Erie Canal (Low Bridge) guitar chords
A 1905 canal song that swings from minor to major in the chorus.
At a glance
- Key Am
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords Am, Dm, E, E7, C, G
Why this song is worth learning
A work song about the Erie Canal with more chord movement than most beginner songs. Learning it strengthens your changes between minor and major chords.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 0 |
| Dm | x x 0 2 3 1 |
| E | 0 2 2 1 0 0 |
| E7 | 0 2 0 1 0 0 |
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
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 | Am | Am | Dm | Am | Am | E | Am | Am |
|---|---|
| Chorus | C | C | G | C | Am | E | Am | Am |
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 Am, Dm and E first, since they cover the minor-key moves.
- Add C and G, then E7 for the tension it brings.
- Play D DU D DU on each chord, one chord per bar.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and slow down for the tricky changes.
Tips that matter
- Watch the Am to Dm change. The fingers move in a small area, so go slowly at first.
- Keep the strum steady. It is a steady work rhythm, not a fast one.
Questions about Erie Canal (Low Bridge)
What chords are in Erie Canal (Low Bridge)?
Am, Dm, E, E7, C and G, all in the key of A minor.
What time signature is Erie Canal (Low Bridge) 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 Erie Canal (Low Bridge) free to learn and share?
Yes. Written by Thomas S. Allen in 1905 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.