What is the strum pattern for long black veil?

Answer 1

D=down strum (on the downbeats aka 1+2+3+4) U=up strum (on the "+" between the downbeats)

The words make it seem like the strums are closer or farther apart than they should (it helps to match up the strum with the lyrics so you can accentuate them), but keep just keep it simple and listen to the song for the best reference.

All major chords (G, D, and C)

Verse (repeat the chord pattern with the different lyrics)

G G(or G7) D C (back to G)

Ten years ago on a cold, dark night.There was someone killed 'neath the town hall light.There were...

|D D D D U |D D D D U |D D D D U |D D U D D U|

(after the verses go back to G for a little before hitting the chorus)

Chorus

C G C G C G C G

She walks these hills in a long black veil She visits my grave when the night winds wail

|D D D D U|D D D (hold G)<--------------(repeat strumming pattern)------------->

stay on G C G C G D C(hold and then back to G)

Nobody knows nobody sees, nobody knows but me

DUDU | D D U D DU| D D D D| D D D D| D D DUD...

I think The Band's version is in the same key (G) so listen to that one and, if it helps, get comfortable playing along with the recording.