Oh! Susanna - Chords & Structure Guide
Original FretCompare guide - no tab or lyrics reproduced. First line (public-domain incipit): I came from Alabama with my banjo on my knee (modern spelling)
| Key | G major |
|---|---|
| Capo | Optional capo 2 (sounds in A) |
| Difficulty | Beginner - bouncy 2-chord/3-chord fun |
| Chords used | G, C, D (fingerings in our chord library) |
Section chord map
Verse
G (2 bars) - C (1 bar) - G (1 bar) - D (1 bar) - G (1 bar)
Chorus
C (1 bar) - G (1 bar) - G (1 bar) - D (1 bar) - G (2 bars)
Chorus starts on C - that surprise lift is the hook everyone remembers.
Strumming suggestion
Bouncy down-down-up pattern, two bars per chord at first if changes feel rushed. See our strumming patterns and practise slowly with the metronome.
Easier / substitute chords
Verse works with G and D alone.
Practice tip
Great first song for kids: short chorus, instant recognition.
Public-domain basis
Written by Stephen Foster, first published 1848; author died 1864. Original composition public domain worldwide (Wikisource/Library sources). Note: the 1848 original contains period dialect and a verse with racist language that modern performers omit - we publish no lyrics beyond the incipit and recommend modern, respectful performances of the tune.
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