Welcome to my “The Needle And The Damage Done” chord chart. The chords are D, Cadd9, G6/B, Gm6/Bb, C Fadd9/C, Esus, E and FMaj7. There is a raw passion and emotion to the lyrics and an urgency with which it was performed. This is a great song for students to learn, it’s a bit trickier than some open chord songs but still doable. There are some moving lines, through the chords, that make it a fun challenge!
Watch the accompanying lesson video for tabs and further explanation.
This song utilizes something that I liketo call the “Neil Young Strum”. It’s a down up type picking but with a strum on the way down. The entire song has a swing feel to it.
DU DU DU DU
1+ 2+ 3+ 4+
There is a “Travis Picking” section that requires playing lower single notes, through the chords. This is a bit tricky and a lot of fun!
Enjoy learning this classic song.
THE NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE CHORD CHART
Intro
D Cadd9 G6/B Gm6/Bb C Fadd9/C Esus E
Verse 1
D Cadd9 G6/B Gm6/Bb
I caught you knockin’ at my cellar door, I love you, baby, can I have some more?
C FMaj7 Esus E
Ooh, ooh, the damage done
Verse 2
D Cadd9 G6/B Gm6/Bb
I hit the city and I lost my band, I watched the needle take another man
C FMaj7 Esus E
Gone, gone, the damage done
Interlude
D Cadd9 G6/B Gm6/Bb C Fadd9/C Esus E
Verse 3
D Cadd9 G6/B Gm6/Bb
I sing the song because I love the man, I know that some of you don’t understand
C FMaj7 Esus E
Milk blood to keep from running out
Chorus 1
D Cadd9 G6/B Gm6/Bb
I’ve seen the needle and the damage done, A little part of it in everyone
C FMaj7 Esus E
But every junkie’s like a settin’ sun
Outro
D Cadd9 G6/B Gm6/Bb
JOIN DREW ON FACEBOOK! Click on the Facebook icon and join “Drew Bentley Guitar”
group where you can ask questions and interact with Drew on Facebook.
This file is the author’s own work and represents his interpretation of this song. It’s intended solely for private study, scholarship or research.