Which is Which?

[ColColt]

I'm a bit confused. I went online looking for the chords to the song, "I Can't Help It(if I'm still in love with you)" by Hank Williams. It shows the chords as being C, D7, G, G7. I played those and it just didn't sound right in accordance to the tune of the song I know. This is the link to those chords for that song. The words are correct but the chords can't be.

https://www.classic-country-song-lyr...icschords.html

I picked up a book at the Guitar Center yesterday when I got the Martin called, "Hank Williams Complete" by Hal Leonard. It's about an inch thick and has 128 of his songs in it. The chords it shows for that same song are C7,F, F7 and Bb. That's a big difference. I haven't learned F and F7 yet.

[RustyAxe]

.............

[jim1960]

Chord books like the one you have don't always provide chords in the same key as played on any particular record. There are many reasons for this:

• The shapes may be correct but require a capo to match a record.
• The chords may have been taken from a version other than the one with which you're familiar.
• The chord shapes may have been changed to make it easier to play.

The first songbook is giving you chords in the key of G. You can use the 133211 bar chord shape and move it up and down the fret board in places the book calls for a G until you find the right key. Then put a capo three frets behind that chord and you should be good to go.

The second songbook provides the chords in the key of F. Those are harder to play for a beginner, so stick with the G version for now.

[ColColt]

Hmmm...

You can use the 133211 bar chord shape and move it up and down the fret board

That doesn't compute, Jim. Looks like I'll have to get a capo from amazon. Would this fit the bill or is there a better one? I wouldn't want an aluminum one as it looks like it could mar the finish on the neck/fret board.

https://www.amazon.com/So-There-Kwik.../dp/B01LWIW33G

[Silly Moustache]

The link you gave is confusing as it shows the forst chord as D7 which is actually the V chord, not the key.

This is how I play it, (excuse the knees!)

[rmp]

That capo should be ok, it's a bit of the same design as a kyser. They sometimes grip too hard tho, and will put your strings out of tune. I have a bunch of kysers, and if you are carefull with placement, they're usually fine.

https://www.amazon.com/Kyser-Quick-C...i%2C158&sr=1-3

these are pretty good, and adjustable, I have one of these too, it does the job!
https://www.amazon.com/Planet-Waves-...ruments&sr=1-3

There's also a bunch of other capo makers, some can get quite pricey, but like any tool, sometimes you get what ya pay for

I have some Thalia Capos (not cheap) but work really good, and are well built.

Another good brand is from G7th, not too expensive but very good quality

Silly, that Collings sounds un-frikken believable... Nice cover of that song too man.

[bufflehead]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

This is how I play it, (excuse the knees!)

Proof positive of the old adage that there is nothing better than a British gent playing Hank Williams on a made-in-Texas guitar. In shorts, no less!

[Johny Tenthumbs]

D# A# D# D#/B#bass
Today I passed you on the street
G# D#
And my heart fell at your feet
A# A#7 D#
I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You

The original recording isn't quite in standard pitch but there is a live duet of him with Anita Carter on Youtube. You can't see the fretboard but you can tell see he is using barre cords. The chorus uses the same chords.

If you don't want to play barre chords and you want it close to the original key:
E B A B#7

Addendum - I see in the preview that the chords I put over the lyrics didn't keep their spacings, sorry. I'm sure you'll figure it though.

[ColColt]

I noticed Silly Moustache seem to be using C, G, G7 perhaps with the song. At least, that's the way it looked to my untrained eyes.

I looked at the capos and the G7th is probably what I'll get. Looks like if you're gong to post a song and chords used on the Internet as they did, it would be like the way the song sounds on record or the one with Anita and Hank on YouTube. The book I bought evidently has advanced chords that I haven't learned yet and guess I'll stir clear of that for a while and use the recommended G-chords instead.

I'm not sure where the capo should go on the neck(2nd or 3rd fret) to get the proper sound I'm looking for. Maybe that's an experimental thing. I just want it to sound like the original recording. Amazon shows a Performance capo and the Performance 2. Not sure of the difference.This is the capo I'm looking at. I have Amazon Prime so, it should be here by Saturday or Sunday latest. If anyone thinks those are wrong please feel free to chime in.

https://www.amazon.com/G7th-Performa...gateway&sr=8-1

[619TF]

Originally Posted by ColColt

Hmmm...

That doesn't compute, Jim. Looks like I'll have to get a capo from amazon. Would this fit the bill or is there a better one? I wouldn't want an aluminum one as it looks like it could mar the finish on the neck/fret board.

https://www.amazon.com/So-There-Kwik.../dp/B01LWIW33G

Just spend an extra $4- $5 and get the Schubb capo. https://www.amazon.com/Shubb-S1-Stai...dp/B0002E2Z8O/ Totally adjustable, won't throw your strings out of tune and waaay cheaper than the Thalia. No worries about finish damage. Oh, and the rubber pieces are replaceable if they ever wear out. Not as easy to change position on the fly but I'm getting better at that too.

[RP]

CAPO: 2nd Fret/KEY: E/PLAY: D

[A7] Today I [D] passed you [A7] on the [D] street
[D7] And my [G] heart fell at your [D] feet
I Can't [A7] Help It If I'm Still In Love With [D] You
[A7] Somebody [D] else stood [A7] by your [D] side
[D7] And he [G] looked so satis-[D] fied
I Can't [A7] Help It If I'm Still In Love With [D] You. ... [D7]

A [G] picture from the past came slowly [D] stealing
As I [A7] brushed your arm and walked so close to [D] you ... [D7]
Then [G] suddenly I got that old time [D] feeling
I Can't [A] Help It If I'm Still In Love With [D] You.

It's hard to know another's lips will kiss you
And hold you just the way I used to do
Oh, heaven only knows how much I miss you
I Can't Help It If I'm Still In Love With You.

[ColColt]

Thank you much, sir! Will definitely give that a try. If my guitar playing was as good as my singing(pats self on back) I'd be in business.

[harpspitfire]

i noticed most songbooks are generally not in the original key- i download and print all my songs

[ColColt]

The book I got that was solely Hank Williams songs is a sore disappointment. Many are written in F, F7 and C7 which I havne't learned as yet. "Cold, Cold Heart and I can't Help It..." are two good examples.

This website doesn't use the right ones either.

https://www.classic-country-song-lyr...icschords.html

[Rodger Knox]

Try this site. There's the option(+1 -1 at bottom of page) to transpose songs to different keys so you can find the key that is easiest for you.
https://tabs.ultimate-guitar.com/tab...chords_1676957