For the advanced players there is an easy way to explain how the verse works. There is just one picking pattern which is : For the Chords C and Am: 2;3+5;2;4;3;5 For the Chords G and Em: 1;3+5;2;4;3;5 Just by listening to the song it should be no problem to play along. :) For the beginners here is the whole picking pattern: Verse: C1 | G1 | Em1 | G2 | Am | Em2 |C2 it the captain's life Chorus Though I'm blind, my dear, I see The parade goes on without me My body aches, my mind it we (azchords.com)