Arthur’s Theme | TAB
Arthur’s Theme uses the concept of moving up a 4th—also known as the cycle of 4ths—to change the key from C to A. Here’s the verse chord progression:
||: Dm7 (II) G (V) | C (I) Fmaj13 (IV) |
| Bb (bVIIx) E7 (IIIx) | Asus4 (VI) A (VIx) Asus2 A :||
That final A chord leads us back to the Dm chord. Here’s the TAB for how to play this section on an acoustic guitar.
Notice how the Fmaj13 gets its name from the intervals—it moves from the root to the major 7th, then the 6th, then the 5th.
Here’s the TAB for Arthur’s Theme’s chorus.
I’m starting with a D shape but borrowing the 5th from the A shape. A semitone below, we briefly find the #4, then move down to the 3rd. In the chords and lyrics lesson, I’ve put this chord in brackets, as it appears momentarily and then resolves.
For the Bm chord, we begin with a sus2 to follow the melody.
When the D chord returns, we use the upper part of the A shape for variation. Fret this using your little finger on string 2.
Practise both sections until you feel confident, then play along with the original recording.
If you’re using an electric guitar, try learning the sax solo as well—here’s the TAB.
Arthur’s Theme Backing Tracks + TAB | Related Pages
Arthur’s Theme | Chords + Lyrics
Learn to play Arthur’s Theme by Christopher Cross using chords, lyrics, a chord chart, and the original recording.
| Dm7 G | C Fmaj13 |
Once in your life you find her, someone that turns your heart around…
Five similar tunes | Chords + Lyrics
- (They Long To Be) Close To You
- Can’t Take My Eyes Off You
- Everybody’s Talkin’
- I Say A Little Prayer
- Over The Rainbow
