Zach Bryan - The Great American Bar Scene Chords

[Intro]
 
B E B F# E B
 
[Verse 1]
B
I lost my money to some dirty old bookie
                           E   B
Way up in Philly, he was a bad man
B
But you can't bet your life on the table
                           E   B
When you've got yourself a bad hand
B
So I went and got my good friend Mickey
                        E    B
And we made ourselves a bold stand
F#
We wound up bleeding on the bar floor
             E          B
And we don't bet on birds no more
 
[Chorus]
           F#
Where them bets are tough and bartenders mean
    E              B
The great American bar scene
 
B E B F# E B
 
[Verse 2]
B
A brother from Tulsa has got himself a warrant
                          E   B
But he's on the run up in Cheyenne
B
They hammed me up and asked me some questions
                    E     B
But I ain't no damn rat, man
F#
Put cuffs on so tight that he started bleeding
         E                 B
From his wrist down to his right hand
 
[Chorus]
F#
Put "State Trooper" on the record machine
    E              B
The great American bar scene
 
B E B F# E B
 
[Verse]
B
Neon lightnin', wooden floors, light leaves
                 E     B
As her feet quietly slide across
B
Tough boys of all came and went
                        E        B
She's a Heaven-sent and I'm at a loss
 
[Chorus]
      F#
So if you've got the time, I've got the quarter
      E                         B
And a two-steppin' song called "Hey Porter"
F#
Why does love always feel like a fever dream
       E              B
In the great American bar scene?
 
B E B F# E B
 
[Verse]
B
My heart stays hurtin' and hands stay workin'
                     E       B
And I'm still just a sinnin' man
B
Try like hell to keep my health,
                       E    B
treat others well, and understand,
 
[Outro]
F#
Why life's unfair, uncertain, and mean
       E              B
In the great american bar scene





How to play "The Great American Bar Scene" on guitar

[Intro]
- Chords: B, E, and F#
- Strumming: Begin with downstrokes on B and E. Transition effortlessly to F#.

[Verse 1.]
- Chords: B, E, and F#
- Strumming: Use steady downstrokes to create a country-rock feel. 
- Nuances: For lines ending with B (e.g., "bad man"), allow the B to ring a little longer. 
- Transition to F#: Practice moving from B to F# swiftly and gracefully.

[Chorus]
- Chords are F#, E, B.
- Strumming: Alternate down and up strums to match the energy. Emphasize the downbeat.
- Rhythm: Keep a constant rhythm. The F#-to-E shift is crucial.

[Verse 2.]
- Chords: B, E, and F#
- Strumming is similar to Verse 1. Maintain a steady pace.
- Nuances: Emphasize the story of the songs. Allow the chords to enhance the story.

[Chorus]: Follow the same pattern as in the first chorus.

[Bridge]
- Chords: B, E, B, and F#
- Strumming: Make smooth transitions between chords.
- Nuances: For the bridge, use a somewhat softer touch to contrast with the verses.

[Outro]: Chords: F#, E, B.
- Strumming: To conclude, use a hard downstroke on B.

Common mistakes:
- Rushing through chord transitions. Make time to practice smooth transitions.
- Not accentuating downbeats, which are essential in country music.
- Ignoring the lyrical flow, which aids in comprehending the timing and feel.

Song facts and artist information: "The Great American Bar Scene" depicts the
unpredictable existence in American taverns. The narrative delves into the characters'
experiences with gambling, friendship, and harsh reality. Rising country music star
Zach Bryan crafts sincere and genuine lyrics from his own experiences.
Bryan's music has a devoted fanbase because it blends contemporary
storytelling with traditional country music.