Go Tell It on the Mountain guitar chords
A spiritual with a chorus that lifts a room.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A gospel song with a big, joyful feel and five chords. The chords move quickly, so it is good practice at changing shape without losing the beat.
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 |
| Em | 0 2 2 0 0 0 |
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 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
| Chorus | G | G | C | G | G | Em | D | G |
|---|---|
| Verse | G | Em | Am | D | G | C | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU DU 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, C and D, then Em and Am.
- Play D DU DU DU on G, and keep the same strum through the changes.
- Practise the move from G to Em and back, which comes up often.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and add more volume on the chorus.
Tips that matter
- Drive the rhythm. Keep the up-strums steady so the song keeps its momentum.
- Change with the phrase. Move to the next chord at the start of each line.
Questions about Go Tell It on the Mountain
What chords are in Go Tell It on the Mountain?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Go Tell It on the Mountain 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 Go Tell It on the Mountain free to learn and share?
Yes. Compiled by John Wesley Work Jr. in 1907 from an older spiritual. Public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.