Melody, with Chords: "You Are My Sunshine"
Lesson #411 • Jan 12, 2022
Video lesson
If you’re looking for my full song lesson for You Are My Sunshine (with the sheet music), you can find it here.
Instructional PDF 2 pages
Editor’s notes
Hey friends! A lesson today where I show the process of working out the melody notes for “You Are My Sunshine”, as covered by Johnny Cash in 2003. I’ll walk you through things, using the chord shapes for the song (A, D, and E major) as a starting point – and help you learn how to look for & recognize the melody notes therein. I would consider this an essential guitar skill, as understanding where to find the melody notes for any song you’re playing opens so many doors.
If you like this lesson, check out a similar videos I made looking at Can’t Help Falling in Love by Elvis Presley and also Will You Love Me Tomorrow by Carole King / The Shirelles.
Full song lesson also available!
If you want to learn this entire song (played with strumming), I have a separate video lesson you can view here. You also can get the 4-page sheet music to follow along. Check it out!
Similar melody lessons I’ve made…
Previously, I made a lesson showing the same concept (of figuring out the melody notes, given the chords) for “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley. View my lesson notes & get the PDF »
I also tackle this at the end of my lesson for “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” by Carole King / The Shirelles. View my lesson notes & get the sheet music »
Enjoy My Lessons? Show Your Support!
Most of the lessons on my website are 100% free. If you have the means, please show your support with a tip jar contribution. I put many hours into every lesson — but it only takes you a minute to make a donation. You have my thanks!
Looking for More Song Lessons?
Featured Courses
Fun & Helpful Tools I've Made
Coming soon is Jambox – which shows all the video jam tracks I've made. It's note quite ready for the spotlight, but check it out if you like!
Subscribe to my YouTube channel
Be sure to never miss a lesson by subscribing on YouTube. I put out 2-3 new videos every week. These include full song lessons, as well as covers, practice tips, behind-the-scenes updates. Thanks!
Recent Lessons
-
July 22, 2025
[Updated] Beginner Blues Groove in A minor
-
July 18, 2025
Minor Key Handbook – Now Available!
-
July 11, 2025
Melody & Chords, Together! ft. Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah"
-
June 30, 2025
FretMonster Update! New Features & PDF Handbook Now Available
-
June 17, 2025
"London Homesick Blues" from Jerry Jeff Walker / Gary P. Nunn
-
June 16, 2025
[Updated] "Mr. Bojangles" by Jerry Jeff Walker
-
June 12, 2025
Father's Day Sale - 20% Off Gifted Memberhsips!
-
June 6, 2025
"Dancing in the Dark" by Bruce Springsteen
-
May 28, 2025
Beginner Guitar Course - 5 New Lessons!