The Way We Were chords

Arrangement Details:

• Key Signature: A Major – 3 sharps (F#, C#, G#)
• Time Signature: 4/4 — Four quarter-note beats per measure
• Tempo: Slowly
• Metronome: ♩ = 70
• Voice Range: A3 - D5

Guitar Tutorial: Exploring Chord Voicings & Transitions:

• All charts above show options for barre chords and open chords. If you're using a finger-picking style, the open chord voicings are very nice.
• The song may seem a little difficult at first but once you spend some time learning the chords, you will find it flows smoothly and is fairly easy to play.
• The voicings of some chords are very nice, especially F#7 (xx4320) and the transition from C#m7 (xx2424) to C#7(xx3424).
• Aadd2: A Major with an added 2nd (B) = A-B-C#-E.
  This can also be written as A(2)
• An easy way to play C#m7 and C#7 especially with the transition between the two, is simply use a mini-barre over the top 4 strings on the 2nd fret, then add the other notes according to the charts - easier on the hands too - especially C#m7.
• V2 → Bridge:  A7 → Amaj7 are not you're typical A7 and Amaj7 shapes, but these voicings sound much better in this arrangement, creating a dramatic lift from the Verse leading into the Bridge section.
• You may prefer to use the typical Amaj7 (x02120) chord for other parts of the song.
• This song is a great practice number for versatility in chord positions. Many guitarists stick to the same old way of playing certain chords. Here, you will find alternative voicings of typical chords which sound great in certain song structures.
• You don't have to play the slash chord Bm7/A, which is simply a Bm7 chord leading with an 'A' bass note, but it does add a little more interest to the song especially if you're playing solo.

Beginner Guitarists:

If this key is difficult, an alternative is G Major, which uses common open chords and is generally easier for developing players.

If you transpose to G Major and want to play along with the video, you will need to place a capo on the 2nd fret. You can also stick to standard chord types without playing slash chords, sus chords, and extended chords.

Core Chords in G Major: G, G7, Gmaj7, Am7, B7, Bm7, C, Cmaj7, D7, Em, Em7, E7.

Just in case you're unsure of Gmaj7, Cmaj7, and Bm7:

If you are playing with the video, it is easier to follow the orchestra. The chord changes would normally occur with the lyrics as written above, but Barbra sings in a style which is unique... some notes before the beat, others after the beat etc. The safest way is to follow the music and count the beats until you become familiar with the song... good luck. 💪🎶

Song Details:

• Songwriters: Alan Bergman, Marilyn Bergman, Marvin Hamlisch
• Lyrics Begin: Mem'ries, light the corners of my mind
• Genre: Pop, soft rock, easy listening
• Featured Artist: Barbra Streisand
• Single:
  Released: September 27, 1973
  B-side: What Are You Doing the Rest of Your Life?
• Album: The Way We Were
  Recorded: 1969–1973
  Released: January 30, 1974