The Wellerman guitar chords
A 19th-century whaling song that found a whole new audience recently.
At a glance
- Key Am
- Time 4/4
- Level Improver
- Chords Am, C, G, Em, F, E
Why this song is worth learning
A New Zealand whaling song with six chords and a strong, driving shanty rhythm. It is a good step up in chord movement while keeping a clear beat.
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 |
| Em | 0 2 2 0 0 0 |
| F | 1 3 3 2 1 1 |
| E | 0 2 2 1 0 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 | Am | Am | C | G | Am | Am | Em | Em |
|---|---|
| Chorus | Am | Am | C | G | Am | Em | Am | Am |
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 Am, C and G, then Em, F and E.
- Play D DU DU DU on Am, then on C and G.
- Practise the change from Am to C.
- Play at 100 beats per minute and keep the strum driving.
Tips that matter
- Drive the shanty. A firm, steady strum suits the work-song feel.
- Change with the phrase. Move to the next chord at the start of each line.
Questions about The Wellerman
What chords are in The Wellerman?
Am, C, G, Em, F and E, all in the key of A minor.
What time signature is The Wellerman 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 Wellerman free to learn and share?
Yes. New Zealand whaling song from the 1860s or 1870s, in the public domain. The arrangement on this page is Fretwork's own.