Hush, Little Baby guitar chords
A gentle two-chord lullaby, and a good exercise in playing softly.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords C, G
Why this song is worth learning
A lullaby built on just two chords, so it is one of the quickest songs to learn. It is a gentle way to practise a soft, even strum.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| 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 | C | C | G | G | G | G | C | C |
|---|
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU D DU (soft)
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 and G, and make sure both ring clearly.
- Play D DU D DU on C, then on G.
- Practise the change between C and G several times.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, or slower if you want a calmer feel.
Tips that matter
- Play softly. A lullaby works best with a quiet, relaxed strum.
- Keep the change smooth. With two chords the goal is a steady, unhurried pace.
Questions about Hush, Little Baby
What chords are in Hush, Little Baby?
C and G, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Hush, Little Baby 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 Hush, Little Baby free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional American lullaby of unknown authorship, in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.