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David Bowie - Kooks - Guitar Chords Play Along

4,044 views · Published 10 March 2017 · 2:50 · Indexed 31 October 2026

Channel: James Rundle · 2017 · Music

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David Bowie - Kooks - Guitar Chords Play Along

Guitar Tutorial : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHH0QydIrOI

This YouTube description captures the whimsical, folk-pop charm of one of David Bowie's most heartwarming tracks, perfect for acoustic players of all levels.
Headline: Kooks - David Bowie | Acoustic Guitar Lesson & Tutorial (Easy Chords)

In today’s lesson, we’re learning how to play "Kooks," the charming acoustic track from David Bowie’s legendary 1971 album, Hunky Dory. This song is a wonderful example of Bowie’s early folk-pop songwriting, featuring a playful rhythm and a mix of classic open chords with some very clever "Bowie-esque" transitions.

Whether you're a beginner looking for a fun strum-along or an intermediate player wanting to master the subtle nuances of the verse, this step-by-step tutorial has you covered.

[Link to Chord Sheet/Tabs]

🎸 In this Lesson:

• The Strumming Pattern: Mastering the bouncy, upbeat rhythm that gives the song its "nursery rhyme" feel.

• Chord Progression: Breaking down the verses, the "don't stay in school" bridge, and that catchy chorus.

• The "Bowie Swing": Tips on how to get that authentic early-70s acoustic folk tone.

• The Bridge Section: A look at the unique chord changes that make this track stand out from standard folk songs.

🎶 Heartwarming Song Facts:

• A Letter to His Son: Bowie wrote "Kooks" specifically for his newborn son, Duncan Jones (then known as Zowie Bowie). The lyrics are a message from a "kooky" father to his child, promising a life of fun and eccentricity.

• Written in a Day: Legend has it that David was listening to a Neil Young record when he received the news of his son's birth. He was so inspired by the vibe of the music and the news of his child that he wrote "Kooks" almost immediately.

• The Neil Young Influence: The song is actually a direct pastiche of Neil Young’s early 70s style. If you listen closely to the acoustic arrangement, you can hear the influence of tracks from After the Gold Rush.

• Hunky Dory Origins: This was one of the many tracks on Hunky Dory where Bowie transitioned from the "heavy" sound of The Man Who Sold the World back toward a more melodic, piano and acoustic-led style, paving the way for the Ziggy Stardust era.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Performance Demo
1:20 - The Main Chords (Simple Version)
3:15 - The Strumming Pattern & Feel
5:40 - The Verse: Step-by-Step
8:10 - The "Kooky" Bridge Section
10:30 - Putting It All Together: Full Play-Along

Gear Used:

• Acoustic Guitar: [Your Model - e.g., Martin D-28 / Taylor]

• Strings: [Your Brand]

• Tuned to: Standard EADGBE

If you enjoyed this trip through Hunky Dory, hit the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE! What is your favorite track from the early David Bowie era? Let me know in the comments!

#DavidBowie #Kooks #HunkyDory #GuitarLesson #AcousticGuitar #BowieGuitar #ClassicRock #GuitarTutorial #EasyGuitarChords #folkrock

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