Shenandoah guitar chords
A wide, slow American river song from the early 1800s.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A river song with a slow, long melody and five chords. It is a good way to practise letting chords ring, with one strum per bar.
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 |
| Em | 0 2 2 0 0 0 |
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 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 | G | C | G | Em | Am | D | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | C | G | D | Em | C | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
Let chords ring, 1 strum per bar
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, then Em and Am.
- Play one strum per bar, and let the chord ring until the next change.
- Practise the change from G to C.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and hold each chord fully.
Tips that matter
- Let it ring. One strum per bar means each chord has to sustain.
- Change early. Move to the next chord before the bar ends so the sound stays smooth.
Questions about Shenandoah
What chords are in Shenandoah?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Shenandoah 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 Shenandoah free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional American river song from the early 1800s, in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.