Because the original is played on banjo, I recommend playing the song in open G tuning:
DGDGBD. It's a fairly simple tuning to get even for beginners and only involves tuning
the E, A, and e strings down a whole step.
I also highly recommend fingerpicking the rhythm but you can use a pick if you're more
comfortable with it.
The notes plucked barely translate to full chords, but for those who would like them
I'll try my best to identify the best chord to fit.
D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9
d|-----------0-------------|---------0-------|---------0----------|---------0-------|
B|-----------0h1----1------|---------0h1---0-|---------0h1---1----|---------0h1---0-|
G|-------2-------2---------|------0------0---|------2------2------|------0------0---|
D|----0--------------------|---2-------------|---3----------------|---2-------------|
G|-------------------------|-----------------|-------------------=|-----------------|
D|-------------------------|-----------------|-------------------=|-----------------|
[ Tab from: http://www.guitaretab.com/s/sufjan-stevens/338713.html ]
[This pattern repeats the entire song, starting on the D7 at the beginning of each
phrase. It should be very straight forward but I've labeled where the chord changes are
approximately in each line if you're off on the changes.]
D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9
D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9 D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9
If I am alive this time next year
D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9 D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9
Will I have arrived in time to share?
D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9 D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9
Mine is about as good this far
D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9 D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9
I'm still applied to what you are
D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9 D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9
And I am joining all my thoughts to you
D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9 D7 Cadd9 F6 Cadd9
And I'm preparing every part for you
I heard from the trees a great parade
And I heard from the hills a band was made
Will I be invited to the sound?
Will I be a part of what you've made?
And I am throwing all my thoughts away
And I'm destroying every bet I've made
And I am joining all my thoughts to you
And I'm preparing every part for you
