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God's Gonna Cut You Down Chords

Johnny Cash Playing Guitar

The iconic American musician Johnny Cash may have passed away in 2003, but his music continues to inspire new generations of artists around the world. One of his most popular songs, "God's Gonna Cut You Down," has been covered by numerous musicians across different genres and continents. If you're a guitar player in Indonesia looking to learn how to play this classic tune, you're in the right place. In this article, we'll provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to play God's Gonna Cut You Down chords, as well as some fun facts about the song's history and cultural significance.

God's Gonna Cut You Down Chords: The Basics

Guitar Chords

Before we dive into the specifics of the song, let's review some basic guitar chords that you'll need to know. If you're already an intermediate or advanced player, feel free to skip ahead to the next section.

Here are some common chords used in "God's Gonna Cut You Down" and many other songs:

  • G major - This chord is played by putting your third finger on the third fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and leaving the rest of the strings open.
  • D major - This chord is played by putting your first finger on the second fret of the G string, your third finger on the third fret of the B string, and your second finger on the second fret of the high E string.
  • A minor - This chord is played by putting your first finger on the first fret of the B string, and leaving the rest of the strings open.
  • C major - This chord is played by putting your second finger on the second fret of the D string, your fourth finger on the third fret of the A string, and your first finger on the first fret of the B string. Leave the rest of the strings open.

These four chords are all you need to play "God's Gonna Cut You Down" in its most basic form. If you're a beginner, we recommend starting with just these chords and the strumming pattern described below. Once you feel comfortable with that, you can try adding some of the more advanced chords and techniques we'll cover later.

God's Gonna Cut You Down Chords: The Song

Johnny Cash With Guitar

Now that you know the basic chords, let's take a look at the structure of "God's Gonna Cut You Down." The song has a simple but powerful arrangement that's built around just a few chords.

The verses of the song alternate between two chords - G major and D major. Here's how to play those chords:

  • G major - Put your third finger on the third fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and leave the rest of the strings open.
  • D major - Put your first finger on the second fret of the G string, your third finger on the third fret of the B string, and your second finger on the second fret of the high E string.

The chorus of the song uses three chords - G major, A minor, and D major. Here's how to play those:

  • G major - Put your third finger on the third fret of the low E string, your second finger on the second fret of the A string, and leave the rest open.
  • A minor - Put your first finger on the first fret of the B string, and leave the rest open.
  • D major - Put your first finger on the second fret of the G string, your third finger on the third fret of the B string, and your second finger on the second fret of the high E string.

The strumming pattern for "God's Gonna Cut You Down" is relatively simple. You can use a downstroke strumming pattern throughout the song, with a bit of variation to keep things interesting. Here's a basic pattern to get you started:

  • Verse: G / G / D / D (repeat)
  • Chorus: G / A minor / D / D (repeat)

Once you've got the hang of the song's basic structure and chords, you can start to experiment with different strumming patterns, fingerpicking techniques, and chord progressions. There are countless ways to make "God's Gonna Cut You Down" your own, so don't be afraid to get creative.

Fun Facts About "God's Gonna Cut You Down"

Johnny Cash Portrait

Now that you've learned how to play the song, let's take a look at some of the interesting facts about "God's Gonna Cut You Down" and its history.

One of the most fascinating things about this song is that it's based on an old African American spiritual from the 19th century. The original version of the song was called "Run On," and it featured lyrics about the end of the world and the judgment that awaited sinners. Cash added his own verses and rearranged the melody to create the version we know today.

The song has been covered by numerous artists over the years, including Odetta, Elvis Presley, and Bob Dylan. However, Cash's version remains the most popular and enduring. The song was released posthumously in 2006, just months after Cash's death, and it became a hit on rock and country radio stations around the world.

The music video for "God's Gonna Cut You Down" is equally iconic. Directed by Tony Kaye, the video features appearances by dozens of celebrities, including Kanye West, Chris Martin, and Justin Timberlake. Each celebrity is shown walking towards the camera in slow motion, with ominous black-and-white lighting and symbolic imagery. The video is a powerful visual representation of the song's themes of judgment, redemption, and mortality.

Conclusion

Learning how to play "God's Gonna Cut You Down" is a great way to explore the rich history of American music and the enduring legacy of Johnny Cash. By following the simple chord progressions and strumming patterns we've outlined in this article, you can get started on your own journey towards mastering this classic tune. And by digging deeper into the song's history and cultural significance, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the power and beauty of music in our lives.

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