Johnny B. Goode - Chuck Berry
The Original
When Chuck Berry released “Johnny B. Goode” in 1958, he created one of the most recognisable openings in rock history. From its instantly famous guitar intro to its storytelling lyrics, the song captured the dream of a young musician rising from obscurity through pure talent and determination. Blending blues roots with country energy and teenage ambition, Berry’s driving rhythm and razor-sharp guitar work helped define what rock ’n’ roll would become. Decades later, “Johnny B. Goode” remains a blueprint for the genre—and a rite of passage for musicians everywhere.
Listen to the Gig Based Learning Version You'll Be Playing
(For Lower Voices)
(For Higher Voices)
You don’t need to be a guitar hero to take on “Johnny B. Goode.” Our super-easy tutorials break the song down for guitar, bass, drums, keys, piano, and vocals, focusing on one instrument at a time. You’ll learn the iconic intro riff, the swinging groove, and the call-and-response feel that makes the song explode. Take it at your own pace and build the confidence to play it loud, fast, and with attitude.
Practise your part with our guided practice sessions
Rehearse your part with our backing tracks
Share your part using our lyric sheets and charts
Use these to get started, then try to rely on them less each time. Some gigs need more reading than others, but when you can, practise playing with your eyes up so you can respond to your bandmates and what’s happening in the room.
Johnny B. Goode
(Chuck Berry)
GBL Tempo = 140 bpm
(Drummer Count – 1,2. 1,2,3,4)
Deep down in Louisiana close to New Orleans
Way back up in the woods among the evergreens
There stood a log cabin made of earth and wood
Where lived a country boy named Johnny B. Goode
Who never ever learned to read or write so well
But he could play the guitar just like a-ringing a bell
Go, go Johnny go, x 4
Go, (pause – 2,3,4. 1,2) Johnny B. Goode
He used to carry his guitar in a gunny sack
Go sit beneath the tree by the railroad track
Old engineers would see him sitting in the shade
Strummin’ with the rhythm that the drivers made
People passing by would stop and say
Oh, my but that little country boy could play
Go, go Johnny go, x 4
Go, (pause – 2,3,4. 1,2) Johnny B. Goode
His mother told him, someday you will be a man
And you will be the leader of a big old band
Many people coming from miles around
To hear you play your music when the sun goes down
Maybe someday your name’ll be in lights
Saying Johnny B. Goode Tonight
Go, go Johnny go, x 4
Go, (pause – 2,3,4. 1,2) Johnny B. Goode
Live performances by Chuck Berry
The Backstory
Inspired by real-life musicians:
Chuck Berry based the character of Johnny on his own experiences and on admired performers like pianist Johnnie Johnson, turning personal struggle into a universal rock ’n’ roll story.
That opening riff changed everything:
Adapted from earlier blues ideas but played with unprecedented speed and clarity, Berry’s intro became the foundation for countless rock guitar licks that followed.
Influence and Impact
A cornerstone of rock guitar:
“Johnny B. Goode” is often cited as one of the most influential rock songs ever recorded and was included on the Voyager Golden Record as an example of human musical achievement.
Covered endlessly, taught forever:
From Jimi Hendrix to The Beatles, the song has been covered by generations of artists and remains a go-to learning track for aspiring musicians.
