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Dancing in the Dark

by Bruce Springsteen • Lesson #592 • Jun 6, 2025

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About this lesson

In today’s lesson I’ll teach you how to strum and sing Dancing in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen. I’ll start by showing you a campfire version of the song, using the easiest possible chords and strumming pattern. From there I’ll level things up — showing you a few ways to upgrade the chords and rhythmic feel. A quick vocal melody overview is also included, in tab form! This one is a blast to play… enjoy!

0:00 Lesson Overview
1:17 Campfire Version
4:38 Playthrough #1
5:54 Intermediate Version
7:36 Playthrough #2
9:45 Melody: Vocal Tab
12:29 Melody: With Strumming?

Practice Notes 7 pages

Lesson Discussion

Additional Video Lessons

Here’s a few extra videos, made in thanks to those supporting me with Premium membership here on my Song Notes website. To those showing your support, you have my true thanks and appreciation — and I hope you find these additional videos helpful!

Play-Along: Campfire Version

Play-Along: Intermediate Version

Melody, While Strumming: How to Learn It

Melody, While Strumming: Slow Playthrough

If you need help with your strumming nuance, particularly when strumming while playing the melody notes, check out these two lessons:

Strumming with a Light Touch

Accenting Notes While Strumming

★ Instructional PDF

If you’re looking for more Bruce lessons, here’s a few others that I’ve got!

"Thunder Road" by Bruce Springteen

$ Song Sheet Available

"Badlands" by Bruce Springsteen (Play-along cover)

$ Song Sheet Available

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Dancing in the Dark

About this lesson

Practice Notes 7 pages

Lesson Discussion