“Dancing in the Dark” by Bruce Springsteen is an iconic song that resonates with generations. Its driving rhythm and relatable lyrics make it a favorite for both casual listeners and aspiring musicians. If you’ve ever wanted to strum along to this classic on your guitar, you’re in the right place. This guide provides you with everything you need to learn how to play “Dancing in the Dark” on guitar, focusing on easy-to-read tabs and helpful resources.
Getting Started with “Dancing in the Dark” Guitar Tab
To play “Dancing in the Dark” effectively on guitar, you’ll need to understand a few key elements. The song is typically played with a capo on the 4th fret. This essentially raises the pitch of your guitar, making it easier to play certain chord shapes and match the key of the original recording. The time signature is 4/4, meaning there are four beats per measure, a common time signature in popular music which makes it relatively straightforward to follow the rhythm.
For “Dancing in the Dark”, you’ll primarily be using standard guitar tuning (EADGBe). The provided guitar tab is designed to be beginner-friendly, utilizing common chords and a repetitive structure that’s easy to grasp. Whether you’re just starting your guitar journey or looking to add a classic to your repertoire, “Dancing in the Dark” is an excellent choice.
Breaking Down the Song Structure with Guitar Tabs
The song follows a verse-chorus structure, with a bridge and outro, making it easy to learn in sections. Let’s break down each part with a snippet of the guitar tab to give you a taste:
Intro:
G G6 G G6 (x2)
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|---0-----------0-|
G|-----0-0-0---0-2-|-------2-----0---|
D|---0-------0-----|-----2-----2-----|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3-------3-------|-3-------3-------|This intro riff is based around G and G6 chords, creating a signature sound that’s instantly recognizable. The tab shows you how to pick the individual notes to create this arpeggiated intro.
Verse:
G G6 G G6
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|---0-----------0-|
G|-----0-0-0---0-2-|-------2-----0---|
D|---0-------0-----|-----2-----2-----|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3-------3-------|-3-------3-------|
I get up in the eveningThe verse uses the same chord progression as the intro, making it easy to transition into the singing part. The tab continues the same fingerpicking pattern.
Chorus:
D C Am
You can't start a fire without a sparkThe chorus introduces D, C, and Am chords, providing a lift and contrast to the verse. While no tab snippet is provided here, the full tab will detail the strumming pattern for these chords.
Bridge:
Em G C D
You sit around getting olderThe bridge utilizes Em, G, C, and D chords, offering a change in harmonic color before returning to the chorus and outro. Again, refer to the complete tab for strumming and fingerpicking patterns during the bridge.
Outro:
G G6 G G6 (Repeat and fade)
e|-----------------|-----------------|
B|-----------------|---0-----------0-|
G|-----0-0-0---0-2-|-------2-----0---|
D|---0-------0-----|-----2-----2-----|
A|-----------------|-----------------|
E|-3-------3-------|-3-------3-------|
Even if we're just dancing in the darkThe outro returns to the intro’s G and G6 progression, fading out to conclude the song.
For a complete learning experience, consider checking out tutorial videos online. Resources like lonelypicker’s Tutorial and JustinGuitar.com’s lesson offer visual and auditory guidance that complements the tab.
Tips for Mastering “Dancing in the Dark” on Guitar
- Start Slow: Begin by practicing the chord changes slowly. Focus on smooth transitions between G, G6, C, Am, D, and Em chords.
- Rhythm Practice: Pay attention to the rhythm. Clap along to the song to internalize the beat before playing. The 4/4 time signature is steady and consistent.
- Capo is Key: Don’t forget the capo on the 4th fret! It’s crucial for playing the song in the correct key and utilizing the intended chord shapes.
- Listen to the Original: Regularly listen to Bruce Springsteen’s “Dancing in the Dark”. This helps you understand the song’s feel and timing, guiding your practice.
- Use Tutorial Videos: Video tutorials are incredibly helpful for visual learners. They demonstrate finger placement, strumming patterns, and offer valuable playing tips.
- Practice in Sections: Break the song into smaller, manageable sections (intro, verse, chorus, etc.). Master each section before moving on.
“Dancing in the Dark” is a rewarding song to learn on guitar. With its iconic status and relatively accessible tab, it’s a great addition to any guitarist’s songbook. Take your time, practice consistently, and soon you’ll be playing along to this timeless hit. Grab the full guitar tab and start your musical journey today!
