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Public domain

When the Saints Go Marching In

Traditional gospel melody, early 20th century

Key

C major

Meter

4/4

BPM

96

Chords

CFCGC

Available shapes

How to play the chords

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

C

Guitar

Curve the fingers so the open G and high E strings can ring.

F

Guitar

Use a barre on fret 1. Beginners can first practice the top four strings.

G

Guitar

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

C E F G

2

C E F G

3

C E F G E

4

C E D

5

E E D C

6

C E G G

7

G F E F

8

G E C

Practice tips

Use a steady swing-free pulse first.
Make the melody sing clearly.
Add expression only after the notes are stable.

Continue from here

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

All songs All tools All guides

Rights note

Traditional public-domain melody in a simplified educational arrangement created for TuneUniversal.

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.

How to transpose chords

Move chord progressions up or down by semitones.

Metronome subdivisions guide

Practice duplets, triplets and quadruplets with an online metronome to improve internal timing.

Common guitar tunings

Compare Standard, Drop D, Eb Standard, Open D and Open G in one practical guitar tuning guide.