Row, Row, Row Your Boat guitar chords
The shortest song on the site, and a good way to learn a rolling three-beat rhythm.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 6/8
- Level Easy
- Chords C, G7, G
Why this song is worth learning
A round-style children's song in six-time with three chords. It is a gentle way to learn to count in 6/8 and feel the rhythm in two groups of three.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| G7 | 3 2 0 0 0 1 |
| 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
| Round | C | C | C | C | G | C |
|---|
Each group is one bar. Count 6 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D D D (count 1-2-3)
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, G and G7.
- Count six beats per bar, grouped as two sets of three.
- Play the down-strums on the first beat of each group, then change chords on the next bar.
- Play at 76 beats per minute and keep the count out loud.
Tips that matter
- Two groups, not six. 6/8 feels like two big beats, so count 1-2-3, 4-5-6.
- Keep it gentle. The rhythm is light, so do not over-strum.
Questions about Row, Row, Row Your Boat
What chords are in Row, Row, Row Your Boat?
C, G7 and G, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Row, Row, Row Your Boat in?
6/8, with six beats per bar, counted in two groups of three. It is rated Easy.
How fast should I practise it?
The play-along is set to 76 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 Row, Row, Row Your Boat free to learn and share?
Yes. First printed in 1852 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.