Home News Three

The Definitive Guide: Mastering The 'Cover Me Up' Chords And Two Essential Guitar Tunings

• minute read
Contents

The enduring masterpiece "Cover Me Up," originally penned by Americana legend Jason Isbell, has seen a massive resurgence in popularity, especially following Morgan Wallen's highly-streamed cover. As of December 2025, guitarists are still flocking to learn the song's deceptively simple yet emotionally complex chord progression, which forms the backbone of one of the most powerful love songs of the modern era.

This guide provides the definitive, most up-to-date breakdown of the chords, focusing on the two essential methods—the standard Capo 1 approach and the alternative Drop D tuning—to help you master the iconic intro riff and the heartfelt verses that define this track.

Jason Isbell: The Master Craftsman Behind the Song

To truly appreciate the song’s depth, it is essential to understand its creator, Jason Isbell. Born in Green Hill, Alabama, Isbell is a highly acclaimed singer-songwriter and a six-time Grammy Award winner, known for his raw, honest, and deeply personal lyrics.

  • Full Name: Jason Isbell
  • Born: February 1, 1979 (Age 46 as of 2025)
  • Birthplace: Green Hill, Alabama, U.S.
  • Primary Instruments: Guitar, Vocals
  • Associated Acts: Drive-By Truckers (2001–2007), Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit
  • Key Album (Cover Me Up): Southeastern (2013)
  • Spouse: Amanda Shires (Musician)
  • Recent News (2024/2025): Isbell and The 400 Unit released the live album Live From The Ryman Vol. 2 in October 2024. His most recent solo album, Foxes in the Snow, is slated for release in March 2025. He also recently collaborated with Zach Bryan on a rendition of "King of Oklahoma."

Isbell’s work, particularly on the *Southeastern* album, is celebrated for its lyrical maturity, exploring themes of sobriety, redemption, and enduring love, making "Cover Me Up" a pivotal track in his discography.

Method 1: The Standard Capo 1 Chords (Key of Eb)

The most common and arguably easiest way to play "Cover Me Up" is by using a capo on the first fret. This allows you to play the song in its original recorded key of E-flat (Eb) while using simple, open chord shapes.

Essential Chords (Relative to Capo):

  • D: x x 0 2 3 2
  • G: 3 2 0 0 3 3 (or 3 5 5 4 3 3)
  • Em: 0 2 2 0 0 0
  • A: x 0 2 2 2 0
  • Bm: x 2 4 4 3 2

The Core Chord Progression:

The entire song, including the intro, verse, and chorus, primarily cycles between the D, G, and Em chords, with the A and Bm chords appearing in the bridge and specific verse variations.

Intro / Chorus Progression:

D - G - D (Repeat 2x)

Verse Progression (Example):

D G D (A heart on the run, keeps a hand on a gun)

G D A (It can’t trust anyone.)

D G D (I was so sure, what I needed was more)

G D A (Tried to shoot out the sun.)

Strumming Pattern Tip:

The feel of the song is a slow, soulful 6/8 or 3/4 time signature. A common, easy-to-master strumming pattern is D D U U D U (Down, Down, Up, Up, Down, Up). However, the song benefits greatly from dynamic strumming, where you emphasize the bass notes and use lighter, almost fingerpicking-like strums on the upstrokes.

Method 2: The Acoustic Drop D Tuning Variation

For players seeking a richer, more resonant sound, or those who want to emulate the deeper tones of Jason Isbell's own live acoustic performances, the Drop D tuning (DADGBe) is a powerful alternative.

How to Tune: Simply tune your low E string down a whole step to D. All other strings remain in standard tuning (A D G B e).

Why Use Drop D?

Drop D tuning allows the open D string to serve as a constant, deep bass note, adding a drone-like quality that enhances the song's emotional weight. This tuning is particularly effective for the iconic intro riff, which relies heavily on the open D string.

Drop D Chord Shapes:

While the chord names remain D, G, Em, and A, the shapes for D and G are slightly modified to incorporate the new low D string:

  • D (Drop D): x x 0 2 3 2 (Same shape, but the low D is now the root)
  • G (Drop D): 5 5 0 0 3 0 (A common shape that uses the 5th fret on the low D string)
  • Em (Drop D): 2 2 2 0 0 0 (The low E string is now on the 2nd fret, giving you an E note, making this a true Em)
  • A (Drop D): x 0 2 2 2 0 (No change)

The Intro Riff in Drop D:

The signature intro riff is often played using a simple hammer-on/pull-off technique on the G and D chords. By focusing on the open D string and the notes on the B and G strings, you can easily replicate the melody that sets the song’s melancholic tone. Many advanced guitar lessons for this song specifically teach this Drop D fingerpicking pattern.

The Morgan Wallen Cover: Chords and Key

The song experienced a huge spike in searches after Morgan Wallen’s cover was released, introducing the song to a new, massive country music audience.

Key Difference: Wallen's version generally uses the exact same chord shapes and Capo 1 position as Jason Isbell's original. The main difference lies in the production, instrumentation, and vocal delivery, not the fundamental guitar chords.

If you are learning the song to play the Morgan Wallen version, use the Capo 1 Standard Tuning method described above, as it perfectly matches the chords used in his arrangement. The chord progression remains the same: D, G, D, G, D, A.

Pro Tips for Mastering the Track

Achieving the right sound for "Cover Me Up" goes beyond just knowing the chord shapes. It requires attention to detail and dynamics.

  • Use a Quality Capo: Since the song relies on a capo for the correct key, ensure you are using one that clamps evenly across the first fret to prevent buzzing.
  • Emphasize Dynamics: The song builds from quiet, reflective verses to a powerful, passionate chorus. Start with soft, almost fingerpicked strums on the verses (like a D - - U - U pattern) and transition to the full D D U U D U strum for the chorus.
  • Listen for the Bassline: The movement between the D and G chords is often marked by a subtle, walking bassline. If you are playing in Drop D, try alternating between the open low D string and the 5th fret of the low D string to connect the chords smoothly.
  • The Em to Bm Transition: The bridge ("But I’ve been saved by the grace of your love...") often uses the Em and Bm chords. Practice this transition until it is seamless, as it is a key emotional shift in the song.

By mastering both the Capo 1 and Drop D methods, you will gain a deep understanding of why "Cover Me Up" remains a timeless, essential track for any acoustic guitar player's repertoire.

The Definitive Guide: Mastering the 'Cover Me Up' Chords and Two Essential Guitar Tunings
cover me up chords
cover me up chords

Detail Author:

  • Name : Verda Shanahan
  • Username : kelley.lehner
  • Email : grussel@satterfield.com
  • Birthdate : 1975-03-08
  • Address : 237 Howell Village Apt. 708 East Heath, NY 06275-4715
  • Phone : 669-256-3540
  • Company : Franecki, Schulist and Schumm
  • Job : Paving Equipment Operator
  • Bio : Cum earum voluptatem minus incidunt necessitatibus. Ratione deserunt est et odio. Reiciendis ex cupiditate rerum quidem. Nihil ut quia non.

Socials

twitter:

  • url : https://twitter.com/colemanbailey
  • username : colemanbailey
  • bio : Sunt autem sit nulla officiis. Doloremque nostrum non molestiae eos deleniti. Vel omnis commodi qui velit.
  • followers : 3861
  • following : 1253

linkedin:

facebook:

Random Posts