Part A rhythm! Before starting on the song practice getting the rhythm spot on. The song's effect is based on a
continuing syncopated strumming rhythm which represents a choo choo train coming down the track. The driver pulls
the train's whistle in time to the clatter of the train. Below is my strumming pattern There are 9 strums in the 16
quavers of two bars. Take your time to get it right - when you can 'swing' the choo choo rhythm it's time to play it!
Part B of the song is just a straight jazz beat.
Look at the first line of Part A of the song. I have given a plan for the strums. Look below and read how I strum it.
Pardon me boy is that the Chatanooga Choo Choo? Track twen-ty
Here is a strumming pattern:
D U D U D U D U D U D U D U D U D U D U D U D U D U D U D U D U
INTRODUCTION: I get the ryhthm going by repeating the above two bars as a vamp intro and begin when ready.
How to do it:
Using a rocking motion of the left hand I play the first C ("pardon") using the palm of the 4th finger up near the joint
crease then to play "me" I rock it forward to cover the 'g'. For "boy" I add the bar to make the F6/9 to complete bar
To play the F9 I just push the ring finger further over to cover the c string on fret 3, continuing the rocking movement
That's it! You repeat these two bars exactly the same way for as many as you like until you are ready to start singing.
Pardon me boy, is that the Chatanooga Choo Choo? Track twenty
Can you af ford to board the Chatanooga Choo Choo? Yes sir, I've got my
nine..................... that's the Tennesee line.
fare...... 'n just a nickel to spare. You leave the
Pensylvania Station 'bout a quarter to four read a maga zine un til you're in Bal ti more
When y'hear the whistle blowin' 8 to the bar then y'a know that Tennesee is not ver y far
Dinner in the Din er, nothin' could be fin er, than to have yr ham and eggs in Carolin a
"Shovel all the coal in, got to keep her roll in', Whoo Whoo Chata nooga
here we are
Repeat the intro vamp for 4 bars then resume the song:
There's gonna be a certain party at the station. Satin and
Lace.... I used to call funny face......................................................................................
She's gonna cry, until I tell her that I'll ne ver e v e r roam......................, So
Chatanooga Choo Choo, please just choo choo me home- Chatanooga Choo Choo