Rainy Day Blues: "Rain Rain Go Away" Guitar Tabs

Have you ever found yourself strumming your guitar during a rainstorm, humming the iconic tune of "Rain Rain Go Away"? This classic children's song is not just a nursery rhyme, but a popular piece that many guitarists enjoy learning and playing. Let's dive into the world of "Rain Rain Go Away" guitar tabs, exploring its history, the song's structure, and how you can learn to play it.

"Rain Rain Go Away" is believed to have originated in England during the 19th century. Despite its seemingly simple lyrics and melody, the song has a rich history, echoing the folksong traditions of yesteryears. Today, it's a beloved tune among guitarists of all skill levels, resonating with both novice and experienced players.

Understanding the Song Structure

"Rain Rain Go Away" follows a straightforward structure, making it an excellent choice for guitarists at any level. The song is written in the key of D major, with a simple I-IV-V chord progression. This progression uses only four chords: D, G, A, and D7.

The song follows a verse-chorus form, with each verse comprising four lines and the chorus comprising two. The chord progression remains consistent throughout the song, with the lyrics carrying the melody.

Chords used in "Rain Rain Go Away"

The song uses the following chords:

• D major: Played by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G string (3rd string), middle finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string (1st string), and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string (6th string).
• G major: Formed by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the A string (5th string), middle finger on the 3rd fret of the high E string, and ring finger on the 3rd fret of the low E string.
• A major: Played by placing your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string (4th string), middle finger on the 2nd fret of the B string (2nd string), and ring finger on the 2nd fret of the high E string.
• D7: Similar to the D major chord, but with your little finger lifted off the low E string.

Learning "Rain Rain Go Away" Tabs

Once you're familiar with the chords, learning the guitar tabs is straightforward. "Rain Rain Go Away" tabs are widely available online, with most starting from the 2nd fret on the A string. The song is typically played in 4/4 time, with a tempo ranging from 90 to 120 beats per minute.

When learning the tabs, pay close attention to the strumming pattern, which usually follows a simple down-up pattern. This pattern is enhanced by the rhythm of the lyrics, creating a playful and engaging sound.

Adding Your Touch to the Classic

While "Rain Rain Go Away" is a classic, there's always room to add a touch of your own creativity. Here's how you can make the song your own:

1. **Experiment with strumming patterns**: While the classic down-up pattern works well, you can try other patterns or add syncopation to make the song more interesting.

2. **Play around with the melody**: While the original melody is catchy, you can add vibrato, slurs, or even harmonize the melody with another string to create a unique sound.

3. **Introduce alternate tunings**: Changing the tuning of your guitar can open up new chord shapes and sounds. For example, dropping your lowest string down to a D can allow you to play "Rain Rain Go Away" using just two fingers.

4. **Create your own lyrics**: While the original lyrics are simple and rustic, you can write your own lyrics, adding a personal touch to the song. Just ensure your lyrics fit the original chord progression.

Learning and playing "Rain Rain Go Away" guitar tabs can be a rewarding experience. Not only does it improve your guitar skills, but it also connects you with musical traditions that span centuries. So, the next time you hear raindrops tapping on your window, pick up your guitar and let the music fill the room, making the rain go away - at least for a little while. Happy playing!