“Edelweiss,” a timeless classic from “The Sound of Music,” is a beautiful and surprisingly accessible song to learn on guitar. Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your skills, this guide will walk you through two easy versions of Edelweiss Guitar Chords, perfect for strumming and singing along.
Simple Edelweiss Chorus Chords for Beginners
Let’s start with the most straightforward way to play the chorus of Edelweiss. This version uses basic chords and a simple strumming pattern, making it ideal for beginners getting to grips with chord changes. You’ll only need four chords for this part: G, D, G, and C, each played for one measure in 3/4 time.
Understanding 3/4 Time and Basic Strumming
“Edelweiss” is in 3/4 time, meaning there are three beats in each measure. For this easy version, we’ll use a simple down strum on each beat. Count it as “One, two, three, One, two, three.”
The chord progression for the first part of the chorus is:
G – D – G – C
Practice transitioning smoothly between these chords. A helpful tip for the G chord is to use a three-finger version (middle, ring, and pinky fingers) which makes moving to the D and C chords easier.
Stepping Up: A Slightly More Complex Chorus
Once you’re comfortable with the basic chorus, you can add a little more musicality with a slightly different chord progression for the second part of the chorus. This variation introduces the Em and D7 chords, creating a richer sound. The chord pattern here is:
G – Em – C – D7
Again, each chord is played for one measure (three beats). The D7 chord is a variation of the D chord and adds a touch of color to the progression.
Chord Diagram: D7
To play a D7 chord:
- Index finger: 1st fret, 2nd string
- Middle finger: 2nd fret, 3rd string
- Ring finger: 2nd fret, 1st string
- 4th string: Open
Using the three-finger G chord technique remains beneficial here, especially for the transition to the Em chord. Notice how your ring finger can act as a pivot, staying on the same fret as you switch between G and Em.
Verse Chords for Edelweiss
The verse of Edelweiss introduces a few new chords and a slightly different rhythmic feel. The verse chords are held for two measures each in the first part, giving it a more drawn-out and reflective quality compared to the chorus. The chord progression for the verse is:
D – D – G – G
A7 – A7 – D – D
G – D – G – C
G – D – G – G
Chord Diagram: A7
To play an A7 chord:
- Index finger: (Not used for fretting in this open position)
- Middle finger: 2nd fret, 4th string
- Ring finger: 2nd fret, 2nd string
- 1st, 3rd, and 5th strings: Open
The transition from G to A7 can be made smoother by using the three-finger G chord, allowing for a quicker change.
Exploring Strumming Patterns
While a simple down strum on each beat works perfectly for learning Edelweiss, you can enhance your playing with a slightly more complex strumming pattern. Try adding an up strum on the “and” counts of beats two and three. This strumming pattern would be counted as:
“One, two-and-three-and, One, two-and-three-and”
Visually, this strum looks like:
Down, Down-up-down-up, Down, down-up-down-up
For absolute beginners, sticking to just down strums (One–two–three, One–two–three) is perfectly fine to start with and will still sound great.
Tips for Playing Edelweiss Guitar Chords
- Start Slow: Focus on clean chord changes before speeding up.
- Practice Chord Transitions: Smooth transitions are key to making the song flow nicely. Practice moving between G-D, G-C, G-Em, and G-A7.
- Use the Three-Finger G Chord: This technique significantly eases chord changes, especially for beginners.
- Listen to the Song: Familiarize yourself with the rhythm and melody of “Edelweiss” to get a feel for the song.
- Have Fun! Learning guitar should be enjoyable. Relax, take your time, and celebrate your progress.
Conclusion: You Can Play Edelweiss on Guitar!
“Edelweiss” is a rewarding song to learn on guitar. Its simple yet beautiful melodies and relatively straightforward chord progressions make it an excellent choice for guitarists of all levels, especially beginners. By mastering these Edelweiss guitar chords and practicing the strumming patterns, you’ll be playing this classic tune in no time. So grab your guitar, start practicing, and enjoy bringing this iconic song to life!
