![David Bowie Tribute: "Space Oddity" Guitar Tutorial [Video]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftakelessons.com%2Fblog%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2016%2F01%2Fbowie.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The music world lost one of its brightest stars this week, as legendary musician David Bowie passed away Monday at the age of 69. To celebrate Bowie’s life and tremendous talent, TakeLessons guitar instructor Jonathan B. put together this special guitar tutorial to help you learn to play one of Bowie’s classic songs.
In this step-by-step tutorial, learn the Space Oddity chords and the special techniques Bowie used to play his acoustic hits. Pay special attention to the left-hand chord voicings and the guitar chord progressions used throughout the song.
David Bowie – Space Oddity chords
Intro: Fmaj7/E Em Fmaj7/E Em
C/G Em C/G Em
Ground control to Major Tom Ground control to Major Tom
Am Am/G D/F#
Take your protein pills and put your helmet on
C/G Em C/G Em
Ground control to Major Tom commencing countdown engines on
Am Am/G D/F#
Check ignition and may God’s love be with you
[Blastoff]
C/G E F
This is ground control to Major Tom you’ve really made the grade
Fm C/G F
And the papers want to know whose shirt you wear
Fm C/G F
Now it’s time to leave the capsule if you dare
C/G E F
This is Major Tom to ground control I’m stepping through the door
Fm C/G F
And I’m floating in a most peculiar way
Fm C/G F
And the stars look very different today
Fmaj7 G6 Fmaj7 G6
For here am I sitting in a tin can far above the world
Bb Am G F
Planet earth is blue and there’s nothing I can do
C F G A A
C F G A A
Solo
Fmaj7 G A C D E
C E F
Though I’m cross one hundred thousand miles I’m feeling very still
Fm C F
And I think my spaceship knows which way to go
Fm C F
Tell my wife I love her very much she knows
G E7/G# Am C/G
Ground control to Major Tom, your circuit’s dead, there’s something wrong
D7
Can you hear me Major Tom?
C/G
Can you hear me Major Tom?
G
Can you hear me Major Tom? Can you …
E Fmaj7 Fmaj7 G6
… here am I floating in my tin can far above the world
Bb Am G F
Planet earth is blue and there’s nothing I can do
C F G A A
C F G A A
Fmaj7 Em A C D E
Learn how to play more of David Bowie’s hits with this easy guitar songs guide.
We will always be grateful to Mr. Bowie for his contributions to music and the world. What’s your favorite David Bowie song? What will you remember most about the legendary musician?
Post Author: Jonathan B.Jonathan B. is a guitar instructor, Temple University Music Theory graduate, and YouTube creator living in State College, PA. Learn more about Jonathan here!
Maile Proctor