Hard Candy by Counting Crows – Guitar Tab
This tab for “Hard Candy” by Counting Crows is a real gem. What makes this version truly worth playing is not just its faithfulness to the original – though it nails that to perfection – but also its simplicity. It’s streamlined, well-arranged, and accessible, making it easy to pick up and play, yet it doesn’t compromise on capturing the soulful essence of the song. It’s a great example of how less can often be more in music.
Practice Tip
One recommendation I’d make when practicing this version is to focus on the intro riff. It sets the tone for the entire song and it’s crucial to get it right. Once you have the intro down, the chord transitions will come more naturally. Also, be patient with yourself. The rhythm may feel a bit tricky at first, but with steady practice, it will become second nature.
Genre & Difficulty
“Hard Candy” falls into the alternative rock and folk rock genres. The song has a mellow, nostalgic feel to it, which makes it a delightful and satisfying play for fans of those styles. As for difficulty, I’d say it’s suitable for intermediate players. The chord transitions are relatively straightforward, but the rhythm and the intro riff might require a bit more practice. Perfect for those looking to step up their guitar game without getting overwhelmed.
Full Tab
Intro:
Dsus2 Dsus2/G Dsus2/F# Dsus2/E
e|-------0---------------0---------------0-------------------------|
B|-----3-----3---------------3---------3-----3-----------3---2---3-|
G|---------------2-----2---------2---------------2-----2-----------|
D|-0-------------------------------------------------0-------------|
A|-----------------------------------------------------------------|
E|-----------------3---------------2---------------0---------------|
(D) (G) (F#) (E)
For the verses, strum over the intro riff chords.
Notes in brackets denote the bass note of each chord:
Verse 1:
(D) (G) (F#) (E) (D)
On certain Sundays in November when the weather bothers me
(G) (F#) (E) (D)
I empty drawers of other summers where my shadows used to be
(G) (F#) (E) (D)
And she is standing by the water as her smile begins to curl
(G) (F#) Em
In this or any other summer she is something altogether different
Em (D) (G) (F#) (E)
Never just an ordinary girl [riff]
Verse 2:
(D) (G) (F#) (E) (D)
And in the evenings on Long Island when the colours start to fade
(G) (F#) (E) (D)
She wears a silly yellow hat that someone gave her when she stayed
(G) (F#) (E) (D)
I didn't think that she returned it we left New York in a whirl
(G) (F#) Em
Time expands and then contracts when you are spinning in the grips of
Em G
someone who is not an ordinary girl
Chorus 1:
A D G
When you sleep you find your mother in the night
D G
But she stays just out of sight
D F#m A
So there isn't any sweetness in the dreaming
G A D G
And when you wake the morning covers you with light
D G
And it makes you feel alright
D F#m A Dsus2 (to riff)
But it's just the same hard candy you're remembering again
(Intro Riff once)
Verse 3:
(D) (G) (F#) (E) (D)
You send your lover off to China then you wait for her to call
(G) (F#) (E) (D)
You put your girl up on a pedestal then you wait for her to fall
(G) (F#) (E) (D)
I put my summer's back in a letter and I hide it from the world
(G) (F#) Em
All the regrets you can't forget are somehow pressed upon a picture
Em G
In the face of such an ordinary girl
Chorus 2:
A D G
And when you sleep you find your mother in the night
D G
But she stays just out of sight
D F#m A
So there isn't any sweetness in the dreaming
G A D G
And when you wake the morning showers you with light
D G
And it makes you feel alright
D F#m A D
But it's just the same hard candy you're remembering again
G Em A
Again, again, again
D G A D
It's just the same hard candy you're remembering again
G Em A
Again, again, again
D G A
And it's just the same hard candy you're remembering again
Outro Riff:
e|-----0-----------0-----------0-----------0------|
B|-------3-----------3-----------3-----------3----|
G|---------2-----------2-----------2-----------2--|
D|-0----------------------------------------------|
A|-------------4-----------3----------------------|
E|-------------------------------------3----------|
(D) (C#) (C) (G)
Outro: (with riff)
(D) (C#) (C) (G)
Go ask her to come around and see me late after dark
(D) (C#) (C) (G)
Don't ask me to come around then wait to see if there's a spark
(D) (C#) (C) (G)
Go ask her to come around and see me late after dark
(D) (C#) (C) (G)
Don't ask me to come around and make me wait to see the spark
(D) (C#) (C) (G)
Go ask her to come around late and see me after dark
(D) (C#) (C) (G)
Don't ask me to come around and wait to see if there is a spark
Adapted for educational use. Based on public tab formatting. The commentary on this page is autogenerated as part of an ongoing test.