The Middle
by Jimmy Eat World • Lesson #414 • Feb 4, 2022
Video lesson
Licensed Song Sheet 3 pages
Follow along with my print-friendly guide for this song! It’s available for purchase at Musicnotes.com, the web’s leading provider of licensed sheet music.
On the fence? Here's a guide I made showing the purchase & print process, including answers to common questions about my song sheets.
Buy at Musicnotes.comEditor’s notes
Hey friends! Quick lesson today teaching you how to play an easy-going acoustic version of The Middle by Jimmy Eat World (2001). Originally a pop-punk song with a driving beat, this acoustic arrangement is inspired by musician Kina Grannis, who is known for creating lo-fi, folky acoustic covers of popular rock songs. This song is only 3 chords, with the same chord progression repeating throughout – so it doesn’t take long to learn! But I’ll look a bit beneath the surface and show you ways to have fun with the chord voicings, and also how to strum while playing the melody notes for the verse and chorus. Let’s check it out!
Video timestamps:
- 0:00 Lesson Preview
- 2:02 Capo & Chord Progression
- 3:25 Chord Shapes
- 7:00 Strumming Patterns
- 9:22 Melody Tab (Verse + Chorus)
- 13:45 Full Playthrough
Jimmy Eat World’s original version
This is the original version of the song, played in the Key of D (using the chords D,G,A).
Kina Grannis’ acoustic cover
Here’s the version of the song my lesson is inspired by & based on. She’s playing capo 2nd fret, using chords (C,F,G) in the Key of C.
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
-
November 8, 2024
Rhythm Deep Dive: "Guitar Town" by Steve Earle
-
Nov 1, 2024
Website Tour – November 2024
-
Oct 24, 2024
"Fast Car" - Strumming & Rhythm Guide!
-
October 18, 2024
CAGED - It's More Than Just Chords!
-
October 3, 2024
Kris Kristofferson's "Me and Bobby McGee"
-
September 27, 2024
Paul Simon Fingerstyle with "59th Street Bridge Song"
-
September 20, 2024
Fingerstyle & Travis Picking Lesson Roundup!
-
September 13, 2024
"Rebel Rouser" - 1950s Lead Guitar Lesson