Sitting on Top of the World guitar chords
A 1930 country blues that generations of guitarists have borrowed from.
At a glance
- Key C
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords C, F, G, E7, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A blues-style song with a swing rhythm and five chords. It is a good step up in rhythm, because the groove needs relaxed space between the strums.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| F | 1 3 3 2 1 1 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| E7 | 0 2 0 1 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 | C | C | F | F | C | C | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | C | E7 | F | F | C | G | C | C |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
D - DU - D - DU (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, F and G, then E7 and Am.
- Play the swing pattern D - DU - D - DU on C.
- Practise the change from C to F.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and relax into the swing.
Tips that matter
- Relax the swing. A loose strumming hand makes the groove feel natural.
- Leave the gaps. The rests in the pattern are part of the feel.
Questions about Sitting on Top of the World
What chords are in Sitting on Top of the World?
C, F, G, E7 and Am, all in the key of C major.
What time signature is Sitting on Top of the World 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 Sitting on Top of the World free to learn and share?
Yes. Recorded and published by the Mississippi Sheiks in 1930; its copyright has expired and it is in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.