Careless Love guitar chords
A traditional blues that W. C. Handy helped make famous.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, D, C, E7, A7
Why this song is worth learning
A traditional blues that uses the swing rhythm of early blues and jazz. It teaches you how a strum feels when you leave gaps in the pattern.
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 |
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| E7 | 0 2 0 1 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 | D | D | D | D | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | G | C | C | G | D | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D - DU - D - DU (swing)
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, D and C, then add E7 and A7.
- Play the swing pattern D - DU - D - DU on G, keeping the gaps even.
- Practise the change from C to E7 slowly.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and aim for a relaxed swing.
Tips that matter
- Feel the gaps. The pauses in the strum are what make it swing, so do not fill them in.
- Use E7 for colour. It adds the bluesy tension the song is built on.
Questions about Careless Love
What chords are in Careless Love?
G, D, C, E7 and A7, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Careless Love 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 Careless Love free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional blues, published in 1921 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.