Trouble in Mind guitar chords
A 1924 blues standard and a gentle introduction to twelve-bar form.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords C, E7, F, G, A7
Why this song is worth learning
A slow blues with a swing rhythm and five chords. It is a good step up in feel, because the groove depends on relaxed, uneven strumming.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| E7 | 0 2 0 1 0 0 |
| F | 1 3 3 2 1 1 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| A7 | x 0 2 0 2 0 |
x means do not play that string, 0 means play it open. Tap any shape on the page to hear it.
Play along
Press play. The track counts you in, clicks the beat and lights up the chord you should be holding. Drop the tempo while you are learning and raise it once you can get through without stopping.
Chord order
| Verse | C | C | E7 | E7 | F | F | C | C |
|---|---|
| Chorus | C | A7 | F | G | C | C | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D - DU - D - DU (slow swing)
D is a down-strum and U is an up-strum. If the pattern feels like too much at first, play one down-strum per bar until the chord changes are comfortable, then add the rest.
How to learn it
- Learn C, F and G, then E7 and A7.
- Play the slow swing pattern D - DU - D - DU on C.
- Practise the change from C to F.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and let the swing breathe.
Tips that matter
- Feel the swing. A loose strumming hand makes the groove feel natural.
- Take it slow. A slow tempo helps you hear the blues feel.
Questions about Trouble in Mind
What chords are in Trouble in Mind?
C, E7, F, G and A7, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Trouble in Mind in?
4/4, with four beats per bar. It is rated Improver.
How fast should I practise it?
The play-along is set to 100 beats per minute. Start slower while you learn the changes, then raise the tempo in small steps once you can play through without stopping.
Is Trouble in Mind free to learn and share?
Yes. Written by Richard M. Jones in 1924 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.