Kumbaya guitar chords
A 1926 spiritual that became the campfire song.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords C, F, G, Am, Em
Why this song is worth learning
A campfire song that is often sung in groups, so it is useful for playing along with others. It has five chords, but the slow tempo gives you time to change.
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 |
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 0 |
| Em | 0 2 2 0 0 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 | C | C | F | C | C | Am | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | C | F | C | Am | C | G | C | C |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU D DU (slow)
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 and G, then Am and Em.
- Play D DU D DU on each chord, one chord per bar.
- Practise the change from C to F, which comes up often.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, or slower if you are singing along.
Tips that matter
- Sing with it. Campfire songs are sung first; the guitar follows the voice.
- Keep it relaxed. A slow tempo gives you time to find the next chord.
Questions about Kumbaya
What chords are in Kumbaya?
C, F, G, Am and Em, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Kumbaya 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 Kumbaya free to learn and share?
Yes. African-American spiritual first recorded in 1926 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.