Jack and Diane
Solo Acoustic Chord Progression
Written & Originally Performed by: John Mellencamp (formerly John Cougar Mellencamp)
Transcribed by Ear by: Eric Norcross (New York City)
http://www.ericnorcross.com
Note: This is one of the greatest American rock songs ever composed. So many
people don’t play it the way they should. This transcription is designed to be
performed with one acoustic guitar and a vocalist… if you have a voice you can
sing so don’t be shy my young ones! Feel free to improvise as well, you don’t
HAVE to play it exactly like John Boy, play what’s most comfortable and sounds
great!
Chords Used:
E A D EsusAdd9 D* Asus
E ---------0---|---0---|---2---|---0----------|---0---|----0-----------|
B ---------0---|---2---|---3---|---0----------|---3---|----3-----------|
G ---------1---|---2---|---2---|---1----------|---2---|----2-----------|
D ---------2---|---2---|---0---|---2----------|---4---|----2-----------|
A ---------2---|---0---|---0---|---0----------|---0---|----0-----------|
E ---------0---|---0---|---0---|---0----------|---0---|----0-----------|
Capo on 2
Intro: A E A E D (quick fast strum on the high strings to match the twang) Repeat
as many times as comfortable.
Intro Version 2: A Asus A E D E A Asus A E D E (strum is exactly like the first
interlude, this particular intro is better for acoustic than the original, as the
original is designed for an overdriven electric guitar).
Verse 1:
A E(susAdd9) D* E(susAdd9)
A little ditty bout Jack and Diane
A E(susAdd9) D* E(susAdd9)
Two American kids grown up in the heartland
A E(susAdd9) D* E(susAdd9)
Jack, he's gonna be a football star
A E(susAdd9) D* E(susAdd9)
Diane debutante, back seat of Jacky's car
Interlude: A Asus A E D E A Asus A E D E
[ Tab from: https://www.guitartabs.cc/tabs/j/john_mellencamp/jack_and_diane_crd.html ]
Verse 2:
A E(susAdd9) D* E(susAdd9)
Suckin' on chili dog outside the Tasty Freeze
A E(susAdd9) D* E(susAdd9)
Diane sittin' on Jacky's lap, he got his hands between her knees
A E(susAdd9) D* E(susAdd9)
Jacky says "Hey Diane, lets run off behind a shady tree"
A E(susAdd9) D* E(susAdd9)
Dribble off Bobby Brooks, let me do what I please, sayin'
Chorus:
A E D E
Ooh yeah, Life goes on
A E D E
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone, sayin'
A E D E
Ooh yeah, Life goes on
A E D E
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone
Verse 3:
Jack, he sits back, collects his thoughts for a moment
Scratches his head and does his best James Dean
"Well there Diane, we gotta run off to the city"
Diane says, "Baby we ain't nothing", but Jacky says
Chorus:
Ooh yeah, Life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone, sayin'
Ooh yeah, Life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone, rock on
Play Intro
Drum Solo (on acoustic, just use the body of the guitar)…
Oh, let it rock, let it roll.
Let the Bible belt come and save my soul
Holdin' on to sixteen as long as you can
Change is comin' 'round real soon, make us women and men
Interlude: A Asus A E D E A Asus A E D E
Chorus (slower, which light strumming):
Ooh yeah, Life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone, sayin'
Ooh yeah, Life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone, rock on
Play Intro
Change up:
A E(susAdd9) D* E(susAdd9)
A little ditty bout Jack and Diane
A E(susAdd9) D* E
Two American kids done the best they can
Intro until you decide to finish the damn song!
END
