Haul Away Joe guitar chords
A short work shanty with a pulling rhythm.
At a glance
- Key Am
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords Am, G, C
Why this song is worth learning
A sea shanty with a call-and-response feel and only three chords. The steady down-strums give you a simple way to keep the beat while you sing.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 0 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| C | x 3 2 0 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
| Verse | Am | Am | G | Am | Am | C | G | Am |
|---|---|
| Chorus | Am | G | Am | Am | C | G | Am | Am |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D D D D (pulling)
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, G and C, and the change between them.
- Play four down-strums per bar, keeping the rhythm even.
- Count four beats per bar and keep your foot tapping.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and sing the call-and-response lines to keep the pace.
Tips that matter
- Pull on the beat. Put the emphasis on the first beat of each bar, like a crew pulling together.
- Keep it simple. Four equal strums are enough; do not add extra rhythm.
Questions about Haul Away Joe
What chords are in Haul Away Joe?
Am, G and C, all in the key of A minor.
What time signature is Haul Away 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 Haul Away Joe free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional sea shanty, in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.