IntermediatefolkKey: C75 BPM3/4

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

VerseC | F | C | F | C | F | G | G
ChorusF | Em | F | C | F | Em | Dm | G

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. 1

    The chord progression has a few sophisticated borrowings. Listen carefully.

  2. 2

    Joni's later recordings are slower and more reflective than the original. Pick a version that suits your stage of life.

  3. 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 • 1 free practice session per day