The Water Is Wide guitar chords
A traditional ballad with one of the loveliest melodies in folk music.
At a glance
- Key G
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords G, C, D, Em, Am
Why this song is worth learning
A traditional folk song with a flowing melody and five chords. It is a good way to practise both fingerpicking and slow strumming.
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 | Em | C | G | Am | D | G | G |
|---|---|
| Verse 2 | G | C | G | Em | Am | D | G | G |
Each group is one bar. Count 4 beats per bar.
Strumming pattern
Fingerpick or slow D 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, then Em and Am.
- Play a slow D DU on each chord, or fingerpick the top strings.
- Practise the change from G to Em.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and let the chords ring.
Tips that matter
- Choose the style. Fingerpicking or slow strumming both suit the song; pick the one that feels relaxed.
- Let it flow. A steady, unhurried pace matches the melody.
Questions about The Water Is Wide
What chords are in The Water Is Wide?
G, C, D, Em and Am, all in the key of G major.
What time signature is The Water Is Wide 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 Water Is Wide free to learn and share?
Yes. Traditional Scottish and English folk song, centuries old and in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.