When the Saints Go Marching In - Chords & Structure Guide
Original FretCompare guide - no tab or lyrics reproduced. First line (public-domain incipit): O when the saints go marching in
| Key | G major |
|---|---|
| Capo | Optional capo 2 (sounds in A, G shapes) |
| Difficulty | Beginner - 3 chords, bright tempo |
| Chords used | G, C, D (fingerings in our chord library) |
Section chord map
Main refrain (repeats)
G (2 bars) - C (1 bar) - G (1 bar) - G (2 bars) - D (1 bar) - G (1 bar)
Stay on G longer than you expect, a quick trip to C, then D pushes back home.
Strumming suggestion
Steady down-strums, four to the bar; add an up-strum on the 'and' of 2 once steady. See our strumming patterns and practise slowly with the metronome.
Easier / substitute chords
Two-chord version: G and D only, save C for week two.
Practice tip
This is a great first song to play for family - short, joyful, forgiving of mistakes.
Public-domain basis
Traditional African American spiritual, unknown authorship; earliest recording 1923, widely treated as public domain (PDInfo/Hymnary). Later arrangements and recordings may be copyrighted - this guide uses only the traditional tune's basic harmony.
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