Chuck Berry - Memphis Tennessee Chords

ChordsG, D7, G7, C7

Strumming↓-↓↑-↑↓↑

Before you play, tune your guitar and use the tools below to set up your view and flow. Using the Transpose tool, switch to A,E keys to play this song with easier chords.

GGGG

LongD7distanceinformation,getmeMemphis,Tennessee

D7Helpmefindthepartywhotriedtogetintouchwithme

GShecouldnotleavehernumber,butIknowwhoplacedthecall

D7‘CausemyuncletookamessageandhewroteitontheG7wall

D7Helpme,information,getintouchwithmyMarie

D7She’stheonlyonewhocalledmeherefromMemphis,Tennessee

GHerhomeisonthesouthside,highupontheridge

D7JustahalfamilefromtheMississippiG7bridge

D7Helpme,information,morethanthatIcannotadd

D7OnlythatImissherandallthefunwehad

GButwewerepulledapartbecausehermomwouldnotagree

D7ToreapartourhappyhomeinMemphis, G7Tennessee

D7Lasttime=sawMarie,shewaswavin’megoodbye

D7Withhurry—homedropsonhercheeksthattrickledfromhereyes

GMarieisonly6yearsold;informationplease

D7TrytoputmethroughtoherinMemphis, G7Tennessee

C7G7

ArtistChuck Berry

AlbumSingle

GenresBlues, Rock and roll

Year1959

KeyD

DifficultyIntermediate

How to play Memphis Tennessee on Guitar (Step-by-step)

Chuck Berry - Memphis Tennessee on guitar requires 4 chords and 3 core chord transitions. You can find the full step-by-step guide below. Before you start, tune your instrument. The song uses the ↓-↓↑-↑↓↑ pattern; practice it muted first, or simplify to downstrokes while you learn the changes.

Memphis Tennessee uses these transitions most often: G → D7 (5), D7 → G (4), and D7 → G7 (4). These transitions may feel a little challenging at first, but with steady practice you can play this song quickly.When you are ready, begin with G - D7 chord transition.

1. G → D7 chord transition

Here's how to move from G to D7:

Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on B string fret 1.
Slide your middle finger from E string fret 3 to G string fret 2.
Slide your ring finger on E string from fret 3 to fret 2.

This transition appears in the verse, played 5 times.

2. D7 → G7 chord transition

Switching from D7 to G7:

Lift your index finger from B string fret 1 and place it on A string fret 2.
Slide your middle finger from G string fret 2 to E string fret 3.
Slide your ring finger on E string from fret 2 to fret 1.

This transition appears in the verse, played 4 times.

3. G7 → C7 chord transition

To move from G7 to C7:

Lift your index finger from A string fret 2 and place it on B string fret 1.
Slide your middle finger from E string fret 3 to D string fret 2.
Lift your ring finger from E string fret 1 and place it on A string fret 3.
Place pinky on G string fret 3.

This transition appears in the outro.

Memphis Tennessee chord transition analysis

A short, data-driven summary of the chord flow in Memphis Tennessee.

Memphis Tennessee includes 18 chord transitions, 3 of them unique.
These transitions represent 0% of all chord transitions in Chordier.
These transition patterns show how Memphis Tennessee connects to the rest of Chordier. Mastering them helps you move to similar songs faster.
After D7, the most likely next chords across Chordier are G (51%), G7 (18%), and C (6%).
- D7 → G: 51%
- D7 → G7: 18%
After G, the most likely next chords across Chordier are C (25%), D (24%), and Am (13%).
- G → D7: 1%