Spinning Wheel
View chords used in this chart
Intro:
Horns [D7#9 in low and high octaves]:
1111
[x5456x] [xx2133]
v v v v v v v v
/ ///// //// //
Verse 1:
bass (doubled with piano); chords implied
(E7) (A7) (D7) (G)
v v v v v v v v
-----------------|-----------------
-----------------|-----------------
-7---7---------3-|-5---5-------2-5-
-------3-5---5---|-------1-3-------
What goes up must come down [cowbell enters]
Spinnin' wheel got to go 'round [full drum kit enters]
Talkin' 'bout your troubles it's a cryin' sin
D7 [N.C.] D7#9
Ride a painted pony let the spinnin' wheel spin
Verse 2:
E7#9 A13 D7#9 G
You got no money and you got no home
E7#9 A13 D7#9 G [no horns]
Spinnin' wheel all alone
E7#9 A13 D7#9 G
Talkin' 'bout your troubles and you never learn
D7 [N.C.] D7#9
Ride a painted pony let the spinnin' wheel turn
Bridge:
Cadd2 Bbadd2
Did you find the directing sign on the
Abadd2 Gadd2
Straight and narrow highway
Cadd2 Bbadd2
Would you mind a reflecting sign
Abadd2 [G] (bass alone)
Just let it shine within your mind
Ab/G Bb C
And show you the colors that are real
Dadd2 Am7/D
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Horns (chords built on fourths):
F7sus4(no 5) F7#9sus4(no 5)
x888xx x8889x
/ / / / /// /// ///// //// //
Verse 3:
Someone is waiting just for you
E7#9 A13 D7#9 G [trombone: D->E slide]
Spinnin' wheel, spinnin' true
Drop all your troubles by the riverside
D7 [N.C.] D7#9
[1: Catch a painted pony on the spinning wheel ride]
D7 [N.C.]
[2: Ride a painted pony let the spinning wheel fly]
Instrumental break (LP version):
bass/piano as per first verse [2X]
E7#9 A13 D7#9 G13 [4X]
/ / / / / / / /
E7#9
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
Eb7#9
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
D7#9 [N.C.]
/ / / / / / / /
(drum fill)
Instrumental break (45 version):
guitar solo over bass/piano:
(E7) (A7) (D7) (G)
--------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
14b16---14b16-14-------------------12---14b16-14-12----12-----
-----------------------------12-14---14-------------14--------
--------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
(E7) (A7) (D7) (G)
17b19---17b19-17-------------------19-19-----19--17--15-------
--------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------17s19----19-----19--17--16-------
--------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
--------------------------------------------------------------
[repeat verse 3]
Coda:
E7#9 A13 [Eb] D7#9 Gmaj7 [2X]
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
(calliope effects on recorders)
E7#9 A13 [Eb] D7#9 Gmaj7
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
(calliope effects on recorders)
E7#9 A13 [Eb] D7#9 Gmaj7 [3X; horns fade 3rd time]
/ / / / / / / / / / / / / / /
(recorders continue to end)
spoken: That wasn't too good [laughter]
-- another ace 60's tab from Andrew Rogers
How to play Spinning Wheel
Use the controls above to change the key and text size. Follow the highlighted chords while listening, then practice each section slowly before playing at the original tempo.
What is the starting chord?
The first identified chord is D7. You can transpose without leaving the page.
Can I play it on guitar or keyboard?
Yes. The chord progression works on acoustic guitar, electric guitar and keyboard. Adapt the voicings to your instrument and level.