Song practice guide
How to Practice Both Sides Now
Joni Mitchell's 'Both Sides Now' is one of the most-played folk standards of the 1960s. The smooth chord progression, the contemplative lyric, and Joni's iconic vocal performance have made it a cornerstone of singer-songwriter repertoire for sixty years.
Song Details
- Key
- C
- Tempo
- 75 BPM
- Time
- 3/4
- Style
- waltz
Structure
This song is still under copyright, so we publish its form rather than its chord chart. Add it to your library and you can enter or attach your own chart, and Repertoire will schedule it either way.
What to Focus On
Smooth chord changes through G major. Steady folk strumming. Singing the reflective melody with breath support and restraint.
Practice Tips
- 1
The chord progression has a few sophisticated borrowings. Listen carefully.
- 2
Joni's later recordings are slower and more reflective than the original. Pick a version that suits your stage of life.
- 3
The vocal is reflective. Don't oversing it.
Why This Song
It's the great Joni Mitchell folk standard, and a contemplative singer-songwriter milestone.
Practice Both Sides Now Daily
Repertoire uses spaced repetition to keep your songs sharp. Add this song to your collection and the system schedules your practice automatically.
No credit card required • Free tier: 3 collections · 15 songs each
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