Song practice guide
How to Practice City of New Orleans
Steve Goodman's 'City of New Orleans' (made famous by Arlo Guthrie, then Willie Nelson) is one of the great American narrative folk songs. The train-rhythm groove, the storytelling lyric, and the singalong chorus have made it a cornerstone of folk and country repertoire for fifty years.
Song Details
- Key
- G
- Tempo
- 110 BPM
- Time
- 4/4
- Style
- boom-chuck
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
Train-rhythm groove. Smooth chord changes through C major (typically capo 2 to D). Singing the narrative lyric with storytelling phrasing.
Practice Tips
- 1
The train rhythm is the song's engine. Master it before adding the vocals.
- 2
The lyric is a story about a real train. Sing it like you're describing the scenery.
- 3
The chorus is the singalong. Lead with confidence.
Why This Song
It's the great American train-narrative standard, covered by Arlo, Willie, and many others.
Practice City of New Orleans Daily
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