Midnight Special guitar chords
A traditional railroad song with a rolling, train-like rhythm.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords G, C, D
Why this song is worth learning
A folk song with a driving rhythm and three easy chords. It is a good early song for practising a steady, even strum.
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 |
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 | C | C | G | G | D | D |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | G | C | C | G | D | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU D DU
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 until each rings cleanly.
- Play D DU D DU on each chord.
- Practise the change from G to D, which comes up often.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and keep the rhythm going.
Tips that matter
- Keep it steady. The song is driven by rhythm, so the strum matters most.
- Count four beats. Four counts per bar keep your changes in place.
Questions about Midnight Special
What chords are in Midnight Special?
G, C and D, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Midnight Special 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 Midnight Special free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional American prison song, first recorded in 1926 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.