Mary Had a Little Lamb guitar chords
Two chords and a melody you already know by heart.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords C, G
Why this song is worth learning
A nursery rhyme with two chords, so it is one of the simplest songs to learn. It is a gentle first step for playing with a steady 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 | C |
|---|
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D D D 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 C and G, and make sure both ring clearly.
- Play four even down-strums on each chord.
- Practise the change between C and G several times.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and sing the words to keep the timing.
Tips that matter
- Keep it even. Four equal down-strums per bar keep the song steady.
- Sing the words. Singing helps you hear when to change.
Questions about Mary Had a Little Lamb
What chords are in Mary Had a Little Lamb?
C and G, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Mary Had a Little Lamb 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 Mary Had a Little Lamb free to learn and share?
Yes. Poem by Sarah Josepha Hale, 1830; traditional melody. Public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.