Signature Touch: The "Cinnamon Girl" Variation
Now, let's get to what makes "Cinnamon Girl" truly stand out. Neil Young doesn't just play straight Em, D, Am, G. He incorporates a subtle, yet crucial, variation that adds a lot of character. For the Em chord, he often uses a suspended chord feel. Here's how to achieve that:
E Minor (Em) with a suspended fourth (Esus4):
- Play the standard Em chord as described above.
- Then, add your pinky finger (Finger 4) to the 3rd fret of the high E string.
So, for the Em chord in the progression, you'll play it like this:
Em (standard) - then quickly add your pinky to the 3rd fret of the high E string for the Esus4 feel before transitioning to D.
This transition from Em to Esus4 and then to D creates a wonderfully atmospheric and slightly yearning sound. Many guitarists also find that a simple hammer-on from the open high E string to the 1st fret (F#) and then to the 2nd fret (F##, effectively a G#) within the Em chord can also capture this feel, though the pinky-on-the-3rd-fret-of-the-high-E approach is more commonly associated with the "Cinnamon Girl" sound.
Putting It All Together: The Full Song Structure
The song primarily uses this progression throughout. Here's a simplified structure to get you started:
- Intro: Often starts with the Em chord, sometimes with a more drawn-out, atmospheric strum.
- Verse: Em - D - Am - G (repeated)
- Chorus: Em - D - Am - G (repeated)
- Bridge/Guitar Solo: While the chords generally stick to the main progression, the intensity and feel might change.
Important Tip: Listen closely to the original recording. Neil Young's playing is known for its raw, unpolished brilliance. Don't aim for perfect precision; aim for the feeling. Experiment with the dynamics of your strumming, perhaps strumming harder on the downbeats and softer on the upbeats.
Frequently Asked Questions About "Cinnamon Girl" Chords
How do I get that specific "Cinnamon Girl" sound?
The key to the distinctive "Cinnamon Girl" sound is the use of the Esus4 chord briefly with the Em chord, achieved by adding your pinky to the 3rd fret of the high E string. Also, focus on a driving, downstroke-heavy strumming pattern.
Why does the Em chord sound a bit different in "Cinnamon Girl"?
Neil Young often incorporates a suspended chord feel, specifically an Esus4, by adding a note that creates a momentary tension before resolving. This adds a unique character to the chord and the overall song.
Is the strumming pattern complicated?
The basic strumming pattern (Down - Down - Up - Up - Down - Up) is quite common and relatively easy to learn. The complexity comes from applying it consistently and with the right feel to the chord progression.
Can I play "Cinnamon Girl" with just the basic Em, D, Am, G chords?
Yes, you can definitely play the song using just the standard Em, D, Am, and G chords. However, incorporating the Esus4 variation will get you much closer to the authentic sound of Neil Young's iconic recording.
Learning to play "Cinnamon Girl" is a rewarding experience for any guitarist. By understanding the core chords, the progression, and Neil Young's unique approach to the Em chord and strumming, you'll be well on your way to mastering this beloved classic. So grab your guitar, tune up, and let the music flow!
