Home on the Range guitar chords
The cowboy waltz, and a great song for learning three-beat strumming.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 3/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, A7
Why this song is worth learning
A cowboy song in three-time with a gentle, rolling rhythm. It is a good way to practise the bass-and-strum waltz pattern with a melody you can sing.
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 |
| A7 | x 0 2 0 2 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 | G | G | C | C | G | G | D | D |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | G | C | C | G | Em | D | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 3 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
Bass - strum - strum
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 A7.
- Play one bass note on beat one, then strum on beats two and three.
- Use the root note of each chord on beat one.
- Play at 96 beats per minute, and sing the melody to keep the timing.
Tips that matter
- Waltz it. Count one-two-three in every bar, and keep the bass on one.
- Stay soft. The song is calm, so a light strum suits it.
Questions about Home on the Range
What chords are in Home on the Range?
G, C, D, Em and A7, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Home on the Range in?
3/4, with three beats per bar, a waltz feel. It is rated Improver.
How fast should I practise it?
The play-along is set to 96 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 Home on the Range free to learn and share?
Yes. Words by Brewster Higley, music by Daniel Kelley, around 1872. Public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.