Joy to the World guitar chords
Watts's 1719 words with Mason's 1848 tune.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A hymn with a joyful melody and five chords. The strum pattern changes slightly, which makes it a good step up from basic down-strums.
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
| Verse | G | G | D | G | C | G | D | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | C | G | D | G | C | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D D DU D
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 D DU D on each chord, one chord per bar.
- Practise the change from G to D, since the song moves between them often.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and lift the energy on the refrain.
Tips that matter
- Count the pattern. D D DU D has one up-strum near the end; count it out loud first.
- Keep the chords bright. A clear, firm strum suits the hymn.
Questions about Joy to the World
What chords are in Joy to the World?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Joy to the World 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 Joy to the World free to learn and share?
Yes. Words by Isaac Watts, 1719; melody arranged by Lowell Mason, 1848. Public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.