Old MacDonald Had a Farm guitar chords
Three chords, endless verses, and a guaranteed singalong.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Easy
- Chords G, C, D
Why this song is worth learning
A children's song with three easy chords and a steady four-beat pattern. It is a great first song for keeping a simple rhythm.
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 | G | G | D | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | G | C | G | G | D | G | G |
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 G, C and D until each one rings clearly.
- Play four even down-strums on each chord.
- Practise the change from G to C, which comes up often.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and sing along to keep the beat.
Tips that matter
- Sing the animals. The verses are easy to sing, which helps you keep time.
- Keep it even. Four equal down-strums per bar keep the song bouncy.
Questions about Old MacDonald Had a Farm
What chords are in Old MacDonald Had a Farm?
G, C and D, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Old MacDonald Had a Farm 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 Old MacDonald Had a Farm free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional children's song, published in 1917 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.