ChordPocket

When the Saints Go Marching In chords

Traditional gospel song

A gospel hymn that became a New Orleans jazz standard. It is one of the first songs many players learn because it loops through C, F and G7.

Chords
3
Level
Easy
Time
4/4

Chords

C×321
G7321
F××321

Chart

Verse

  1. C
  2. /
  3. /
  4. /
  5. C
  6. /
  7. G7
  8. /
  9. C
  10. /
  11. F
  12. /
  13. C
  14. G7
  15. C
  16. /

How to play it

You need 3 chords: C, G7 and F. The change you'll make most is C to G7, so practice switching between those two slowly before playing along.

Each box is one bar of 4/4 time. Strum the chord on the beat, and change when the next box starts. A slash means keep playing the same chord.

Questions

What chords are in When the Saints Go Marching In?

This arrangement uses C, G7 and F.

Is When the Saints Go Marching In easy to play on guitar?

Fairly. None of the 3 chords needs a full barre, though there are a few more shapes to learn.

Can I play When the Saints Go Marching In with easier chords?

Yes. Put a capo on fret 3 and play A, E7 and D. It sounds exactly the same.