Stagger Lee guitar chords
The toughest story in American folk music, told over three chords.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D
Why this song is worth learning
A traditional American ballad with a driving rhythm built on three chords. It is a good way to practise a steady strum over a story-style song.
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 | C | G | D | G | G |
|---|---|
| Chorus | G | G | C | C | G | D | G | G |
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 G, C and D until each one rings cleanly.
- Play D DU DU DU on G, then on C and D.
- Practise the change from D back to G.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, and keep the strum driving.
Tips that matter
- Keep it driving. The song moves forward, so keep the strum steady.
- Change on the beat. Move to the next chord on beat one.
Questions about Stagger Lee
What chords are in Stagger Lee?
G, C and D, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is Stagger Lee 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 Stagger Lee free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional American ballad, published in 1911 and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.