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Mastering "There She Goes" Chords: A Complete Guide For Guitar Players

Mar 13, 2026 • minute read

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Have you ever found yourself mesmerized by the timeless melody of "There She Goes" and wondered how to play it on guitar? Whether you're a beginner picking up the instrument for the first time or an experienced player looking to add this classic to your repertoire, mastering the There She Goes chords can be both rewarding and surprisingly straightforward.

The song, originally by The La's and later popularized by Sixpence None the Richer, has become a staple in acoustic playlists worldwide. Its simple yet captivating chord progression makes it an ideal piece for guitarists of all skill levels. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about playing "There She Goes" chords, from basic finger positions to advanced techniques that will make your rendition truly shine.

The Story Behind "There She Goes"

The song "There She Goes" was written by Lee Mavers, the frontman of the British rock band The La's, in the late 1980s. Released in 1988, it initially gained moderate success but has since become a cult classic, covered by numerous artists and featured in countless films and TV shows.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Artist	The La's
Origin	Liverpool, England
Formed	1983
Genre	Alternative rock, indie rock
Lead Songwriter	Lee Mavers
Original Release	October 1988
Key Signature	E major

The song's enduring popularity lies in its simplicity and emotional resonance. Despite its straightforward structure, "There She Goes" captures a sense of longing and joy that continues to connect with listeners across generations. Understanding this context can help you approach the song with the right emotional intent when playing it.

Basic Chord Structure of "There She Goes"

At its core, "There She Goes" revolves around a simple yet effective chord progression that creates its signature sound. The main chords you'll need are E major, G major, A major, and B major.

Breaking Down the Chord Progression

The song follows a I-V-vi-IV progression in the key of E major, which translates to:

E major (I)
B major (V)
C# minor (vi)
A major (IV)

This progression repeats throughout most of the song, creating a hypnotic, driving rhythm that's instantly recognizable. The beauty of these chords lies in how they complement each other, with the major chords providing brightness and the minor chord adding emotional depth.

For beginners, it's worth noting that while the original recording uses standard major chords, some simplified versions substitute certain chords to make them easier to play. For instance, you might encounter versions that use G major instead of C# minor, though purists might argue this changes the song's character.

Step-by-Step Guide to Playing the Chords

Now that we understand the chord structure, let's dive into how to actually play these chords on guitar. We'll start with the basic finger positions and work our way up to more advanced techniques.

E Major Chord

The E major chord is one of the most fundamental chords in guitar playing. To form this chord:

Place your index finger on the 1st fret of the G string
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the A string
Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the D string

Strum all six strings from the low E string to the high E string. This chord should sound bright and full, providing the foundation for the song's progression.

B Major Chord

The B major chord can be a bit challenging for beginners, but it's essential for "There She Goes." Here's how to play it:

Barre the 2nd fret across all strings with your index finger
Place your ring finger on the 4th fret of the D string
Place your pinky finger on the 4th fret of the G string
Place your middle finger on the 3rd fret of the B string

This chord requires some finger strength and dexterity, so don't get discouraged if it doesn't sound perfect at first. Practice transitioning between E and B to build muscle memory.

C# Minor Chord

The C# minor chord adds emotional depth to the progression. To play it:

Place your index finger on the 4th fret of the B string
Place your ring finger on the 6th fret of the D string
Place your pinky finger on the 6th fret of the G string

Alternatively, you can play an A minor shape on the 4th fret (barring the 4th fret with your index finger and using your ring finger for the 6th fret).

A Major Chord

The A major chord is relatively straightforward:

Place your index finger on the 2nd fret of the D string
Place your middle finger on the 2nd fret of the G string
Place your ring finger on the 2nd fret of the B string

Strum from the A string down to the high E string, avoiding the low E string for a cleaner sound.

Strumming Patterns and Rhythm

Getting the chords right is only half the battle; the rhythm and strumming pattern are what truly bring "There She Goes" to life. The song has a distinctive driving, upbeat tempo that's essential to capture.

The Essential Strumming Pattern

The most common strumming pattern for "There She Goes" follows a down-up-down-up motion with emphasis on certain beats. A good starting pattern is:

Down - down - up - up - down - up

Count this as: 1 - 2 - & - & - 3 - &

This pattern creates a syncopated feel that matches the original recording. The key is to keep your strumming hand moving continuously, even when you're not hitting the strings, to maintain the rhythm's momentum.

Advanced Rhythm Techniques

As you become more comfortable with the basic pattern, try adding muted strums on the "&" beats to create a more percussive sound. This involves lightly touching the strings with your fretting hand while strumming to create a chugging effect.

Another technique is to vary the dynamics by playing the E and A chords with a fuller sound and the B and C# minor chords with a lighter touch. This creates a nice contrast and adds emotional nuance to your playing.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Even with a simple chord progression, many guitarists encounter difficulties when learning "There She Goes." Here are some common challenges and practical solutions to help you overcome them.

Chord Transitions

One of the most frequent issues is transitioning smoothly between chords, especially between E and B major. These chords require significant finger movement, which can slow you down and disrupt your rhythm.

Solution: Practice the transitions in isolation before playing the full progression. Start by switching between E and B slowly, focusing on accuracy rather than speed. Use a metronome and gradually increase the tempo as you improve. A helpful exercise is to play each chord for four beats, then switch, repeating this pattern until the transitions feel natural.

Barre Chord Difficulties

The B major chord requires a barre, which can be challenging for beginners due to the finger strength needed. Many players struggle to get all the strings to ring clearly.

Solution: Build finger strength through targeted exercises. Try holding the barre position without playing for extended periods to develop endurance. Another technique is to use your thumb to help support the barre, especially if you have smaller hands. Some players find it helpful to slightly rotate their index finger to use the side rather than the flat part for the barre.

Maintaining Consistent Rhythm

Keeping a steady rhythm while changing chords is a common struggle, particularly for beginners. It's easy to slow down during transitions, which disrupts the song's flow.

Solution: Practice with a metronome or drum machine to develop your internal sense of timing. Start at a slower tempo (around 60-70 BPM) and focus on making chord changes exactly on the beat. As you improve, gradually increase the speed until you reach the song's actual tempo (approximately 120 BPM).

Tips for Perfecting Your Performance

Once you've mastered the basic chords and strumming pattern, there are several ways to elevate your performance of "There She Goes" and make it truly shine.

Adding Melodic Elements

While the song is primarily chord-based, adding some melodic elements can enhance your performance. The opening riff of "There She Goes" is particularly memorable and can be played on the guitar to capture the song's essence.

The main riff follows the notes of the E major chord with some embellishment. Try playing the open E string, then the G# on the 1st fret of the G string, followed by the B on the 2nd fret of the A string. This creates a recognizable hook that listeners will immediately associate with the song.

Dynamic Playing

Varying your dynamics can add emotional depth to your performance. Try playing the verses with a softer touch and gradually building intensity toward the chorus. You can achieve this by:

Light strumming with your fingers during verses
Heavier strumming with a pick during choruses
Palm muting certain sections for a subdued effect
Accentuating the first beat of each measure to drive the rhythm

Capo Considerations

Some guitarists prefer to use a capo when playing "There She Goes" to change the key or make the chords more comfortable to play. Placing a capo on the 2nd fret allows you to play the song using D, A, B minor, and G chords instead of the original E, B, C# minor, and A.

This can be particularly helpful if you're playing along with a singer who finds the original key too high or low for their vocal range. Just be aware that using a capo changes the song's timbre slightly, giving it a brighter sound.

Recording and Sharing Your Version

After putting in the practice, you might want to record or share your rendition of "There She Goes." Here are some tips to ensure your performance sounds its best.

Recording Tips

When recording, consider using a condenser microphone positioned about 6-12 inches from the sound hole of your guitar. This captures a balanced tone with good clarity. If you're using an electric guitar or acoustic-electric, you might prefer a direct input for a cleaner sound.

Pay attention to your room acoustics when recording. A space with minimal echo and background noise will produce the best results. You might want to record a few takes and choose the best one, or even layer multiple takes for a fuller sound.

Sharing Your Performance

If you're sharing your performance on platforms like YouTube or Instagram, consider creating an engaging visual presentation. You might:

Film in a well-lit space with your guitar clearly visible
Include chord diagrams on screen for viewers who want to learn
Add a brief introduction explaining your approach to the song
Use multiple camera angles to show both your fretting and strumming hands

Remember to engage with your audience by responding to comments and considering their feedback for future performances.

Conclusion

Mastering the There She Goes chords is a rewarding journey that combines technical skill with emotional expression. From understanding the song's background to perfecting your chord transitions and strumming patterns, each step brings you closer to capturing the magic of this timeless classic.

Remember that learning any song takes time and patience. Don't get discouraged if you don't sound exactly like the recording right away. Focus on developing your own interpretation and style, and most importantly, enjoy the process of making music.

Whether you're playing for yourself, friends, or an audience, "There She Goes" offers a perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication that continues to captivate listeners. With the techniques and tips outlined in this guide, you're well-equipped to make this song a standout piece in your guitar repertoire.

So grab your guitar, practice those chords, and let the music take you where it will. After all, as the song reminds us, sometimes the most beautiful moments come when we simply let go and enjoy the journey.

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