[Intro]
C C7 F Fm C C7 F Fm C
[Verse 1]
C C7 F
What we have left, let's make it last
Fm C
Got so far to go
C7 F
Tomorrow owes nothing to the past
Fm C
Today is open road
[Pre-Chorus]
D
Let's stop pretending
F
And write our own ending
[Chorus]
C
Oh, kindred friend, where have you been?
C
Guess it's been a while
C
Through thick and thin
C
Many times again
F N.C.
Always makes me smile
[Harmonica Solo]
C C7 F Fm C
[Verse 2]
C C7 F
Sit at my table, let me fill your glass
Fm C
With something strong and fine
C C7 F
Stay forever or leave tonight
Fm C
Thankful for the time
[Pre-Chorus]
D
Let's stop pretending
F
And write our own ending
[Chorus]
C
Oh, kindred friend, where have you been?
C
Guess it's been a while
C
Through thick and thin
C
Many times again
F
Always makes me smile
[Interlude]
G C F G F G F G F
[Out-Chorus]
C
Oh, kindred friend, where have you been?
C
Guess it's been a while
C
Through thick and thin
C
Many times again
F
Always makes me smile
C
Oh, kindred friend, where have you been?
C
Guess it's been a while
C
Through thick and thin
C
Many times again
F C
Always makes me smile
Intro and Verses
The song opens with a sequence of C, C7, F, and Fm chords, creating a blend
of resolution and longing that perfectly sets up the theme of enduring friendship.
For the C major chord, position your fingers as follows:
Index finger on the 1st fret of the B (2nd) string
Middle finger on the 2nd fret of the D (4th) string
Ring finger on the 3rd fret of the A (5th) string
To transition to C7, simply add your pinky finger to the 3rd fret of the G (3rd) string,
adding a bluesy touch to the major chord.
The F major chord can be played as a barre across all strings at the 1st fret with
the middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string, and the ring and pinky
fingers on the 3rd frets of the A (5th) and D (4th) strings respectively. For an
easier version, you can play an open F by only fretting the lower two strings.
The Fm chord requires barring the first fret like the F major but with the middle
finger removed, ensuring that the A (5th) and D (4th) strings are pressed down
by the ring and pinky fingers on the 3rd fret.
These chords are strummed gently to match the introspective
and warm tone of the song.
Pre-Chorus
Moving into the pre-chorus, the D major and F major chords offer a shift in the song’s
narrative tone. The D major chord is a bright, uplifting transition that prefaces
the resolve of returning to F major.
For D major, place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the G (3rd) string,
ring finger on the 3rd fret of the B (2nd) string, and middle finger on
the 2nd fret of the high E (1st) string.
The transition from D to F (and its variations) should be smooth, maintaining
the song's emotional continuity.
Chorus
The chorus simplifies back to the C major chord with touches of F,
encapsulating the song’s theme of friendship and reflection. This section
relies on the power of the C chord to carry the melody, with the F chord
providing moments of emphasis and release.
Harmonica Solo and Interlude
The harmonica solo and interlude sections give room for instrumental
expression, sticking to the chord progression established in the intro and verses.
This is an opportunity to play with dynamics, possibly softening your strumming
to allow the harmonica (or imagined harmonica) space to breathe.
Out-Chorus
The song closes with a repeat of the chorus, bringing the narrative and musical
journey full circle. The out-chorus is an opportunity to bring all the emotional
depth of the song to a final, resonant close, ending on the C chord to underscore
the song's reflective and warm themes.
Performance Tips
- Focus on the emotional delivery through dynamics and tempo.
The song's essence is in its heartfelt message, so let that guide your
strumming and transitions.
- The transitions between the minor and major chords, especially from
F to Fm, are central to conveying the song’s emotional nuances. Practice
these transitions to ensure they’re fluid and expressive.
- Embrace the song's narrative. "Kindred Friend" is about connection and
memory, so infuse your playing with the warmth and depth these themes evoke.
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