Aura Lee guitar chords
An 1861 ballad whose melody later became very famous indeed.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, A7
Why this song is worth learning
A slow, sentimental song that teaches you to hold a chord for a full bar while keeping the strum even. Several bars change chord in the middle, so it is good timing practice.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| D | x x 0 2 3 2 |
| Em | 0 2 2 0 0 0 |
| A7 | x 0 2 0 2 0 |
x means do not play that string, 0 means play it open. Tap any shape on the page to hear it.
Play along
Press play. The track counts you in, clicks the beat and lights up the chord you should be holding. Drop the tempo while you are learning and raise it once you can get through without stopping.
Chord order
| Verse | G | G | C | C | G | Em | D | D |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | C | G | Em | C | D | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU D DU (slow)
D is a down-strum and U is an up-strum. If the pattern feels like too much at first, play one down-strum per bar until the chord changes are comfortable, then add the rest.
How to learn it
- Learn G, C and D, then Em and A7.
- Play the slow D DU D DU strum on G for four bars.
- Practise the change into A7, which is less common than G, C and D.
- Play at 80 beats per minute, then move up to the full 100.
Tips that matter
- Let each chord ring. Hold every chord for its full bar; cutting it short makes the song sound rushed.
- Keep the strum soft. The song is slow and tender, so a gentle touch suits it.
Questions about Aura Lee
What chords are in Aura Lee?
G, C, D, Em and A7, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Aura Lee in?
4/4, with four beats per bar. It is rated Improver.
How fast should I practise it?
The play-along is set to 100 beats per minute. Start slower while you learn the changes, then raise the tempo in small steps once you can play through without stopping.
Is Aura Lee free to learn and share?
Yes. Written by George Poulton and W. W. Fosdick in 1861 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.