Brown Eyed Girl Chords: Van Morrison

"Brown Eyed Girl" by Van Morrison, released in 1967, is the song every wedding band knows by reflex. Four chords in G major, looping through the entire song. The chord progression is the I-IV-V-vi (G-C-D-Em), one of the most-used chord cycles in pop history.

The Chords

• G major
• C major
• D major
• Em

The verse: G-C-G-D, then G-C-G-D-C-G-D for two extra bars before the chorus. The chorus: G-D-C-G-Em-C-D, then back to the verse.

The Famous Intro

The opening riff is a melodic line in G major with hammer-ons. Most beginners simplify to a strummed G chord with a quick walk down to the C. The full riff requires single-note picking with hammer-ons.

The Strumming Pattern

Down-down-up-up-down-up at around 150 BPM. The song moves quickly. Each chord lasts only two beats.

Common Mistakes

• Tempo too slow. The song is fast. 150 BPM. Keep up.
• Chord changes lagging. Two beats per chord means you've got half a bar to switch. Drill the changes if they're slow.
• Trying to learn the riff first. Strum the chords first. Add the riff after the song's structure is solid.

FAQ: Brown Eyed Girl Questions

What key is "Brown Eyed Girl" in?

G major. No capo.

Is "Brown Eyed Girl" hard for beginners?

The chords are easy. The tempo is fast. If your chord changes can keep up at 150 BPM, the song is approachable.

What's the chord progression?

I-IV-V-vi in G major: G-C-D-Em.

Do I need to play the intro riff?

No. Strum the G chord with a quick walk to C and the song still works. The riff is iconic but not required.

How fast is the song?

About 150 BPM. The chords change every two beats.