Buffalo Gals guitar chords
An 1844 dance tune that still sounds good on a front porch.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords G, D
Why this song is worth learning
A lively dance tune that uses only two chords, so you can play a whole song quickly. It is a good first song for practising a clean change between G and D.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| 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 | G | G | D | D | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | G | G | G | D | D | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU D DU
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 and D, and make sure both ring cleanly.
- Play D DU D DU on G, then the same strum on D.
- Practise the change from G to D without stopping the strum.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and keep the rhythm going through messy changes.
Tips that matter
- Keep moving. A slightly messy chord change is better than a stopped strum.
- Stay in time. Tap your foot on every beat so the changes land on time.
Questions about Buffalo Gals
What chords are in Buffalo Gals?
G and D, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Buffalo Gals in?
4/4, with four beats per bar. It is rated Easy.
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 Buffalo Gals free to learn and share?
Yes. Written by Cool White in 1844; long in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.