BLUE MOON OF KENTUCKY – Guitar Lesson
Bill Monroe wrote and released this classic in 1946. When a young Elvis Presley got "noticed" by Sam Phillips at Sun Records … this became one of the first songs he recorded. Here's your Blue Moon of Kentucky guitar lesson!
G C
Blue moon of Kentucky keep on a-shinin'
G D7
Shine on the one that's gone and left me blue
G C
Blue moon of Kentucky keep on a-shinin
G D7 G
Shine on the one that's gone and left me blue
C G
It was on one moonlit night, stars shinin' bright
C G D7
Whispered on high, love said goodbye
I said blue moon of Kentucky keep on a-shinin'
Shine on the one that's gone and left me blue
{ 18 comments… read them below or add one }
Mace, this came out only 5 years before I was born and I heard it a lot as a kid on our old battery powered radio we had on the New Brunswick coast where I lived. We could only get a couple radio stations. one played country and the other one was a strong French station from the Gaspie Penensula across the Restigouche river as it formed to become the saint lawerence heading to Quebec city. Elvis version later came to my attention as I got a bit older. great tune. the G key is best for me toooo, even though I shouldn't be singing after I turned 12 so long ago. I play better than can sing a tune.
Very cool story Mike! Have fun with Blue Moon and others!
Mace; Great song to play and learn. When we moved to Canada (the best country on our planet) in 1957 I didn't listen to country music and in the middle to the end of the 60's I was what most people called a hippy. I had not heard thye song until today many Thanks
Regards John
Before my time … but I really like it as well!
Gee Whiz I'm starting to feel as old as "Rock Island Line," I was on my first tricycle back then, hoping to get a pedal car for Christmas. Great song, Cheers
It is a great old tune isn’t it?
Thanks for bringing back that great old Bill Munroe song. It is a classic and since I was born back in the 50's I can remember that song getting airplay on ONE of the TWO..radio stations we had in Halifax NS at the time. I have been playing a guitar for may years but I still believe that when it comes to arrangements "simple" is best. Great song, great for all levels of skill and as I am sure you know..play it and everyone seems to know at least some or most of the lyrics.
Thanks Bob ….. I agree … a great old tune and more proof that less is more!
Hi Jackson,
Happy New Year to you, Thanks for your weekly lessons , exelent as is Blue Moon From ( Dave just across the pond in the UK.)
Thanks Dave …. you too!
That's a beautiful song Jackson. I like in G also. I'v just given it a go on the acoustic ,must try it on the 335. Thank you so much for taking the time to show it here for us guitar lovers. Ron in the UK.
You are MOST welcome Ron!
As always great lesson easy to follow. Just jamming not a lecture about music theory scales steps notes measures. Love your style you give us what we ask for…..we wanna "Play Guitar" not preform in a symphony. Don't get me wrong I respect these people. I just am an old picker. Lots of us old guys and girls just wanna Have Fun. Thanks I like your style. Just down to earth good guitar you don't try to show off all your knowledge ……..and we know you can play the PAINT off The WALLS. But you are secure and mature enough to not have to show off.
Well thank you Dennis. Your kind words are appreciated. If you are ever interested in joining me at songmentor.com for tons of great song lessons, here’s a link that will save you a lot of money on a lifetime membership. Take care and keep well. Kindest regards, Jackson!
http://songmentor.com/?page_id=2473
Question for you… for the last few weeks I have been receiving your free songs and I am considering signing up, although I have one concern. You do a good job teching the chords but when it comes to strumming or picking the song, which makes or breaks a song in my humble opinion, you do not spend much time there? Does this hold true as a member?
Hi Rick! It’s a good question and a fair criticism. I can honestly say that the Song Mentor lessons are vastly improved in that area. They are longer and better organized with a specific section dedicated to strumming/picking. I’m pretty sure you’d be satisfied with the changes I made. Take care!
Hey Jackson, New to Free Guitar Mentor. If you were going to use key of A (Elvis/Beatles) for Blue Moon of Kentucky, what 3 chords would be used ? Thanks !
Hi Allen …. You would use A to D then A to E.