Brown Eyed Girl Guitar Lesson – Van Morrison


Released in 1967, Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" became an instant classic that is still heard all over classic rock radio and television to this day.

In this Brown Eyed Girl guitar lesson I will demonstrate how to play all the chords that make up this 60's classic, plus we will take an in-depth look at the intro as well.

The song starts with a catchy melody harmonized in thirds for the most part. It is a great way to usher in this classic feel good song.

This intro can be a little bit tricky for a couple of reasons. First, it requires you to shift pretty quickly up and down the fretboard. But this is also a great opportunity to practice that sort of technique. Second, it requires you to play pretty high up on the fretboard. If you are playing this on an acoustic guitar it can be a little daunting to play that high up on the fretboard, especially if you don't have a cutaway.

After the intro, the rest of the song employs a series of simple chords that are very easy to play and don't require any type of complex rhythms at all.

The verse contains just the basic open position G C and D chords. This is great because this makes "Brown Eyed Girl" excellent for even the beginning guitarist to learn.

The chorus also uses only simple chords but make sure you pay attention in the video lesson when I describe how the last chord in the chorus changes the second time around. That new chord will be a D7 chord. Still very easy to play so don't worry.

The only other part of the song would be the bridge or Sha la la la la section. Once again the chords and rhythms are quite simple and shouldn't be much of a challenge for anyone except for the absolute beginner.

So take a few minutes and learn this one. It is a great for just about any occasion!

Carl...

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Brown Eyed Girl Guitar Lesson - Van Morrison

9 Comments

  1. David Baker on December 29, 2015 at 11:44 pm

    Please add Caravan by Van Morrison. Nice chord sequences at a challenging tempo for me.
    Also, on the classical side, please consider adding Lagrima and Adelita to Romanza.
    Thanks You! David

    • Carl Brown on January 3, 2016 at 12:08 pm

      Good suggestions David, I have lots of new classical stuff going up on the site in the next few weeks. 🙂

  2. David Baker on May 28, 2016 at 5:19 pm

    Please add Caravan to your songs. Thnx, David

  3. Rick Wilson on July 22, 2016 at 12:51 pm

    Great Lessons Carl. I really like how you approach teaching.
    Any chance of doing “Baby Please Don’t Go” and Tommy Tuckers “High Heel Sneakers”….?

    • Kevin Trager on April 19, 2020 at 3:27 pm

      Great song! I like the intro. If you have time, transcribe “Into the Mystic”
      Thanks, Kevin

  4. Kevin Trager on February 16, 2020 at 12:46 pm

    Carl,
    You are a guitar master. I am new to your group and trying to incorporate what I know with what you offer. I have played a long time but love your help and instruction.
    I want to become a better guitarist and would you mind if I sent you a note about where I am and where I want to go? Lots of weaknesses too.
    Thanks,
    Kevin

    • Carl Brown on February 18, 2020 at 9:53 am

      Hey Kevin, I would love to help. Since you are a GL365 Academy member, I can help you design a complete practice routine using the lessons on the site if you wish.

      Just email me with info on your current level, what some short and long term goals you have and what specifically interests you at this point. Also, it would be good know how much practice time you have on an average day.

      Thanks! Carl…

      • Kevin Trager on March 5, 2020 at 4:41 pm

        Carl,
        I’ve been playing this for a long time but the intro is a great addition. You make me a better guitarist.
        Thanks, Kevin

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