Frankie and Johnny guitar chords
A 1904 murder ballad with a twelve-bar feel.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords C, E7, F, G
Why this song is worth learning
A traditional blues-tinged ballad with a swing feel built on four chords. The chords are easy, but the groove needs to stay relaxed, which is a good rhythm lesson.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| E7 | 0 2 0 1 0 0 |
| F | 1 3 3 2 1 1 |
| 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 | C | C | C | E7 | F | F | C | C |
|---|---|
| Chorus | C | C | G | G | C | C | C | C |
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 C, F and G first, then E7.
- Play the swing strum on C, then move to E7, F and G.
- Practise the change from F back to C, since the song returns to C often.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and aim for a relaxed swing.
Tips that matter
- Let the swing breathe. Relax the strum so the gaps feel natural.
- Use E7 for colour. It adds the bluesy flavour the song needs.
Questions about Frankie and Johnny
What chords are in Frankie and Johnny?
C, E7, F and G, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Frankie and Johnny 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 Frankie and Johnny free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional American ballad, published in 1904 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.