Keep on the Sunny Side guitar chords
An 1899 gospel tune that became an old-time standard.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords C, F, G, G7
Why this song is worth learning
A hopeful folk song that teaches the bass-and-strum pattern on a steady beat. It uses four common chords, including G7, which is useful to learn early.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| F | 1 3 3 2 1 1 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| G7 | 3 2 0 0 0 1 |
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 | C | C | G | G | C | C |
|---|---|
| Chorus | C | C | F | C | C | G | C | C |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
Bass - strum, bass - 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 C, F, G and G7.
- Play a bass note, then a strum, alternating in each bar.
- Use the root note of each chord for the bass.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and count four beats per bar.
Tips that matter
- Alternate the bass. Bass, then strum, then bass, then strum keeps the rhythm bouncing.
- Notice G7. The extra tension before the return to C gives the song its lift.
Questions about Keep on the Sunny Side
What chords are in Keep on the Sunny Side?
C, F, G and G7, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Keep on the Sunny Side 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 Keep on the Sunny Side free to learn and share?
Yes. Written by Ada Blenkhorn and J. Howard Entwisle in 1899 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.