How to Play Brown Eyed Girl on Guitar: A Journey Through Chords and Nostalgia

Learning to play “Brown Eyed Girl” on the guitar is not just about mastering chords; it’s about capturing the essence of a timeless classic. This Van Morrison hit, released in 1967, has become a staple in the repertoire of many guitarists, both amateur and professional. Its catchy melody, simple chord progression, and nostalgic lyrics make it an ideal song for beginners and a favorite for seasoned players. In this article, we’ll explore the various aspects of playing “Brown Eyed Girl” on the guitar, from the basic chords to more advanced techniques, and even delve into the song’s cultural impact.

The Basic Chords

The foundation of “Brown Eyed Girl” lies in its chord progression. The song primarily uses four chords: G, C, D, and Em. These chords are relatively easy to play, making the song accessible to beginners. Here’s a breakdown of the chord progression:

G Major: This chord is played by placing your fingers on the 3rd fret of the low E string, the 2nd fret of the A string, and the 3rd fret of the high E string. Strum all six strings to produce a full, rich sound.
C Major: Move your fingers to the 1st fret of the B string, the 2nd fret of the D string, and the 3rd fret of the A string. Strum from the A string down to avoid the low E string.
D Major: Place your fingers on the 2nd fret of the G string, the 3rd fret of the B string, and the 2nd fret of the high E string. Strum from the D string down.
Em (E Minor): This chord is played by placing your fingers on the 2nd fret of the A string and the 2nd fret of the D string. Strum all six strings.

The song follows a simple pattern: G - C - G - D, repeated throughout the verses and chorus. The bridge introduces the Em chord, adding a touch of melancholy to the otherwise upbeat tune.

Strumming Patterns

Once you’ve mastered the chords, the next step is to work on your strumming pattern. The strumming pattern for “Brown Eyed Girl” is relatively straightforward, but it’s essential to get the rhythm right to capture the song’s feel.

A common strumming pattern for this song is:

Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up

This pattern should be repeated throughout the song, with slight variations during the bridge. The key is to keep the rhythm steady and consistent, allowing the chords to ring out clearly.

Adding the Intro and Riffs

While the basic chords and strumming pattern are enough to play the song, adding the iconic intro and riffs will elevate your performance. The intro is a series of single notes played on the high E and B strings, followed by a quick transition into the G chord.

Here’s a simplified version of the intro:

E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
E string, 3rd fret (G note)
B string, 3rd fret (D note)
**E string, 3rd fret