The Parting Glass guitar chords
A traditional farewell song, and the oldest goodbye in the book.
At a glance
- Key Am
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords Am, C, G, F, Em, D
Why this song is worth learning
A traditional farewell song with six chords and a reflective mood. It is a good way to practise letting chords ring and moving smoothly between them.
The chords, as shapes
| Chord | Frets (low E to high e) |
|---|---|
| Am | x 0 2 2 1 0 |
| C | x 3 2 0 1 0 |
| G | 3 2 0 0 0 3 |
| F | 1 3 3 2 1 1 |
| Em | 0 2 2 0 0 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 | Am | C | G | Am | C | G | Em | Am |
|---|---|
| Chorus | C | G | Am | Em | F | C | G | Am |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
Let ring, or fingerpick
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, C and G, then F, Em and D.
- Let each chord ring out for the full bar before changing.
- Practise the change from Am to C, which comes up often.
- Play at 100 beats per minute, or slower for a reflective feel.
Tips that matter
- Let it ring. The mood comes from the chords sustaining.
- Change gently. Move between chords without rushing.
Questions about The Parting Glass
What chords are in The Parting Glass?
Am, C, G, F, Em and D, all in the key of A minor.
What time signature is The Parting Glass 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 The Parting Glass free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional Scottish and Irish farewell song, in print by the 1700s. Public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.