What is “Leaving on a Jet Plane”?

Leaving on a Jet Plane is a classic folk ballad written by John Denver in 1966. It was originally recorded by the American folk band Peter, Paul and Mary in 1967, and the song quickly rose to international fame. The lyrics of this melancholic song tell the story of a man who is leaving his loved one behind, as he embarks on a journey on a jet plane. This has become one of the most popular and enduring folk songs of all time; it has been covered by many artists, including Chantal Kreviazuk and John Denver himself.

The Chords

The chords of Leaving on a Jet Plane are quite simple and easy to play, making it a great song for beginners and experienced guitarists alike. The song is in the key of G major, and the basic chords are G, D, Em, C and D7. In addition to these chords, there are several passing chords that can be added to give the song more flavor. For example, a G7 chord can be used as a passing chord between the G and D chords, and an A7 chord can be used between the D and Em chords. Playing these passing chords can give the song a more interesting sound and make it more enjoyable to play.

Playing the Chords

When playing the chords of Leaving on a Jet Plane, it is important to keep in mind the rhythm of the song. The song has a 4/4 time signature, and the chords should be played in the same rhythm. This means that the chords should be played on each beat of the measure. To give the chord progression a fuller sound, the chords should be strummed several times on each beat. This can be done by strumming the strings down and then up, or by playing a single downstroke followed by a few upstrokes. This will help to fill out the sound of the song.

Variations

While the basic chords of Leaving on a Jet Plane are fairly simple, there are several variations that can be used to give the song a more interesting sound. For example, the C chord can be replaced with a Cmaj7 chord for a more jazzy sound. Additionally, the D chord can be replaced with a Dmaj7 chord to add a more bluesy feel. Experimenting with different chord voicings can help to make the song more enjoyable to play and can also add interest for the listener.

Vocal Accompaniment

When playing Leaving on a Jet Plane, it is important to remember to accompany the chords with the vocal melody. This will help to create a fuller sound, as the chords and the vocal line will blend together. To do this, strum the chords in the same rhythm as the vocal line and keep the chord changes in time with the lyrics. This will help to create a more unified sound and make the song more enjoyable to listen to.

Advanced Techniques

For more advanced guitarists, there are several techniques that can be used to add interest to the song. For example, the chords can be arpeggiated rather than strummed. This means that the notes of the chord should be played in a repeating up-down pattern. Additionally, the chords can be played using a fingerpicking pattern rather than strummed. This can create a more intimate sound and help to emphasize the vocal line. Experimenting with different techniques can help to add interest and make the song more enjoyable to listen to.

Conclusion

Leaving on a Jet Plane is a classic folk song that has stood the test of time. The chords are fairly simple and easy to play, making it a great song for beginners and experienced guitarists alike. Adding passing chords and experimenting with different voicings can help to create more interesting sounds, and accompanying the chords with the vocal melody can help to create a fuller sound. Additionally, advanced techniques such as fingerpicking and arpeggiation can be used to add interest and make the song more enjoyable to play and listen to.