Hey there, music lovers! Are you ready to dive into a classic? We're going to explore Johnny Cash's timeless hit, "Cry! Cry! Cry!" This song is not only a staple in country music but also a fantastic tune for guitarists of all levels. Whether you're just starting out or you've been playing for years, understanding the chords and the story behind this song will add a valuable piece to your musical repertoire. So, grab your guitar, and let's get started!

Understanding the Chords

The beauty of "Cry! Cry! Cry!" lies in its simplicity. Cash often used straightforward chord progressions that are easy to learn, making his music accessible to a wide audience. The primary chords you'll need to master for this song are E, A, and B7. These are fundamental chords that appear in countless songs, so learning them will benefit you far beyond just this one tune.

E Major

The E major chord is a bright and resonant chord that forms the foundation of many songs. To play it:

1. Place your index finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 1st fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 5th string (A string) at the 2nd fret.
3. Place your ring finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret.

Strum all six strings. Make sure each note rings clearly. If you hear any buzzing, adjust your fingers until the sound is clean. The E major chord provides a solid and upbeat feel to the song, setting the stage for the storytelling to come.

A Major

The A major chord is another essential chord that adds depth to the progression. Here’s how to play it:

1. Place your index finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 2nd fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 2nd fret.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 2nd fret.

Strum all strings except the low E string (6th string). The A major chord brings a warmer tone, creating a pleasant contrast with the E major chord. Switching between E and A smoothly is crucial for capturing the authentic feel of "Cry! Cry! Cry!"

B7

The B7 chord adds a touch of tension and bluesy flavor to the song. It’s a bit trickier than E and A, but with practice, you’ll get it. Here’s how:

1. Place your index finger on the 1st string (high E string) at the 2nd fret.
2. Place your middle finger on the 2nd string (B string) at the 4th fret.
3. Place your ring finger on the 3rd string (G string) at the 2nd fret.
4. Place your pinky finger on the 4th string (D string) at the 4th fret.

Strum all strings except the low E string (6th string). The B7 chord is a dominant seventh chord, which means it creates a strong pull back to the E major chord. This tension and release are what give the song its dynamic feel. Mastering the B7 will not only enhance your playing of this song but also open doors to many other blues and country tunes.

Chord Progression and Song Structure

"Cry! Cry! Cry!" follows a relatively simple and repetitive chord progression, which makes it easy to memorize and play along. The basic structure is:

• Verse: E - A - E - B7
• Chorus: E - A - E - B7

This progression repeats throughout the song, providing a steady and familiar backdrop for Cash’s distinctive vocals. The simplicity of the structure allows you to focus on your strumming and singing, making it a great song for playing solo or with a group.

Verse

In the verse, the progression moves smoothly from E to A, then back to E, and finally to B7. This sequence sets the mood and introduces the story. Focus on keeping a steady rhythm and clear chord changes. As you become more comfortable, you can start adding subtle variations in your strumming to add your personal touch.

Chorus

The chorus uses the same chord progression as the verse, but it’s delivered with more energy and emphasis. This is where the title of the song is repeated, making it the most memorable part of the tune. Make sure to strum with conviction and sing with feeling to really bring the chorus to life.

Strumming Pattern

For "Cry! Cry! Cry!", a basic down-down-up-down-up strumming pattern works perfectly. This pattern provides a good balance between rhythm and melody, capturing the song's essence without being overly complicated. Here’s how it breaks down:

1. Down: Strum downwards across the strings.
2. Down: Strum downwards again.
3. Up: Strum upwards across the strings.
4. Down: Strum downwards.
5. Up: Strum upwards again.

Repeat this pattern for each chord. It’s essential to maintain a consistent rhythm to keep the song flowing smoothly. If you find this pattern challenging at first, start slow and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. You can also experiment with different strumming patterns to find what sounds best to you. For example, you might try adding a slight emphasis on the down strums to give the song a more pronounced beat.

Tips for Playing Like Johnny Cash

To truly capture the spirit of Johnny Cash in your rendition of "Cry! Cry! Cry!", consider these tips:

• Keep it Simple: Cash’s style was all about simplicity. Avoid over-complicating the song with fancy embellishments.
• Focus on Rhythm: Maintain a steady and consistent rhythm. Cash's signature sound relied heavily on his precise timing.
• Sing with Feeling: Cash was a master storyteller. Infuse your singing with emotion and conviction to convey the song's message.
• Use a Thumb Pick: Cash often used a thumb pick, which contributed to his distinctive bass-heavy sound. Experiment with a thumb pick to see if it enhances your playing.
• Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth and quick chord changes are essential. Practice transitioning between E, A, and B7 until it becomes second nature.

The Story Behind the Song

"Cry! Cry! Cry!" was one of Johnny Cash's early hits, released in 1955. It helped launch his career and established him as a major force in country music. The song tells a simple yet relatable story of heartbreak and regret. Its raw emotion and straightforward lyrics resonated with audiences, making it an instant classic.

Cash wrote the song while serving in the Air Force. Drawing inspiration from personal experiences and observations, he crafted a tune that spoke to the universal human experience of love and loss. The song’s success proved that you don’t need complex arrangements or sophisticated lyrics to create a powerful and lasting impact.

Why This Song Matters

"Cry! Cry! Cry!" is more than just a catchy tune; it’s a piece of music history. It represents a pivotal moment in Johnny Cash's career and helped shape the sound of country music. The song's enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless quality and universal appeal.

For guitarists, learning "Cry! Cry! Cry!" is a valuable exercise in mastering essential chords and strumming techniques. It’s also an opportunity to connect with a legendary artist and explore the roots of American music. Whether you’re playing for yourself or performing for others, this song is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it! Everything you need to know to play "Cry! Cry! Cry!" by Johnny Cash on your guitar. Remember, the key is to practice regularly and to focus on capturing the feeling of the song. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strumming patterns and vocal inflections to make the song your own.

Keep strumming, keep singing, and most importantly, keep enjoying the music. And who knows? Maybe one day, you’ll be writing your own timeless hits that resonate with audiences for generations to come. Happy playing, guys!