Cotton-Eyed Joe guitar chords
An old fiddle tune that works surprisingly well on guitar.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords G, C, D
Why this song is worth learning
A fast fiddle tune that tests your strumming stamina and your change speed. With only three chords, the challenge is rhythm rather than shapes.
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 | C | G | 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 DU DU (fast)
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 until you can change between them quickly.
- Play D DU DU DU on G to get the driving rhythm.
- Use the same strum on C and D without changing the pattern.
- Start slower than the play-along's 100 beats per minute, then raise it.
Tips that matter
- Stay relaxed. A tight grip makes fast strumming harder, so loosen your strumming hand.
- Keep the up-strums light. The pattern works best when the ups are quieter than the downs.
Questions about Cotton-Eyed Joe
What chords are in Cotton-Eyed Joe?
G, C and D, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Cotton-Eyed Joe 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 Cotton-Eyed Joe free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional American fiddle tune that predates 1861 and is in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.