Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out guitar chords
A 1923 blues standard with a chord sequence worth knowing by heart.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 4/4
- Level Harder
- Chords C, E7, Am, F, G, D
Why this song is worth learning
A slow blues ballad with more chord movement than most beginner songs. Learning it teaches you to play with feeling while keeping the swing steady.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| E7 | 0 2 0 1 0 0 |
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 0 |
| F | 1 3 3 2 1 1 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| 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 | C | E7 | Am | C | F | C | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | C | E7 | Am | F | C | G | C | C |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D - DU - D - DU (slow swing)
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, Am, F and G first.
- Add E7 and D, and practise the move from Am to F.
- Play the slow swing pattern on C, then move to E7.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and let the swing breathe.
Tips that matter
- Feel the swing. A slow swing needs a relaxed hand, so keep the strum loose.
- Go slowly. Harder songs are easier at a slower tempo until the changes are clean.
Questions about Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out
What chords are in Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out?
C, E7, Am, F, G and D, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out in?
4/4, with four beats per bar. It is rated Harder.
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 Nobody Knows You When You're Down and Out free to learn and share?
Yes. Written by Jimmy Cox in 1923 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.