Learning to play classic songs on guitar is incredibly rewarding, and “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is a timeless tune many guitarists aspire to play. This guide provides you with easy-to-follow guitar chords for “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, perfect for beginners and intermediate players alike. You’ll find a basic chord progression that captures the beauty of the melody, allowing you to strum and sing along to this beloved song.
To play “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on guitar, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with a set of fundamental chords. This version focuses on simplicity, utilizing chords that are accessible and sound great together. For this arrangement, we’ll be using the key of G as it’s guitar-friendly. If you want to match the original key of Ab, famously sung in “The Wizard of Oz”, simply use a capo on the 1st fret.
The essential guitar chords you’ll need to learn are:
- G
- G7
- C
- Cm
- Em
- Bm
- Am
- F#
- D
- D7
Don’t worry if you’re new to some of these chords! With a bit of practice, you’ll have them down in no time. To help you visualize these chords, refer to the chord chart below. It clearly illustrates the finger positions for each chord, making learning straightforward.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow chords for guitar – Chord chart diagram showing guitar chords G, G7, C, Cm, Em, Bm, Am, F#, D, and D7.
Once you’re comfortable with the chords, you can start strumming along to the song. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” is typically played in 4/4 time, meaning there are four beats per measure. You can experiment with various strumming patterns to find what sounds best to you. A simple down-down-up-up-down strumming pattern is a great starting point. Feel free to adjust your strumming to match the rhythm and feel of the song as you become more comfortable.
For your convenience, we’ve also included a chord chart with lyrics. This makes it easy to sing along while you play, helping you to get a feel for the song’s timing and phrasing. Having the lyrics and chords together is a fantastic way to learn and enjoy playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” on your guitar.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow chords and lyrics – Chord sheet with lyrics and guitar chord names for singing and playing along.
Click here to view the chord chart and lyrics as a pdf .
Playing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” with these guitar chords is a wonderful way to expand your musical repertoire. Whether you are just beginning your guitar journey or looking to add a classic to your song list, these chords will provide a solid foundation. Enjoy practicing and bringing this beautiful song to life on your guitar! For those interested in exploring more intricate arrangements, consider looking into fingerstyle guitar versions to further enhance your playing.
