Public domain

Yankee Doodle

Traditional American melody, 18th century

Key

D major

Meter

2/4

BPM

108

Chords

DADGDAD

Available shapes

How to play the chords

Simple standard-guitar diagrams for the chords used in this piece.

D

Guitar
xExAoDGBe

Start from the open D string and avoid hitting the two lowest strings.

A

Guitar
xEoADGBoe

Mute the low E string and keep the three middle fingers compact.

G

Guitar
EAoDoGoBe

Keep the bass note strong and let the open middle strings ring.

Open string: o · Muted string: x. Some advanced chords may not have a simplified diagram yet.

Simplified notes

1

D D E F#

2

D F# E A

3

D D E F#

4

D C# D

5

A D A B

6

A G F# E

7

D D E F#

8

E D D

Practice tips

  • Feel two beats per bar.
  • Use alternate picking on guitar.
  • Slow the metronome if the eighth notes rush.

Continue from here

Use this song page as a bridge into rhythm, chords and the most useful learning guides.

Rights note

Traditional public-domain melody. This page uses an original simplified study version for beginners.

Guides that fit this song

These short guides match this kind of piece especially well, whether you want chord reading, rhythm control or an easier key.