Shady Grove guitar chords
A modal Appalachian tune with a hypnotic two-chord drive.
At a glance
- Key Am
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords Am, G, C, Em
Why this song is worth learning
An Appalachian song with a steady, rolling rhythm and four chords. The minor-key feel is a good introduction to Am and Em.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 0 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| Em | 0 2 2 0 0 0 |
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 | Am | G | Am | Am | Am | G | Am | Am |
|---|---|
| Chorus | Am | G | C | G | Am | G | Am | Am |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D DU DU 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 Am, G, C and Em.
- Play D DU DU DU on Am, then on G.
- Practise the change from Am to G, which comes up often.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and keep the strum even.
Tips that matter
- Keep the feel. The song's mood comes from the steady strum.
- Change with the line. Move to the next chord at the start of each phrase.
Questions about Shady Grove
What chords are in Shady Grove?
Am, G, C and Em, all in the key of A minor.
What time signature is Shady Grove in?
4/4, with four beats per bar. It is rated Improver.
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 Shady Grove free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional Appalachian song, in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.