Blow the Man Down guitar chords
A rolling shanty in six-beat time.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 6/8
- Level Easy
- Chords G, C, D
Why this song is worth learning
A sea shanty in six-time that rolls like a wave. It has only three chords and a steady two-group count, which makes it a gentle way into 6/8.
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 |
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 | G | G | D | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | C | G | D | G | C | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 6 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D-D-D D-D-D (count 6)
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; they are all open chords.
- Count six beats per bar, grouped as 1-2-3, 4-5-6.
- Play D-D-D D-D-D on G to get the feel before adding chords.
- Play at 76 beats per minute and move through the changes steadily.
Tips that matter
- Count in two groups. Six beats in 6/8 feel like two big beats, not six small ones.
- Keep the strums even. Equal down-strums make the shanty sound like a work song.
Questions about Blow the Man Down
What chords are in Blow the Man Down?
G, C and D, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Blow the Man Down in?
6/8, with six beats per bar, counted in two groups of three. It is rated Easy.
How fast should I practise it?
The play-along is set to 76 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 Blow the Man Down free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional sea shanty from the 1800s, in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.